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LOCSU introduces two further clinical pathways to broaden primary care offer

Following the launch of The Maculopathy Referral Filtering (see below) LOCSU announces 2 further pathways

New AOP Infection control and prevention certificate

On Wednesday 3 June, 12pm, The Association of Optometrists (AOP) will launch a new AOP Infection control and prevention certificate.

OFNC STATEMENT: Resumption of General Dentist Services – Implications for OPTICAL SERVICES IN ENGLAND

On 28 May NHS England announced that it was asking all dental practices in England to commence opening from Monday 8 June for face-to-face care, subject to having the necessary infection control measures and PPE in place.

UK reaches 200,000 coronavirus testing capacity target a day early

Following the rapid expansion of coronavirus testing, the UK reached the 200,000 capacity target on Saturday 30 May, including capacity for 40,000 antibody tests a day

Member of the Scottish Youth Parliament, to raise awreness of sight loss.

A 24 year-old woman from Greenock is pushing forward the next steps in a campaign she has started to raise awareness of sight loss.

AAO FOUNDATION announces the 2020 WILLIAM C. EZELL FELLOWSHIP Recipients

The American Academy of Optometry Foundation announces the eleven recipients of the 2020 William C. Ezell Fellowships. 

GOC launches consultation on Continuing Education and Training scheme

The General Optical Council (GOC) has launched a consultation on proposals to introduce changes to its Continuing Education and Training (CET) scheme.

Now it's Drive-thru IOP Testing in some US Practices, could it happen here in the UK?

American Ophthalmologist Shares Experience Implementing Drive-Through IOP Checks Into Practice

Surgeon’s safety eyewear issue solved

Good vision, alongside full protection from inhalation during cauterisation, was the challenge for a leading Consultant Dermatologist and Mohs surgeon in treating patients who might be infected with Covid 19.

OFNC STATEMENT: Meeting essential eye care needs during the Pandemic

Today May 27th we received the following statement on the definition of essential eye care in NHS England’s letter of 1 April :

New PCA and road map for Scotland as Lockdown set to ease

The Scottish government has published a new PCA, which includes an update on continued financial support for community optometry. PCA's and Roadmaps

A better way to test eyesight than 60 minutes of trial driving exists! Plus PM at 55, discovers presbyopia!

ABDO President Jo Holmes FBDO says, "During this pandemic, essential/urgent/emergency eye care is still being provided throughout the UK and if you feel that your eyesight is compromised, due to any sudden visual changes or illness, stay safe and book an appointment

LOOK – made in Italia, look not for " price but values"

In a video message from LOOK's CEO Vittore Tormen, discusses globilisation

University of Kent’s Applied Optics Group launches Marie Curie Doctoral School

The University of Kent’s Applied Optics Group is co-ordinating the launch of a doctoral school to deliver research and training in the design and build of the next generation of tunable lasers for optical coherence tomography (OCT).

IACLE reports an exceptional year as membership grows

More contact lens educators worldwide are enjoying the valuable benefits of belonging to the International Association of Contact Lens Educators (IACLE).

Avizor’s £9,000 eye drop donation will help ‘the heroes of the NHS’

Frontline staff at a number of hospital trusts around the UK have benefitted from the donation of hundreds of bottles of eye drops from Avizor.

Operational and fully mobilised Oko by Oko supports its partner opticians.

The situation we have just gone through is unprecedented, and government decisions have more than upset the daily lives and professional activities of our optician clients.(OKO)

Blackfin CEO talks about Re-Starting in available video

“In this particular moment, that has no precedent in our recent history, we had time to think about ourselves again, to strengthen the foundations of that awareness that allowed us, more than ten years ago, to give shape to the Blackfin dream.

GOC suspends Hampshire based optometrist

The General Optical Council (GOC), the UK regulator for optometrists and dispensing opticians, has decided to suspend an optometrist based in Hampshire, from its register for six months.

3706073 daily contributors' data is helping beat COVID-19, are you taking part?

The Covid Symptom Study has been developed by Health Science Company ZOE. Endorsed by the Welsh Government, NHS Wales, Scottish Government and NHS Scotland; it shares its data with King's College London. Learn how to register free.

Vaccines and tests, a snapshot of news from the USA.

Early Data Show Moderna’s COVID-19 Vaccine Generates Immune Responses and Roche announced its Elecsys Anti-SARS-CoV-2 antibody test 

BCLA produces "Contact Lens Wear and Coronavirus (COVID-19) guidance" for practitioners and wearers,

In response COVID-19, public health organisations and government health officials are putting in place plans to ensure that people receive the right advice, care and support and that you have the best information, environment and equipment to do your job.  Read new advice on restarting services.

Coronavirus Statutory Sick Pay Rebate Scheme will launch online on 26 May.

The scheme will enable employers with fewer than 250 employees to claim coronavirus-related Statutory Sick Pay (SSP). Tax agents will also be able to make claims on behalf of employers.

Registered with GOC or have worked as clinician then: Join the Virtual Frontline as a Clinical Contact Caseworker

Why not use your clinical skills and expertise in order to help support the NHS – and all from your own home. By working as a Clinical Contact Caseworker, you will be responsible for liaising over the phone with Covid-19 patients

New video game for the Visually Impaired

A final-year student at the University of Abertay in Dundee has developed a video game that people who are blind and partially sighted can play.

Everyone in the United Kingdom with symptoms now eligible for coronavirus tests including all four Countries

Anyone experiencing a new, continuous cough; high temperature; and now also a loss of or change in your normal sense of smell or taste can book a test by visiting www.nhs.uk/coronavirus

First COVID-19 Vaccine Tested In the US Shows Promise in Data From Eight People

Moderna Inc’s (MRNA.O) experimental COVID-19 vaccine, the first to be tested in the United States, produced protective antibodies in a small group of healthy volunteers, according to very early data released by the biotech company this week.

Ireland gets started for all services today.May 18th.

Optometrists to re-open (Monday 18th) and encourage people with eye-care needs to attend in Ireland

Nystagmus Network CET Webinars announced.

The Nystagmus Network is delighted to host a series of webinars all about nystagmus for eyecare professionals. Each Webinar will provide 1 CET point.

‘No evidence’ to suggest any contact lens concerns during COVID-19 outbreak

The chief executive of the British Contact Lens Association has reiterated that contact lenses are safe to wear during the COVID-19 pandemic.

AbbVie Completes Acquisition of Allergan

AbbVie announced that it has completed its acquisition of Allergan after receiving regulatory approval from all government authorities required by the transaction agreement and approval by the Irish High Court.

News from The General Council 13 May 2020

The General Optical Council (GOC) held its first remote Council meeting which considered the Education Strategic Review (ESR), fitness to practise (FTP) performance, new guidance on holding remote hearings, and its response to COVID-19.

PHN permanent page listing all Optical Companies providing emergency supplies and services to practices during pandemic.

During the Pandemic you will be able to find a list of all suppliers and their contact details who at the time of publishing are available to provide goods, services or verbal help to practices requiring help during emergency provision.

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