Newsflash: June 2019

AGM

Chair David Quigley Vice-Chair Julie Mosgrove

1

In this month’s report… AGM – new chair appointments GOS Works update Professional Development Group Website progress Eyecare Integration Project Board Primary Care Clinical Professionals Group Royal College of Ophthalmologists Congress RNIB Urban Eye Test Scottish Health Awards Lobbying

Optometry Scotland’s AGM took place at the Radisson Red hotel in Glasgow on June 6, at which the new Chair and Vice Chair were announced, together with new independent representatives.Optometry Scotland assigned the title of chair to optometrist and businessman David Quigley.The long-standing Optometry Scotland council member, who succeeds Samantha Watson and was previously vice-chair of the organisation, is a partner in Specsavers optical, audiology and Healthcall businesses around Glasgow and Aberdeen.The appointment recognises David’s continued support and thought leadership within the industry in Scotland.He will be supported in his role by new vice-chair Julie Mosgrove who is Professional Services Manager for Duncan and Todd and has ultimate responsibility for the clinical compliance of the group.The new Chair and Vice-Chair plan to place a fresh focus on lobbying objectives going forward in order to promote the growing success of General Ophthalmic Services (GOS) and ensure that patient care is never compromised.David Quigley said: “Being named chair is a real honour and privilege. I believe that optometry in Scotland is making significant progress and our efforts are being recognised globally – but there is much work to be done in getting the voice of the profession properly heard by the Scottish Parliament, Scottish Government Health Directories and other key stakeholders.“We aim to have that voice communicated loud and clear while remaining at the forefront of optometry, dispensing, and the optical sector in Scotland.”Julie Mosgrove added: “Today, Scottish optometry is leading the world in the design and delivery of community eyecare, and Optometry Scotland has played a significant role in that. I’m proud to be vice-chair of this important voice for the optical professions.“I look forward to working with David and everyone at Optometry Scotland to help deliver our strategic plan, while ensuring strong communication with our growing membership.”In addition to the new chair appointments, OS is increasing its activities with independent and individual practitioners.

OS administrator and Operations Coordinator Emma Kellacher said: “It’s vital that we place a focus on improving our links and interactivity with independent practitioners going forward.

“In addition to improving our web site and social media presence, we’ll be encouraging OS independent representatives to engage locally with colleagues and support them in raising awareness of Community Eyecare.”

2

The independent members' seats of the Council of Optometry Scotland have been confirmed with Alistair Duff, Richard Spruce, Colette Dunsmore and Ian Jarvis all appointed.

Colette Dunsmore, Ian Jarvis, Richard Spruce and Alistair Duff and are excited to be part of the team

GOS Works updateThe GOS Works report has been published and has been very well received, generating interest from the optical press, other organisations and politicians.If you would like to read the Executive Summary or the full document, you can visit our website: www.optometryscotland.org.uk

Professional Development CommitteePDC are working alongside the communications team to develop a workforce questionnaire.

3

This will explore whether or not there are areas of Scotland with a shortage of optometrists.We also want to look at working patterns – for example full time versus part time and employed versus locum.We are hoping to see the survey distributed later in the year and are also hoping we get as many responses as possible to make the information meaningful.

WebsiteThe brand new website www.optometryscotland.org.uk was launched in May and we have received positive feedback on the new-look site.We are continuing to update it on an ongoing basis so please drop by to keep up with the latest developments.If you are a member and would like to get in touch with any exciting news or information for our website, don’t hesitate to get in touch!

Eyecare Integration Project BoardThe project board are looking at ways to make the OT connection faster and more user-friendly and are future proofing it for further developments in IT accessibility.

Primary Care Clinical Professionals Group (PCCPG)This was chaired by the Scottish Royal College of GPs and saw us reviewing and discussing the outcomes of the Scotland Policy Conference.It was decided that each of our organisations will take a fresh look at the transcript and feedback on collaborative working.

If you would like a copy of the transcript, please contact Emma Kellacher.

4

(L-R) Carey Lunan RCGP Chair, Monica Lennon Labour Shadow Cabinet Secretary for Health and Nicola McElvanney OS.

Royal College of Ophthalmologists Congress

Frank Munro and Nicola McElvanney were invited as guest speakers to the RCOphth Congress that took place in Glasgow from 20-23 May and were asked to talk about contact lenses in the 21st century.They also took the opportunity to discuss the success of GOS in Scotland, delegated care and Independent prescribing.

Ken Pullum, Frank Munro, Dr Andrena McElvanney and Nicola McElvanney

RNIB

Nicola McElvanney, chair of OS’s communications committee, attended the Hustings of the EU party candidates.Scottish Greens, SNP, Labour, and Lib Dem party members answered questions on accessibility, employment, medication labelling and other equal opportunities issues for people with sight loss.

5

James Adams, Director of RNIB Scotland, chaired the meeting with RNIB Scotland launching its manifesto for the European elections. It transpired there are some European disability laws that might not be instigated after Brexit.Nicola and Emma met with the new CEO of RNIB Matt Stringer who came from London to visit the Forth Valley Centre for sensory impairment. Other organisations which attended were the Macular Society, Royal Blind, Visibility visionPK and Guide Dogs.Discussions included the differences in GOS in Scotland and ways in which we can work together for mutual benefits.

Urban Eye TestOptometry Scotland has partnered with the Forth Valley Sensory Centre and the Scottish Government See Hear Strategy for a novel initiative.The ‘Urban Eye Test’ will encourage participants to stand on a vinyl floor panel which points them towards markers at varying distances and tests their vision.The initiative – which is also being supported by The Royal National Institute of Blind People (RNIB) – will launch on 29 July in the Sensory Garden at Forth Valley Sensory Centre in Camelon.The floor panel will further point participants towards useful online information on where they can receive an NHS-funded eye examination at no cost and how regular checks can be vital for identifying underlying health and sight-threatening conditions.

Scottish Health Awards 2019Optometry Scotland is sponsoring the Optometrist Award for the third year running.

6

(L-R) Emma Kellacher OS, Matt Stringer CEO RNIB and Nicola McElvanney OS

You can nominate your optometrist or dispensing optician, a team, a colleague, friend or family member for this year’s award.The launch of the Scottish Health Awards 2019 took place at the annual NHS event on 31st of May and was announced by the Cabinet Secretary, Jeane Freeman.The awards recognise those who go the extra mile to improve the health and wellbeing of the people of Scotland, with the Optometrist Award celebrating an individual who provides excellent NHS optometry services. Award organisers and Optometry Scotland are keen to receive nominations for leading local practitioners who go above and beyond to look after their patients.David Quigley said: “The Scottish Health Awards continue to go from strength to strength and we’re pleased to be supporting this exciting event for a third year running.“We hope to inspire fresh nominations for the Optometrist Award so that the optical health sector’s unsung heroes are celebrated.“Optometry is such a vital part of health care as eye tests are about so much more than vision – in fact, they can provide a crucial indicator of underlying conditions such as high blood pressure and diabetes. “We know that there are optometrists across Scotland who really go the extra mile for their patients, delivering extremely personalised care in their communities. Last year, Edinburgh optician Michael O’Kane won the Optometrist Award by doing just that.“We are looking forward to hearing about the country’s top opticians and dispensing opticians in 2019 and how they have made a real difference to local people. Don’t forget that nominations need to be in before the closing date of Thursday 29th August.”For more information on the awards and to nominate, visit www.scottishhealthawards.comThe overall award winners will be announced at the glittering Scottish Health Awards Ceremony at the Corn Exchange, Edinburgh on Thursday 14 November.

LobbyingWe attended the SNP conference and met with George Adams MSP who is new to the Health & Sports Committee and discussed GOS works report.We also met with Alex Cole-Hamilton at the Scottish Parliament and updated him on GOS Works.Nicola McElvanney attended the Conservative Party Conference in Aberdeen and took the opportunity to talk to delegates and Party members about OS and GOS in Scotland

7

Nicola also met the Shadow Cabinet Secretary for Health and Sport Monica Lennon MSP at the Scottish Parliament hosted by the Scottish Royal College of GPs. As a result of this she met with Rosanna Dobbin, Scottish Labour Health Policy Lead, discussing GOS Works savings and reinvestment in Primary Care optometry which was well received. She noted the £72m savings over one year and the relatively small budget for GOS that has hardly increased in comparison to the huge increase in investment in HES.They discussed various eye conditions and shifting the balance of care further and the importance of the profession being supported financially, as well as discussing remote and rural issues including recruitment. Nicola also discussed multidisciplinary working within primary Care and IT links, involvement of community optometry in delivering DRS.

Frank Munro and George Adams MSP Health and Sports Committee

For further information on Optometry Scotland’s activities or to get involved, please contact us on: Nikki McElvanney Emma Kellacher Chair of Communications Administratornicola@optometryscotland.org.uk Emma@optometryscotland.org.uk

8