SeeAbility has added a section to its website dedicated to eye health care information for people with learning disabilities. Developed with Mencap, the 'My eye care' section includes easy-read factsheets and videos. A female avatar, Emma, also describes the functions for those people unable to read or who feel more reassured by the spoken word. It has also added an 'Eye care hub' section with a database of optometrists who can facilitate accessible sight tests for people with learning disabilities.
A website to help practices find locums directly and negotiate rates has reported success since launching last year. The site (www.locumregister.com) enables practice owners or managers to search for locums by postcode. It lists a range of professionals including optometrists, DOs, contact lens opticians and ophthalmic medical practitioners offering practices a direct choice of ECP without using an agency.
The Worshipful Company of Spectacle Makers is enrolling for the next intake on its distance learning programme, which includes courses for technicians, assistants and service staff. The courses start in February, leading to examinations in December. 'Why not make 2013 the year for achieving a nationally accredited qualification? Feedback from previous students confirms it to be an effective means of increasing motivation and improving performance,' it said. Details at www.spectaclemakers.com/awardsandtraining
LOCSU has called upon optometrists to complete a survey looking into the rehabilitation of stroke patients - with the results to be used for a NICE consultation response. Katrina Venerus, managing director of LOCSU, said: 'We will use evidence from this survey to propose to NICE that in the rehabilitation process, optical practices could provide a more cost effective route to hospitals for managing sight problems caused by strokes.' Visit www.locsu.co.uk by January 31.