 |
| Blink - January 2012 |
|
|
Government commit to tackling avoidable sight loss
The Government announced this month the inclusion, for the first time, of an eye health indicator in the Public Health Outcomes Framework. ‘Healthy Lives, Healthy People: Improving Outcomes and Supporting Transparency’ (published 23 January) sets the national public health priorities for England and includes a measure of eye health.
The indicator will measure the number of people losing their sight from the three main causes of preventable sight loss: glaucoma, age-related macular degeneration (AMD) and diabetic retinopathy. Without action it is estimated that there will be 2.45 million people living with sight loss in the UK by 2020 and 4 million by 2050.
David Craig, AOP Director of Operations, said: “This is a major breakthrough for all of us and a reward for all our hard work to ensure that the Government recognised eye health as a public health priority. This major achievement demonstrates the power of partnership working and the successes it can bring.”
Read more >>>
|
| |
|
|
|
| |
Inaugural AOP/SECO Therapeutics CET Event
|
|
The AOP, in partnership with SECO International, will be hosting its inaugural CET event on 29-30 April. The two-day CET seminar ‘London 2012 Education Destination’ will focus on therapeutics and optometrist prescribing. It will be the first CET event in the AOP’s prestigious new central London offices and education venue. The event will focus on optometry as a specialist area with sessions targeted at therapeutics, prescribing rights and the contrasts between UK and US patient care pathways.
Read more >>>
|
|
SECO 2012
|
|
Held at the Georgia World Congress Center in Atlanta, from 29 February to 4 March, SECO 2012 will host almost 300 leading companies in ophthalmic equipment, products and services. Offering education as well as entertainment, there will be 400 hours of education for eye care professionals, and 50 functions, including social events in the evening.
The AOP and SECO International are pleased to offer AOP members a complimentary delegate pass to the largest optometric meeting in the world.
Read more >>>
|
|
AOP membership renewal reminder
|
|
We would like to remind all members that membership expires on 31 January. If you have not renewed by this date you will not be covered by our medical malpractice insurance - which is a requirement of GOC registration. Practicing without insurance is illegal.
Renewing online is quick and simple. Login and renew today.
|
|
Optometrists experience pay fall
|
|
Optometrists have experienced a massive pay fall over the last few years, new figures have revealed. A survey by trade union GMB looking at salaries between 2007 and 2011 found that ophthalmic opticians and ten other occupations suffered more than a 25% fall in pay over this period. Eye care professionals experienced, on average, a 27.8% fall, from £44,568 in 2007 to £38,982 last year, a fall of some £5,586, and are the eighth highest losers in the survey of 322 UK occupational groups. The AOP Board and Executive Team are aware of the difficult conditions within the marketplace and are in the process of formulating a strategy that will best support AOP members.
Read more >>>
|
|
New edition of Optics at a Glance published
|
|
The Optical Confederation has published the latest edition of Optics at a Glance a key source of information about optics. The 31st edition includes information on optometry, opticians, the optical sector and services available to patients. This year’s edition revealed data drawn from a survey from many of the Confederation’s members and is considered a barometer of the UK optical sector today.
|
|
Calling all optometrists in South East London
 |
|
Eye health practitioners from across South East London are being invited to take part in three LOCSU glaucoma lecture sessions and a series of training workshops. This follows a successful bid for funding from NHS London by NHS South East London commissioners. The aim of the training, which will take place in February and March, is to support practitioners who want to refresh and practice their skills in applanation tonometry and will also give people the chance to discuss referral refinement and referral thresholds relating to glaucoma.
Read more >>>
|
|
AOP speaks on Bradford Community Broadcasting radio
 |
|
AOP Education Adviser, Karen Sparrow, spoke on Bradford Community Broadcasting Radio last month about the importance of regular sight tests. Ms Sparrow was interviewed for more than five minutes about eye health, including driving and vision and the importance of early sight tests for children. Ms Sparrow’s interview starts at approximately 14.30 and can be accessed here. Read more eye-catching news here.
|
|
Feel fitter and healthier in 2012
 |
|
AOP Privileges gives all members access to an exclusive network of more than 2,000 health clubs, gyms and leisure centres in the UK, all of which will offer you their lowest available corporate rate for the type of membership you require. Use the proximity report to find your local gym.
Read more >>>
|
|
New financial lending supplier
 |
|
1 January 2012 marked the launch of a comprehensive range of finance products from Premier Leasing and Finance, the AOP’s newly endorsed provider of financial loans. The products include finance related to equipment, shop fits, computers, security, cars and a full range of other practice loan and personal loan products.
Read more >>>
|
|
New legal and tax telephone helpline
 |
|
From 1 January 2012 the legal and tax telephone helpline service for members has been operated by DAS Legal Expenses Insurance Company. Members can call the 24-hour service for advice on any personal or work-related legal, tax or VAT problems. The helpline telephone number is 0844 893 0956.
Read more >>>
|
|
Question of the month
 |
|
Q: I am having difficulty obtaining my CET grant from my employer. I know they have been paid it and they agreed to pay me after some lengthy discussion. However, seven weeks on and I have still not received it. Can you help me?
A: This is a simple dispute between you and your employer over money due - even more so if they have admitted that it is owed to you. Your best recourse is via the small claims court - you could also suggest to your employer that the PCT may not take kindly to them signing a form to say that they will pass the money over to you and then not doing so - it could be seen as fraudulent. Members should also be aware that the grant payment is taxable and should be declared.
Members with queries can call our legal helpline which is free, and 24-hours a day, on 0844 893 0956 for advice on how to recover a debt.
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
