PARALLELVISION A NOTE FROM THE CHAIR - British and Irish Orthoptic Society
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PARALLELVISION
THE NEWSLETTER FOR ORTHOPTISTS ISSUE 230 | FEBRUARY 2018
A NOTE FROM IN THIS EDITION
• Welcome to New Scottish Trustee
THE CHAIR
• BIOS Vision Screening Audit Report
• Vital Support for Bios Members
• Amblyopia Preferred Practice
Pattern
• 100% Optical
Dear Member I would like to invite you to contact
You will have received me with suggestions for the ongoing • Annual Nystagmus Awareness
Event
a number of emails development of BIOS – it’s your
from me over the professional body. • BIOS Stroke and Neuro Rehab SIG
last couple of weeks Study Day
which explain some The work of the CCCF is steaming ahead • Big Blind Walk - 29th April 2018
changes to the BIOS and we are very fortunate that a number of • BIOS Conference 2018
contact details. our expert orthoptists are contributing to
• BIPOSA Update
BIOS are no longer the curriculum mapping along with Rowena
working with Porchester Consulting for and Helen Davis, who have supported this • The UKNEHS - The UK National Eye
administrative and business management project from its inception. Health Survey
support. Please be assured that the • New Support for Higher Education
decisions the Trustees make for BIOS are BIOS submitted the response for the Courses in Specialist Healthcare
always made for the long term benefits of regulating professions consultation. We are Disciplines
BIOS and to fulfil the charitable aims. Your now invited to respond to the English Vision • BIOS response to Asda
membership and insurance are still active Screening strategy and the Workforce • National Guidance
and valid during this transition period. development ‘facing the facts; shaping the
• AHPO Awards 2018
future’. I have provided the links below if you
If you have emailed the old BIOS admin would like to contribute. • Events
address, sent in a letter or have made • Who’s Who
contact by phone and have not had your https://www.visionuk.org.uk/england-
query answered please let us know on vision-strategy-consultation
with some links that we may never have
admin@orthoptics-bios.com
had. Professor Anna Horwood and
https://consultation.hee.nhs.uk/welcome-
Professor Fiona Rowe were invited to speak
Whilst this is having some effects short page
and I took part in the debate session on the
term the opportunities that this now
Sunday. Our stand was busy all weekend
provides for BIOS in the long term are The new Facebook page continues
and was a worthwhile event to attend. You
exciting. The opportunity to develop to attract more followers and we are
will hear some more from some of the
new resources, a new website and the advertising events, consultations, latest
orthoptic attendees.
update of our membership services are clinical evidence or papers. We would
all in development. Please bear with us love to hear your good news stories
I would just like to thank the Trustees and
whilst we establish and then continue to and successes and would welcome
honorary officers for all their hard work
progress them. administrators who could post on the site.
and support in what has been quite a
Please contact martha.waters@mft.nhs.uk
difficult period – onwards and upwards –
Over the next edition or two you will read if you can help.
BIOS 2018.
about an UK wide orthoptic campaign,
an unbelievable free member (and their BIOS was invited to exhibit at the
families) benefit and the continued work 100%optical event at the ExCel centre in Veronica Greenwood -
with HEE and our public health lead. There London – it was a good CPD opportunity Chair, British and Irish Orthoptic Society -
may even be some familiar faces on film!!! and has provided the professional body veronica.greenwood@orthoptics-bios.com
1 www.orthoptics.org.uk
PARALLEL VISION
BIOS NEWS
WELCOME TO NEW
SCOTTISH TRUSTEE
Hi, I’ve been an orthoptist for almost 22 years and have Orthoptics outside my own local area and
spent the last 16 years working part time whilst raising what better way to do that than to start with the whole
my two boys, and so, as they are now teenagers, I of Scotland!
decided to focus a little more on the world of Orthoptics.
Having been a BIOS regional rep many years ago and So far, I am thankful that everyone has been very
more recently a member of the Scottish Clinical Practice supportive and welcoming, and I hope I can represent
Development Group moving on to become the Scottish and promote BIOS and Scotland in a positive way. I hope
Trustee seemed to me to be the next challenge to to meet many of you on my journey thank you,
face. It is a little daunting, but I am excited to meet new
people and to learn more about the world of BIOS and Angela Carlin
BIOS VISION
SCREENING AUDIT
REPORT
21 November 2017
Dr Helen Griffiths has recently co-authored a BIOS Vision
Screening Audit . The aim is to provide insights into vision BIOS Vision
screening practices across the United Kingdom (UK) for
Screening Audit
the academic year 2015-2016, compare the findings to
Academic Year 20
15-2016
the previous vision screening audit for academic year
2014-2015 and provide evidence for future decision June 2017
BIOS Vision Screen
ing SIG
making regarding best practice. The report is available to
download from the link. Dr Helen Griffith
BIOS Vision Screenin s
g SIG lead
Senior Lecturer in
Orthoptics
Academic Unit of
Ophthalmology &
Orthoptics
https://figshare.com/articles/BIOS_Screening_Audit_ The University of
Sheffield
report_2015-2016/5532910 Dr Jill Carlton
Research Fellow
Health Economics
and Decision Scie
nce
ScHARR
The University of
Sheffield
Paolo Mazzone
Research Assistant
Health Economics
and Decision Scie
nce
ScHARR
The University of
Sheffield
2 www.orthoptics-bios.com
PARALLEL VISION
BOS TU
VITAL SUPPORT FOR
BIOS MEMBERS
BOS TU representatives: The BOS TU Reps training day at Warrington was
a vital role in supporting very helpful for a new rep like me. Case scenarios
our members Kathryn showed how we could help with advice and support
Smart, Northern Region for members who have a problems at work such
Trustee for BIOS. as grievance and disciplinary issues. The training
also covered making sure members legal rights
To me our BOS (TU) are enforced at work, helping to promote equal
representatives are a key opportunities and fighting discrimination in the
part in ensuring all of our workplace. Should any of these situations arise I
members are supported feel more able to support members along with the
in their workplace as well as being fully up to date with network of other reps I met at the training.
all relevant local and national issues. BOS TU allows us
the huge advantage as a small profession of having a As a TU rep I attend Trust staff-side meetings each
seat at TU conferences as well as being represented month as this is where any changes that might affect
at local Trust meetings. This means that there can be our team are discussed. We have developed a set
direct communication and involvement of members BIOS update and TU section in our team meetings to
around the issues in your local area. If you do not discuss and feed this back directly with BIOS members
have a local BOS(TU) representative perhaps now is in the department.
the time with your team members to consider how
you can take this forward. I have asked two of our I have been active in encouraging colleagues to
local reps to tell us what is involved and how the use become members of BIOS so they can access TU
of a good TU network can help. BIOS run annual TU representation if needed. Continued membership is
training in each area as well as the national training vital to maintain the BOS(TU) and all of the great BIOS
event. Support is available for new reps with a new membership benefits
reps handbook ready for launch next month. If after
reading this you would like more information then The Importance of a good local TU network
contact your BIOS Trustee. (Karen Knowles, Southport and Ormskirk)
Setting up the NW region TU network has been
Taking on the role of invaluable support to many of the local reps in our
BOS (TU) Local Rep, area, myself included. With the current pace of change
Jenifer Earl, Newcastle in the NHS it is vital that all areas keep communicating
I recently took on the as much as possible, this enables our local reps to be
role of TU representative well prepared and informed for any possible changes
for Newcastle, to me it locally. The local reps are also then able to feedback
is a vital role to provide relevant information to their own BIOS members.
support to colleagues
within our department In the NW region we hold two face to face meetings
as well as contributing a year at alternate venues/ days to enable as many
to the development of the whole profession. It’s also reps as possible to attend. My role as chair is to set
something that’s great for your own professional up the meetings but to also ensure any information is
development. cascaded to all reps even if they are unable to attend
www.orthoptics-bios.com 3
PARALLEL VISION
BOS TU
in person. The NW group covers a wide geographical terms this is not supported. A review of NHS funding
area so this is sometimes the only way to support our on emerging treatment and technologies, population
local reps. I have had lots of positive verbal feedback growth, actually indicates a short fall which Trusts
from the local reps who attended the meetings are now plugging with efficiency savings. We also fall
expressing the value of them. We also now have a behind our EU neighbours in spending on healthcare.
large support system for any questions/issues (big and
small) as they arise. 2. Staff shortages
These are the greatest threat to patient safety and can
Before this network it could be lonely job being a local be attributed to 4 areas
rep!- Since setting it up we have even persuaded a few -removal of training bursaries
new reps to join us. -low morale and overwork, leading to staff leaving
(doctors, nurses and AHPs)
TUC WEBINAR
-pay restrictions
-Brexit
WHERE IS OUR NHS HEADED? 3. Sustainability and transformation plans (STPs)
This covers 44 areas and are meant to provide
Live webinar on 24 January 2018 a strategy for improving health outcomes and
2.30pm - 3.30pm prevention of disease for the local population.
However they have been difficult to progress in some
parts of the country as there needs to be a move
Our policy expert Matt Dykes and Paul
from a position of financial deficit to surplus before
Evans from the NHS Support Federation enacting the STP. This has allowed outsourcing of NHS
will be discussing what challenges are services to change and encourage a move to private
facing the NHS providers and not for profit organisations becoming
more involved in healthcare.
They’re going to explain the impact
of the funding squeeze on the NHS Mr Evans suggested three areas that the
and demystify the jargon spouted by Government could address:
politicians.
1. Funding - but for both social care and healthcare,
encouraging joint commissioning and planning
Kelly Mackenzie took part and feeds back for BIOS. together
Fantastic discussion on where the NHS is at. https:// 2. Long term plan for NHS and Social Care - 10 year
www.crowdcast.io/e/where-is-our-nhs plan with funding commitments
Hosted by Matt Dykes TUC and Campaign group NHS 3. Ensure views of staff are included in major change
Support Federation director Paul Evans. e.g. STP
This was an interactive evidence based podcast “Need to stop the rush”, and give time to plan and
examining three main reasons behind the NHS crisis appropriate investment to ensure the NHS is fit to
we now face. meet the needs of those they serve.
1. Funding
We are led to believe there is
record levels of spending but in real
4 www.orthoptics-bios.com
PARALLEL VISION
AMBLYOPIA DOCUMENT REVIEW
AMBLYOPIA PREFERRED
PRACTICE PATTERN
In 2013 the American Academy of Ophthalmology
launched is first preferred practice pattern (PPP)
guidelines to ensure ophthalmic care across the US
for corneal oedema and opacification was consistent
and based upon scientific evidence. Following this
22 comprehensive PPP guidelines covering sub-
specialities such as age related macular degeneration,
glaucoma, vision rehabilitation and more recently
amblyopia have been published. https://www.aao.
referred
org/about-preferred-practice-patterns
Amblyopia P
ern®
The amblyopia PPP covers all aspects of the
Practice Patt
condition from its prevalence and risk factors, to its
assessment, diagnosis and management complete
with recommendations for when to adjust dosage. The
document also highlights whether there is sufficient
robust evidence to support alternative treatments
such as acupuncture, vision therapy and liquid crystal
display eyeglasses.
ha.2017.10.008
/10.1016/j.opht /17
http://dx.doi.org ISSN 0161-6420
ogy
A particularly useful feature of this document is the
my of Ophthalmol
American Acade
© 2017 by the
ier Inc.
Published by Elsev
summary of 19 published pediatric eye disease clinical
trials (2002-2016) giving an instant snapshot of all
results. The references have been systematically rated
using the Scottish Intercollegiate Guideline Network
(SIGN)1 and the Grading of Recommendations
Assessment, Development and Evaluation (GRADE)2 to
show the strength and quality of the evidence.
Kelly Mackenzie
This excellent document provides evidence
Kelly MacKenzie, MSc
to the continued treatment of amblyopia with AdvCertEd
recommendations that also align with current Research Orthoptist,
UK practice. Moorfields Eye Hospital
References
1. Scottish Intercollegiate Guidelines Network. Annex B: key to evidence statements and grades of recommendations. In:
SIGN 50: a Guideline Developer’s Handbook. 2008 edition, revised 2011. Edinburgh, Scotland: Scottish Intercollegiate
Guidelines Network.
2. Guyatt GH, Oxman AD, Vist GE, et al. GRADE: an emerging consensus on rating quality of evidence and strength of
recommendations. BMJ 2008;336(7650);924-6.
www.orthoptics-bios.com 5
PARALLEL VISION
NEWS FROM ACROSS THE UK
100% OPTICAL
On the weekend of 26th/27th January five Following our attendance at the event we all agreed
members of the Orthoptic team from Epsom and we would go again. It was a great opportunity to
St Helier Hospital visited 100% Optical held at the attend as members of our team together, and as we
Excel Centre in London. This was the fifth year attended different seminars during the day it has
of the event but the first in which BIOS and BIOS proved to be a good learning opportunity for the
members were officially invited to attend. As the whole team by sharing the experience on returning to
event was free and in London we decided to go the department.
along and see what it had to offer.
Eleanor Burley
The weekend proved to be a great networking Head of Orthoptic and Optometry Services
opportunity across professional boundaries with Epsom and St Helier Hospital.
Consultant Ophthalmologists, Optometrists and
Orthoptists all within the same arena.
There were a large number of trade stands present
which provided an opportunity to view some of the
latest equipment available, it also enabled us to
strengthen links with suppliers and approach new
companies to view their products on offer.
A large number of seminars were held across four
stage areas over the course of the weekend. The
seminars themselves were excellent for CPD and
topics were wide ranging. We all attended seminars
with topics ranging from current work into potential
new glaucoma treatments, refractive surgery,
treatment for myopia progression, retinal imaging and
dry eye to the future of commissioning and vision of
healthcare in the 21st century. There were many more
seminars which we didn’t manage to attend and we
would recommend 100% Optical to any Orthoptists
working in extended roles due to the variety on
offer. The seminars are aimed to Optometrists
but this provided a further element to understand
Ophthalmology from their perspective and a lot of the
information provided was transferable into our own
setting.
A few tips for anyone interested in attending in future
would be to look at the seminar topics and book well
in advance, as some sessions are fully booked quickly.
However even if a session is fully booked we found it
was still worth going to the stage area as if they can fit
you in once the session has begun they will and if not
there is plenty of room to stand at the back and listen
in.
6 www.orthoptics-bios.com
PARALLEL VISION
NEWS FROM ACROSS THE UK
ANNUAL NYSTAGMUS
AWARENESS EVENT
In November 2017, we released the Nystagmus
Nystagmus
Information Pack to coincide with Wobbly Wednesday,
the annual nystagmus awareness event led by
Nystagmus Network. The Nystagmus Information Pack
was developed with input from patients with different Information Pack
types of nystagmus, families affected by nystagmus, BIOS
members, research assistants Arthur Nye and Anwen
Coughlan, and undergraduate Orthoptic students at the
University of Sheffield. We have received very positive
feedback about the Nystagmus Information Pack since
its release, for example one parent commented ‘the
information pack has made an instant and significant
improvement in the way my child’s school understands his
nystagmus, vision and needs. He has been given a much
more comprehensive review in school, breaks during the
day and the difference in school’s approach has been Part 1. Introduction: What is
dramatic.’
nystagmus?
We would like to thank everyone for their comments and
feedback and remind BIOS members that the Nystagmus
Information Pack can be accessed and downloaded
(for free) from our webpage. Please share the pack with
anyone you think will find it useful. We plan to evaluate the
Nystagmus Information Pack in the near future, but if you Gemma Arblaster
have any comments or feedback from clinicians, patients
or teachers in the meantime then please contact us:
Gemma Arblaster - g.arblaster@sheffield.ac.uk
Anne Bjerre - a.bjerre@sheffield.ac.uk
Dr Helen Griffiths - h.griffiths@sheffield.ac.uk
Academic Unit of Ophthalmology and Orthoptics,
University of Sheffield
Anne Bjerre
Website link to NIP
https://www.sheffield.ac.uk/oncology-metabolism/
research/ophthalmology-orthoptics/research/
nystagmusinfo
Nystagmus network website
http://nystagmusnetwork.org Dr Helen Griffiths
www.orthoptics-bios.com 7
PARALLEL VISION
NEWS FROM ACROSS THE UK
BIOS STROKE AND NEURO
REHAB SIG STUDY DAY
The Stroke and Neuro Rehab SIG held its annual study
day on 17th January at Salford Royal Hospital and was
attended by almost 90 delegates. Claire Howard (below)
opened the meeting and shared information
Rachel McKay (above), a research student from Glasgow
presented some of her findings from her ongoing PhD
research looking into visual impairment in people with
Multiple Sclerosis. She highlighted the importance of
assessing contrast sensitivity to measure visual function
about the work of the SIG’s steering committee. She drew in these patients and in people with other neurological
attention to the fact that new patient information leaflets conditions.
are now available for download on the BIOS website
within the members section in the resources area. She After Coffee Dr Lauren Hepworth presented her work on
also drew attention to “My Stroke Guide”. A new resource developing a patient reported outcome measure (PROM)
for stroke survivors produced by the Stroke Association, for visual impairment related to stroke and acquired
which includes a ‘sight’ section, that she encouraged us all brain injury. She highlighted the lack of currently available
to share with our patients. The resource can be found at instruments for this population. A new PROM now exists
www.mystrokeguide.com. but requires further testing before it becomes more
widely available.
Scott Ballard – Ridley then gave a very thought provoking
and inspiring account of his experiences following a
stroke. He talked about his experiences with health
professionals following his stroke and the obstacles he
had to overcome to return to work. Despite living with a
significant visual impairment, he lives independently and is
a Stroke Review Co-ordinator for the Stroke Association.
Before lunch three speakers took part in a brag and steal
The first speaker was Dr Jane Molloy (above), a Consultant session to discuss some of the work they have been doing
Neurologist based in Salford and who is the current to improve services within their own trusts. Matthew
Greater Manchester Stroke Operational Delivery Network Costello from Salford talked about a new telephone
clinical lead. She gave a very informative talk about consultation service which is aiming to improve the DNA
acute stroke service delivery in Greater Manchester. rate and ensure stroke survivors are seen by appropriate
With reference to the RCP guidelines for stroke and professionals who can best meet their needs. Lucy Gould
emphasised the importance of the role of the orthoptist from Pennine Acute Trust spoke about adjustments she
and visual assessment for stroke survivors. is trying to make with the falls team in her trust to make
the patient environment more user friendly for patients
8 www.orthoptics-bios.com
PARALLEL VISION
NEWS FROM ACROSS THE UK
with visual impairment. We look forward to hearing how and how these can be applied to visual assessments.
she gets on at future meetings. Finally Angela Costello We all then had a go at trying to develop a learning script
from Lancashire Teaching Hospitals NHS Foundation to teach someone with a cognitive impairment and a
trust talked about the changes they had made within the hemianopia to read using an errorless learning strategy.
Orthoptic Service to improve patient access.
The whole day was extremely informative and gave lots
After lunch Alison Stanley, Vice Chair of BIOS presented an of ideas for us to take back to our own trusts to enhance
Exceptional Services award to Claire Howard for her hard our clinical practice. A big thank you to Claire Howard for
work and dedication to her role as SIG lead over the past organising a fantastic study day.
six years.
If anyone is interested in hosting the Stroke and Neuro
The afternoon session was a cognitive rehabilitation Rehab SIG study day next year please get in touch. The
workshop run by Dr Viki Teggart, a clinical SIG steering committee will give their full support in
neuropsychologist. Dr Teggart gave us an insight into helping you organise the day.
the cognitive difficulties experienced by stroke survivors
and patients with brain injury. She then discussed some Nicola Bennett and Lauren Hepworth
strategies to the rehabilitation of cognitive difficulties
STROKE AND NEURO REHAB SIG LEAD CHANGES
Claire Howard has now completed 2 terms of office BIOS Vice Chair. We thank her for all that she has done for
as lead for the Stroke and Neuro SIG. She established the SIG and BIOS during that time.
a steering committee for the SIG in September 2012,
comprising of members from across the UK and set up As Claire steps down, Nicola Bennett and Lauren
work plans to focus the SIGs efforts on specific projects. Hepworth will step into the role as joint leads for the SIG.
She has always advocated the use of service users within
the SIG and invited a service user to be part of the steering Lauren is a research Orthoptist at the University of
committee as well as always ensuring there was a patient Liverpool and has recently completed her PhD in
story at SIG study days to remind us why we are here. developing a new patient reported outcome measure
for measuring the impact of visual impairment following
During the past six years she has led the development stroke on quality of life. Nicola is a Senior Orthoptist at
of new patient leaflets for the SIG with development of Sandwell and West Birmingham Hospitals NHS trust and is
aphasia friendly versions, made changes to the website lead for the Stroke Service there.
within the limitations of it and assisted with the 2016 RCP
guidelines, as well as responding on the members behalf Contact details for Lauren and Nicola are given below.
on many national guidelines. She has also sat on the UK Please do not hesitate to contact them if you have any
Stroke Forum conference committee and worked hard for queries in relation to the Stroke & Neuro Rehab SIG.
vision sessions, as well as attending the Forum every year
to run a BIOS stand and spread the word about visual
impairment.
Her hard work and dedication
over the past 6 years was
recognised at the Stroke and
Neuro Rehab SIG day where
she was presented with an
exceptional services award Nicola Bennett - nicola.bennett1@nhs.net
(bottom, left) by Alison Stanley, Lauren Hepworth - lauren.hepworth@liverpool.ac.uk
www.orthoptics-bios.com 9
PARALLEL VISION
NEWS FROM ACROSS THE UK
www.bigblindwalk.com
What is the Big Blind Walk?
I plan to walk almost 1000 miles from Land’s End to John O’Groats starting on 29 April 2018. It will take
approximately seven weeks to complete and I will be guided along the route by friends and joined by
colleagues, researchers and eye health professionals.
What is the aim of completing the challenge?
With their support, I aim to raise awareness and understanding of sight loss, as well as drive vision and eye health up
the public health agenda. I also aim to promote the critical role that eye research plays in the prevention of sight loss,
treatment of eye disease, rehabilitation of patients and the restoration of sight. I want to establish an eye research
fund to build on already proven research, and to support UK based research centres of excellence in retaining the
best minds in eye research.
Julian Jackson, Director – VisionBridge
www.bigblindwalk.com
www.visionbridge.org.uk
07773 800073
10 www.orthoptics-bios.comPARALLEL VISION
BIOS CONFERENCE 2018
BIOS ANNUAL CONFERENCE
25TH – 26TH JUNE 2018
JURYS INN WATERFRONT, BRIGHTON
The Annual Conference is taking place on Monday Conference Poster / Presentation abstracts
25th and Tuesday 26th June 2018 in the Jurys Inn Last year we introduced free paper and poster sessions.
Waterfront, Brighton with a drinks reception on This year we want to make it bigger and better, so now is
the Monday evening on Brighton Pier. the time to put your abstract together for Brighton 2018.
As before, it is meant to be an opportunity to present local
The cost of attending for BIOS members for the 2 days audits, early stage projects or small local research projects
is £165 (non BIOS member £300) and a day delegate that you might not necessarily consider submitting for
rate is £110 (non BIOS member £200). If you would a bigger scientific conference. We hope to be as open,
like to book to attend the Annual Conference please flexible, informal and inclusive as possible, so even people
contact Joy White via email - joy.white@orthoptics- who have not presented before feel they could have a go
bios.com among friends. The closing date will be April 30th.
To book accommodation at the conference hotel or Please contact Anna Horwood a.m.horwood@reading.
other hotels there is a dedicated link https://aws. ac.uk for help if you need it and look at the BIOS website
passkey.com/go/BIOS2018 which is supported by resource pages for generic advice about preparing
Visit Brighton. abstracts, posters and presentations.
Meet in Brighton,
leave inspired…
British & Irish Orthoptic Society Conference
Monday 25th – Tuesday 26th June 2018
www.orthoptics-bios.com 11PARALLEL VISION
BIOS NEWS
BIPOSA UPDATE
Abstracts are open for the 2018 BIPOSA Meeting in BIPOSA is a very popular conference, and orthoptists
Manchester, with a closing date of 15th April 2018 are very valued members and contributors. The
http://www.biposa.org/manchester-2018.html BIPOSA Executive Committee has made a positive
commitment to supporting orthoptists’ attendance
Feedback from last year’s meeting was generally very and involvement by keeping orthoptist membership
positive, but a common theme was that there was cost-neutral for conference attendees and
not enough orthoptics and strabismus content. And offering specific orthoptic awards and prizes. The
this might be our fault too. One of the main problems ophthalmologist members are happy to subsidise this
was that although there were lots of orthoptist funding in order to encourage orthoptic participation.
submissions, many people ticked the “poster only” This year, there is a new award of a free BIPOSA place
box when submitting their abstract. This automatically and help with travel and accommodation to three
meant they counted themselves out of having a higher recent graduates nominated by each of the three
profile, and left the conference organisers no choice universities.
but to offer the oral presentations to medics and non-
medic researchers. Please contact Anna
Horwood a.m.horwood@
So this year, please, please reading.ac.uk for advice
consider submitting an about any stage in the
abstract for a talk or a research /presentation
poster – BIPOSA really process.
wants you. And a talk
isn’t nearly as daunting Anna Horwood
as you might think.
It might appear that
junior doctors are much
more confident than you
feel, but I can guarantee
that most are not! www.biposa.org
ENCOURAGING RETURN TO PRACTICE
HEE RTP AHP / HCS Marketing and Communication https://www.hee.nhs.uk/our-work/attracting-
campaign was launch on Thursday 18th January recruiting/helping-allied-health-professionals-
HEE will be using Facebook and Twitter to post the healthcare-scientists-return-practice
next phase of our promotional campaign to attract
HCS and AHPs back to practice. We will be using a Paul Chapman
hashtag #iamreadytoreturn accompanied by posts National Lead for Return to Practice (AHPs
and imagery to attract interest. All enquires will be sign and HCS
posted to the HEE webpage where returnees will be
encouraged to sign up.
12 www.orthoptics-bios.comPARALLEL VISION
BIOS NEWS
THE UKNEHS - THE UK
NATIONAL EYE HEALTH SURVEY
Another acronym, but you will probably be hearing clinic. This will identify the people we don’t currently know
much more about this in the next few years. about, but who may be living with low vision. This may
be as simple as uncorrected refractive error, but will also
On Jan 25th 2018, Anna Horwood attended a large pre- detect low vision due to undiagnosed glaucoma, AMD
launch event which invited all stakeholders to contribute and cataract etc. People will initially be interviewed and
to the next stages of study design, ethics approvals and screened in their own homes, and those who fail will be
fundraising. referred for more detailed assessment if necessary. The
project will sample all ethnic minorities and all the UK
The UK National Eye Health Survey is an ambitious project countries, and also hopes to cover people in care homes,
to establish the state of the nation’s vision in the over-50 prisons and the homeless.
population. There is not currently any good data about the
prevalence of low vision and eye disease in this growing The scale of the practical issues around doing such a
population, but without it, the scale of the problem survey is enormous and much more complicated than
is probably unrecognised and much lower profile for it seems, so the meeting was to consult with eyecare
national healthcare provision than it should be. professionals, including BIOS, outside experts and
particularly the public and patients about what they
The project is strongly supported and driven by Vision UK. considered important, possible and acceptable.
The Lead Investigator on the project is Professor Rupert
Bourne from Addenbookes and there is a large team of The next stage is for the different working groups to use
epidemiologists and other experts including Mr Richard this information when drawing up their plans for the
Wormald, Head of Epidemiology at Moorfields. A key methodology, condition definitions, questionnaires, test
priority is to involve everyone, particularly the public and batteries, and study design, so that ethics approval and
patients in planning and carrying out the project. funders can be approached. Anna Horwood will represent
BIOS on the Case Definitions Working Group. The
The plan is to do a rigorous survey of a random sample anticipated cost is currently £10m, so this is a big project.
of 25,000 people drawn from all the households in the
country, not just those who attend an optometrist or eye Anna Horwood
www.orthoptics-bios.com 13PARALLEL VISION
BIOS NEWS
NEW SUPPORT FOR HIGHER
EDUCATION COURSES IN
SPECIALIST HEALTHCARE
DISCIPLINES
A new £3 million programme The College of Podiatry’s Chief Executive, Steve Jamieson,
commented:
has been launched to support
higher education in small, ‘I’m delighted that we will be working closely with
colleagues at HEFCE and at our partner organisations
specialist healthcare disciplines to develop and deliver this innovative and significant
that are experiencing difficulty in programme. Raising awareness and building
understanding of these vital health disciplines is critical
recruiting or retaining students. if we are to continue to attract students and so ensure
the future health skills mix required to meet the needs of
The disciplines identified for support are prosthetics patients.’
and orthotics, therapeutic radiography, podiatry, and
orthoptics. Ed Hughes, Head of Health and Medicine at HEFCE, said:
‘HEFCE is very pleased to be able to provide a range of
The HEFCE-funded Strategic Interventions in Health support for higher education in these small and specialist
Education Disciplines programme starts this spring, disciplines, which will help maintain the pipeline of
and will enable a range of activities to help ensure the healthcare professionals in these areas to meet the future
sustainability of higher education courses in these areas. needs of students, healthcare providers and patients.’
The interventions include a national marketing and
communications campaign to encourage students to Notes
apply, and employing outreach and communications 1. The training of doctors, dentists, nurses, midwives and
officers to coordinate an outreach network and share best allied health professionals is carried out as a partnership
practice. between HEFCE and the Department for Education,
Health Education England and the Department of
There will also be a ‘challenge fund’, offering higher Health, higher education institutions and placement
education providers with finance for innovative providers.
approaches to delivering or recruiting to their courses.
2. The majority of nursing, midwifery and allied health pre-
The programme will also facilitate work-shadowing registration courses moved into the higher education
facilities specifically in orthoptics, and fund a co-ordinator funding system from 2017-18.
to develop work placements and apprenticeships in
prosthetics and orthotics. 3. As a result of the transfer of funding responsibility,
HEFCE had an allocated budget of £32 million to support
The College of Podiatry is a key partner in the programme, these courses in 2017-18 for the first entry cohort of
and will develop, deliver and manage the communications students under the new finance arrangements. The
and marketing campaign and coordinate the outreach funding provided support across the full range of
network. nursing, midwifery and allied health disciplines. For more
information see HEFCE Circular letter 06/2017.
14 www.orthoptics-bios.comPARALLEL VISION
BIOS NEWS
4. As part of this work, in 2017 HEFCE identified a group 7. The College of Podiatry will develop, deliver and manage
of disciplines as being both small and specialist, and key workstreams of the SIHED programme. The College
vulnerable, whose sustainability this programme is of Podiatry is the academic authority for podiatry in
intended to address. HEFCE worked with sector bodies the UK, and an independent charity dedicated to foot
and the professional bodies for these disciplines to health research, education and public awareness. The
develop the programme. College of Podiatry’s London office will host three new
fixed-term roles – the SIHED Programme Manager,
5. The programme aims to: Programme Support Officer (0.5 full-time equivalent
a. Increase awareness of allied health disciplines. (FTE)) and the Podiatry Outreach and Communications
b.Increase understanding of and demand for small Officer (0.5 FTE). Five outreach and communications
specialist allied health disciplines. officers (3 FTE), will be based at higher education
c. Strengthen and diversify the delivery of the small and institutions or at the professional bodies of the allied
specialist disciplines covered by this initiative. health professional partners, and will work to share and
d.Develop a better understanding of the mature student develop best practice across the network. For more
market for nursing, midwifery and allied health. information see https://www.scpod.org/sihed/.
6. The programme is expected to run for three years, 8. For more information on the activities in the programme
starting in 2017-18, with a budget of £1 million per see www.hefce.ac.uk/lt/healthcare/sihed
year. It will be overseen by a board which includes the
relevant professional bodies, Health Education England,
the Council of Deans of Health and Universities UK.
BIOS RESPONSE TO ASDA
BIOS was alerted by members to the article published wish to consider other sight tests, it is important that the
in October by Asda stating eye tests were no longer screening of children at age 4 to 5 years in school is not
available in schools. undermined and that the differences in the services being
offered are understood by parents.
The Vision screening SIG steering committee challenged
the article. and a correction was published, thank you to
members Carol Telford and Sylvie Booth in north Cumbria
for spotting the false information being given to parents,
keep contacting your trustees and BIOS so that we can
challenge.
BIOS INFORMATION RELEASE
Concerns about the Asda Good Living Magazine
Advice – October 2017
The article1 published in the October, Asda Good Living
Magazine incorrectly states that ‘Routine eye tests are
no longer given in schools’. Instead it recommends free
eye tests to children within their stores. This is not in line
with the UK National Screening Committee guidance. It is
important that children at reception age are screened in
line with national guidance and that this is undertaken by
a compliant and fully audited service. Whilst parents may
www.orthoptics-bios.com 15PARALLEL VISION
BIOS NEWS
NATIONAL GUIDANCE
In December 2013 the UK National Screening • Children may not receive vision screening.
Committee (NSC) recommended that screening for • The risk that visual defects may be missed and / or not
visual impairment should be offered to all children treated promptly.
aged 4 –5 years and this screening service should • The potential for the defect to become irreversible. This
be organised and led by Orthoptists2. http://www. has serious risks of litigation.
screening.nhs.uk/vision-child. Orthoptists have • Population based services are withdrawn
specific expertise in the assessment of visual deficits
in young children. BIOS support the evidence-based national guidelines
aimed at the early detection of vision defects in children
The national guidelines provide a population based at the appropriate age through clinical examinations
examination of all children ensuring the ‘at risk’ and by appropriately trained staff. Screening programs
vulnerable children in the population are reached. This is are essential to those who do not seek advice or think
essential to those who do not seek advice or think they are they are at risk, and show no signs or symptoms of the
at risk, and show no signs or symptoms of the condition. condition. The national guidelines provide a population
The NSC guidance ensures appropriate and efficient use based examination of all children ensuring the ‘at risk’ and
of resources based on research evidence. vulnerable children in the population are reached and
appropriate use of resources.
Risks of incorrect information
Publicity suggesting that school eye testing is no longer BIOS have contacted the editor of the magazine to
being provided may lead to confusion for parents whose express concern and to request a retraction of the
children have received screening and those who have statement.
not yet been offered it. This may affect the coverage and
effectiveness of screening programmes particularly in 1. Joyce S. When should my kids have an eye test. Asda
relation to vulnerable groups. The recent article has been Good Living Magazine; October 2017: pp81
directed at parents to publicise and gain acceptance that 2. National Screening Committee, 2013. http://www.
every child should have a regular eye examination. As screening.nhs.uk/vision-child
there is no evidence to support the approach that is being 3. Royal College Of Ophthalmologists. Statement on
advocated3, the British and Irish Orthoptic Society (BIOS) Visual Screening in Children and Young People
is not able to endorse this campaign. The information July 2011. https://www.rcophth.ac.uk/professional-
that parents receive about children’s eye care should be resources/information-from-the-paediatric-sub-
balanced, presented in a clear and unbiased way, ensure committee-for-healthcare-professionals/
best practice and be scientifically accurate. It should also
reflect and promote the National Guidance. For more information contact BIOS Vision Screening
Special Interest Group Lead:
The BIOS has the following concerns regarding the impact Dr Helen Griffiths (h.griffiths@sheffield.ac.uk)
on children’s vision if evidence-based whole population
screening is undermined:
16 www.orthoptics-bios.comPARALLEL VISION
BIOS NEWS
OFFICIAL
Dear Colleague,
2nd Annual Chief Allied Health Professions Officer’s Awards 2018.
I can announce the nominations for the Chief Allied Health Professions Officer’s Awards are now open. The awards
were created to highlight, recognise and celebrate the outstanding contribution made by allied health professionals
(AHPs) to improving health, care and wellbeing for patients and communities. I very much hope you will support the
awards by championing and promoting the Awards across your professions.
I am grateful that again this year that the awards are partnered with our arm’s length bodies to provide shadowing
and mentorship opportunities for the winners. Our arm’s length body partners are: NHS Employers, Public Health
England, NHS Digital, NHS Improvement, Health Education England and the National Institute for Health and Care
Excellence.
This year, the Award categories are:
• AHP Student innovation – NHS Employers
• AHP Support Worker of the Year – Public Health England
• AHP Digital Practice – NHS Digital
• AHP Quality Improvement – NHS Improvement
• AHP Leader – Health Education England
• NICE into Action – National Institute for Health and Care Excellence
6th February 2018
Nominations are open from 5th February until 29th March 2018, and can be submitted via our online platform. The
finalists will be invited to attend the Chief AHP Officer’s Awards Ceremony on 19th June 2018 in London where the
winners will be announced.
Yours faithfully,
Suzanne Rastrick - Chief Allied Health Professions Officer NHS England
Health and high quality care for all, now and for future generations
www.orthoptics-bios.com 17PARALLEL VISION
EVENTS
2 Mar Loop/TU Unison offices, 130 Euston Road London - 9:30am - 4:30pm
8 Mar Scottish Spring Meeting, Dunfermline
14 Mar Falls SIG, Education centre, Royal Liverpool Hospital, Liverpool - 1pm to 4pm
11 April GIVE
20 April SIG Leads, Birmingham
2 May Vision Screening SIG, Aston University, Birmingham
4 May Whipps Cross 8th Annual Paediatric & Strabismus Study Day, Whipps Cross
Hospital, Leytonstone, London E11
18 May Northern region spring clinical meeting at the Royal Victoria Infirmary,
Newcastle.
25-26 June BIOS conference, Brighton
19-20 July Clinical Tutors Course, London
27 July Clinical Tutors Refresher Course, London
18 www.orthoptics-bios.comPARALLEL VISION
WHO’S WHO
Chairman & Trustee Jill Carlton - BIOJ Editor
Veronica Greenwood - veronica.greenwood@orthoptics-bios.com j.carlton@sheffield.ac.uk
Martha Water - New Graduate Representative
Vice Chair & Trustee Martha.Waters@cmft.nhs.uk
(Professional Development, Education and SIGs) Jigs Mehta -Public Health Lead
Alison Stanley - alison.stanley@orthoptics-bios.com jigs@liverpool.ac.uk
BIOS Business Managers Special Interest Group / Leads
(Parallel Vision, Website, Membership, Employment Falls SIG:
Relations, Trades Union and Events Enquiries) Jigs Mehta - jigs@liverpool.ac.uk
TBC John McBride - john.mcbride@rlbuht.nhs.uk
Glaucoma & Retinal Disease:
BIOS Council members Lorraine North
Veronica Greenwood - Chair, British & Irish Orthoptic Society lorraine.north@fph-tr.nhs.uk and
Alison Stanley - Vice Chair, British & Irish Orthoptic Society Lorna McKay
Midlands & East Trustee (England) - Julie Clarke lorna.mckay@nhs.net
julie.clarke@orthoptics-bios.com Global Involvement and Volunteering for Eyes:
Northern Trustee (England) - Kathryn Smart Claire Studley Scott
kathryn.smart@orthoptics-bios.com claire.studley.scott@gmail.com
Northern Ireland Trustee - Jane Hanley Low Vision:
Jane.hanley@belfasttrust.hscni.net Matthew Costello while Kate Witkiss is on maternity leave
Republic of Ireland Trustee - Gillian O’Mullane mcostello1@sheffield.ac.uk
gillian.omullane@cuh.ie Neuro Orthoptics/Neuro Ophthalmology:
Scottish Trustee - Angela Carlin Joanne Adeoye - j.adeoye@liverpool.ac.uk
angela.carlin@orthoptics-bios.com Special Educational Needs:
Southern Trustee (England) - Joy White Louise Allen - Louise.Allen@liverpool.ac.uk
joy.white@orthoptics-bios.com Laura Tuff - laura.tuff@nhs.net
Wales Trustee - Aimee Brown Stroke and Neuro Rehab:
aimee.brown@orthoptics-bios.com Nicola Bennett - nicola.bennett1@nhs.net
Lauren Hepworth - lauren.hepworth@liverpool.ac.uk
Non-voting members Vision Screening:
Rowena McNamara - Outgoing Chair Alison Bruce - alison.bruce@bthft.nhs.uk
rowena.mcnamara@orthoptics-bios.com Karon McCarthy - karon.mccarthy@nhs.net
Lesley-Anne Baxter - BIOS & BOSTU Advisor Visual Processing Difficulties:
baxterla64@gmail.com Kathryn Whitfield - kathryn.whitfield@whh.nhs.uk
Helen Davis, Chair - Education Committee
h.davis@sheffield.ac.uk Forum leads
Julie Cartledge - Lead/Chair, Leads of Orthoptic Profession Private Practice:
(LOOP) LIz Tomlin - liz.tomlin@gstt.nhs.uk
julie.cartledge@orthoptics-bios.com Helen Collett - helen@privateorthoptist.com
David Newsham - BIOS IOA Representative E-Health SIG Group:
d.newsham@liverpool.ac.uk Michelle Wood - michelle.wood3@nhs.net and
Anna Horwood - Research Director & Curriculum/ Carla Eccleston - carla.eccleston@nhs.net
Education Project Lead Medicines / Exemptions :
a.m.horwood@reading.ac.uk Claire Saha - claire.saha@nhs.net
Anne Bjerre - OCE Representative
a.bjerre@sheffield.ac.uk
THE BRITISH AND IRISH ORTHOPTIC SOCIETY
Salisbury House, Station Road, Cambridge CB1 2LA UK
T: 07748 288 238 E: admin@orthoptics-bios.com W: www.orthoptics-bios.com
https://www.facebook.com/BritishIrishOrthoptics
https://twitter.com/FollowBIOS
https://m.facebook.com/BOSTradeUnion
Submission for next PV by 9am 10th March, articles may be edited for length.
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