Hope you are all keeping well.
You will also be aware of the current government position on lockdown measures and also proposals for what the 'new normal' may look like. In line with that, it is important for all contractors to be aware of the kind of changes that will be required when we get the go ahead to open practices for routine eye care. To this end, I am enclosing
COVID-19 Recovery phase recommendation from ABDO (attached) and '
Back to Work Guidance' from AOP link:
https://www.aop.org.uk/coronavirus-updates/back-to-work-guidance-for-members
The LOC has received some reports of patients being seen for apparently 'Routine' Eye examinations with spectacle dispense. There has also been reports of face to face examinations where telemedicine/ video consultation would have sufficed. Therefore, I want to use this update to just remind you all of our obligations which were first set out by NHS England on 1st April 2020 (NHSE letter below).
Finally, you are probably aware of the proposed CUES pathway framework, which I summarised in the last LOC update to you (5th May 2020). The only update to share on this is that we are in talks with the CCGs at the moment, so watch this space.
Please read and share with all your staff. If you have any queries or would like to provide some feedback, contact Alison at the LOC Office.
Kind Regards,
Irfan Razvi
Chairman
Staffordshire Local Optical Committee