19 May 2023

FODO Ireland member update – 19 May

This week:

• FODO submits evidence to Department of Health on COSS fees
• Eye care for over eights
• Latest CORU registration statistics
• CPD and CORU
• Health Information bill

FODO submits evidence to Department of Health on COSS fees

At the invitation of the Department of Health, FODO Ireland has submitted evidence on COSS fees and the contract.

FODO Ireland has called for a significant uplift to all fees paid under the COSS contract based on the legislative and contractual rules and economic impact on the current fees, which have been unchanged for many years. The evidence is backed by an independent economic analysis and recommendations. Our pragmatic call for uplifting the fees is the first response for the current year. However, we also intend to commission research into the true cost of a sight test.

Subject to appropriate fees, FODO Ireland is suggesting an expansion of the COSS contract to meet growing eye health need.

The Minister for Health has said the COSS contract review will include an increase in fees. The review is ongoing. FODO Ireland continues to engage with the Department and HSE on these matters and will keep members updated.

Eye care for over eights

Senators Gallagher and Conway have called on the Minister for Health to better utilise local optometrists to meet the needs of patients in Ireland. The Minister responded that the Government had resumed exploring how to transfer children over eight to local optometrists.

FODO Ireland is awaiting details of the project meetings where we will represent the profession to ensure the changes are appropriate and sustainable.

Read the exchange.

Latest CORU registration statistics

Optometrists comprise 969 of the 25,381 professionals registered with CORU's Registration Boards as of April 2023, an increase of 41 (4.2%) in the last year.

Dispensing opticians comprise 211 CORU registrants as of April 2023, an increase of 5 (2.4%) in the last year.

Read the breakdown.

CPD and CORU

The submission period for optical registrants selected for audit of their CPD closed on 12 May. CORU chose a random selection of registrants to submit their CPD portfolio, evidencing a minimum of 30 CPD credits in every 12-month period. The audit period was April 2021 - April 2023.

CORU has also released an 'explainer' video on CPD, including the role of CORU, how CPD is assessed and explaining the CPD credit system.

Watch the video.

Health Information bill

The Cabinet has approved the general scheme of a Health Information bill. The bill will seek to create greater integration of services, and an improved patient experience, through the secure transfer of patient information between different settings, including primary eye care.

The bill also seeks to enable the use of aggregated health information in several ways - for example, to assist in policy development, service planning and research. In addition, it creates greater access for patients to their own health information.

FODO Ireland will monitor the drafting of the bill, but if you have any feedback, please email [email protected].