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Scotland – new PCA for expanded services

The Scottish Government has published PCA(O)2020(11) which reminds all providers about the 15 July deadline for submission of ‘Part 2’ payment claims for activity during Lockdown and Phase 1.

Membership Organisations and Colleges combine to release Workforce Risk Assessment

Employers and self-employed people must assess the health and safety risks at work. This includes an assessment of risk related to Covid-19 infection. Story links ot our Covid Hub

New public site from PCSE provides searchability and downloads

Primary Care Support England (PCSE) has launched a new public-facing website that will allow people to search for optometrists and OMPs 

Don’t rely on temperature screening products for detection of coronavirus (COVID-19), says MHRA

Warning that thermal cameras and other such “temperature screening” products, some of which make direct claims to screen for COVID-19, are not a reliable way to detect if people have the virus.

Vision Expo West 2020 Cancelled

The Vision Council and Reed Exhibitions, organizers of Vision Expo, announced the decision to cancel Vision Expo West 2020, scheduled to take place in Las Vegas from September 23-26.

Boots Opticians to close 48 Stores

In a day of wholesale cuts in retail presence on the High Street, with news of John Lewis closing 8 stores we hear of news closer to home. Boots Opticians announce...

FMO statement on The Norville Group

The FMO are very saddened to hear the Norville Group have been placed in administration. However, we are hopeful that both the retail division and laboratory division will both be able to rise again in some form.

Members of staff at Norvilles Gloucester start Go Fund Me listing to try to regain control from Administrators

Please help Norvilles a Gloucestershire spectacles company that has traded over 110 years with 150 staff to remain in business.

ABDOs new payment plans assist in training

ABDO College is introducing payment plans for course fees to make education and training even more accessible.

OFNC UPDATE: COVID-19 FUNDING for Optical Practices in England

As the profession is aware, NHS England’s COVID-19 funding for optical practices during the first phase of the pandemic ended on 30 June. The OFNC submitted new funding proposals to NHS England on 16 June,

College provides advice on COVID-19: Preparing for local lockdowns

Following the lockdown in Leicester announced on 29 June, we anticipate more local lockdowns being enforced during this phase of the pandemic.

Watch Sahra talk about Ørgreen colouring process

A KALEIDOSCOPE OF COLOUR from Ørgreen, understanmd the colours behind the designs by video.

Novartis Withdraws Marketing Application of Dry Eye Drug Xiidra in Europe

Novartis has decided to withdraw its marketing application seeking approval of dry eye drug Xiidra (lifitegrast) in Europe. 

COVID Symptom Study encouraging our readers to take part.

The recent lockdown of Leicester has highlighted the need for earlier hotspot detection, particularly as lockdown measures are eased and life begins to return to 'normal'.

NHS Test and Trace contacts more than 130,000 people

More than 130,000 people at risk of unknowingly spreading coronavirus have been contacted by NHS Test and Trace.

The Norville Group, a British Optical Institution falls into Administration.

We learnt over the weekend that the Group had passed into administration. In a saddening note sent to us as well as his many loyal customers Frank wrote,

NRC reopens its doors

The National Resource Centre (NRC) is the Association of British Dispensing Optician’s flagship meeting, events and examinations venue. The NRC is reopening for bookings from 6 July,

KOMONO X Royal Academy of Fine Arts Antwerp Fashion Department

After a successful first edition, KOMONO is proud to renew its partnership with the fashion department of the Royal Academy of Fine Arts Antwerp. KOMONO worked together with three master students in the creation of a pair of sunglasses linked to the students’ personal work

4D pharma: phase II study of MRx-4DP0004 in patients hospitalised with COVID-19 open for enrolment

4D pharma plc (AIM: DDDD), a pharmaceutical company leading the development of Live Biotherapeutics, today announces that its Phase II clinical trial of oral immunomodulator MRx-4DP0004 for patients hospitalised with COVID-19 is now open to 

Jobs saved as family retail firm is sold after 100 years of serving the West.

The 'majority of jobs' at Norville Opticians, the retail division of The Norville Group, have been safeguarded after the group of practices was saved from administration.

OFNC Update: NHS Funding for Optical Practices across England and in local lockdowns

In OFNC recent discussions with NHS England on COVID-19 funding for optical practices in England, the OFNC has stressed the need for ongoing support in the event of local or regional lockdowns being introduced. 

Leicestershire coronavirus lockdown: areas and changes

Areas of Leicestershire that are included in the localised coronavirus (COVID-19) lockdown and what this means. (See Map)

Over 140 professionals across all Vision Care Professions joined a RSM Webinar this week

The webinar entitled “Guiding patients and public with eyecare concerns during the Covid-19 Crisis” was provided free by the General Practice with Primary Healthcare section of the RSM, its largest section.

Ophthalmic Lens Availability, the optical lens bible, has moved online

Ophthalmic Lens Availability (OLA) brings together data found in an extensive range of manufacturers’ catalogues in one handy location.

BCLA provides Guidance in newly publshed document:: Returning to Practice in Covid-19

The new guidance document is available now.

BGF focuses on Bayfields Opticians with new investment

BGF, the UK and Ireland’s most active investor in growing businesses, has invested in Bayfields Opticians and Audiologists

OKIA receives the INTERTEK GREEN LEAF MARK CERTIFICATION

OKIA strengthens its commitment to sustainability and has recently been awarded the Intertek Green Leaf Mark, a consumer product and systems verification that confirms your environmental claims have been independently verified 

Thousands to be offered repeat testing in care homes

10,000 residents and staff across over 100 care homes will be given coronavirus tests as part of a new surveillance study.

AOP responds to petition

AOP informs us that the Professional Standards Authority (PSA) will be looking into the matter regarding the GOC performance over Practitioners disobeying the lockdown requirements

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