Please see below for a message about an upcoming CPD event on 6th September 2023 at 7:30pm. Kind regards, Kent & Medway LOC ***************************************************************************************************** We are holding a wellbeing CPD workshop for all Eye Care Professionals. Research and feedback has found that so many in the profession benefitted from understanding and working on their wellbeing…

Please click here for information on a free training session being run by Glaucoma UK.

Please click here for a copy of a letter from Estuary View Medical Centre regarding their new ophthalmology services.

King’s at Queen Mary’s, Sidcup have asked us to remind all members of the protocol for urgent and emergency referrals to the hospital. Please do not send an emergency patient to the hospital without emailing or ringing the unit first. Please see below for more details: Email via nhs.net email: Urgent appointments (two weeks):          kch-tr.urgenteyesqms-referrals@nhs.net…

Please be advised that from 1st April 2023 the responsibility for commissioning interpreting and translation has been delegated to Integrated Care Boards (ICBs). On this basis, NHS Kent and Medway has secured provision to ensure that you can continue to be able to access Interpreting and Translation services. Please review the attached documents which explains how…

URGENT CASCADE: National Patient Safety Alert: EyeCee One preloaded and EyeCee One Crystal preloaded Intraocular Lenses Guidance

Please click here to see the latest statement from the OFNC on Post Payment Verification Guidance.

Please click here to see revised guidelines from Maidstone and Tunbridge Wells NHS Trust about referring to the Orthoptic Department.  

The NHS Business Services Authority (NHSBSA) now undertakes Post Payment Verification of General Ophthalmic Services (GOS) claims on behalf of NHS England.

To assist GOS contractors and performers claim the appropriate fees for GOS in England, the NHSBSA will be delivering a GOC approved interactive CPD presentation. The CPD presentation will be free of charge and will be delivered online, across various dates and times in the months of September and October 2022.

The CPD presentation (C-102790) provides 1 interactive GOC point under the Leadership and Accountability domain. It is pre-approved and not a self-directed learning point. Everyone is welcome to attend, however, The CPD point is only available for Optometrists.

The content of the CPD presentation will cover the appropriate use of recall codes, together with specific clinical examples on how the frequency of sight test recalls should be applied for different types of GOS patients.

If you would like to book a place on one of these events please visit

https://www.nhsbsa.nhs.uk/provider-assurance-ophthalmic-services

Remote refraction reminder
 
A clinical pathway using remote refraction as a separate process to an eye health examination is not permissible as part of a GOS sight test. Section 26 of the Opticians Act 1989 clearly states that the performer has a duty to carry out an eye health examination as part of a sight test, and to provide a written statement that states that the sight test has been carried out in accordance with the regulations. The Opticians Act also makes it clear that the patient shall not be required to purchase an optical appliance as a condition of having a sight test. 
 
GOS contractors found to be deviating from the definition of a sight test as set out in section 26 of the Opticians Act 1989 will be in breach of their GOS contract. 
 
Please note this only concerns provision under a GOS contract.