Ground Truth Of Revised Contact Lens Service
[FONT='Arial','sans-serif']Unfortunately, both Penny and Chetna have left OASC and they have not been able to find replacements. As such, there are no full-time optometrists who could provide the contact lens service. The extract below sets out the Medical Branch plan to continue the contact lens service; all SMOs will have received the full text of the letter:[/FONT]
[FONT='Arial','sans-serif'][/FONT]
[FONT='Arial','sans-serif']DCA Ophthalmology has agreed that aircrew who wear CLs and are due review in Jan/Feb 09 may delay their follow up if they are experiencing no problems. Review appointments will be sent out to aircrew once the clinic arrangements are finalised. SMOs with any aircrew experiencing problems with their CLs are to contact DCA Ophthalmology’s BMEC Secretary on (TELEPHONE NUMBER PROVIDED) to arrange review. If aircrew do not receive a review appointment at the expected time then they are to contact DCA Ophthalmology’s Secretary directly or via the SMO.[/FONT]
[FONT='Arial','sans-serif'][/FONT]
[FONT='Arial','sans-serif']If aircrew are at risk of running out of CLs before Mar 09 then they are authorised to buy their currently authorised CLs, at their own expense, from a local provider. SMOs or aircrew are to contact DCA Ophthalmology’s BMEC Secretary for details of the make of their CLs and their latest prescription. [/FONT]
[FONT='Arial','sans-serif'][/FONT]
[FONT='Arial','sans-serif']The future arrangements for aircrew who wish to wear, or are authorised to wear, CLs are as follows:[/FONT]
[FONT='Arial','sans-serif'][/FONT]
[FONT='Arial','sans-serif']The CL clinic at BMEC will start on 5 Mar 09. Initial referrals are to be made to Secretary to Wg Cdr (NAME PROVIDED), DCA in Ophthalmology, Birmingham and Midlands Eye Centre, City Hospital, Dudley, Birmingham B18 7QH. Telephone: (NUMBER PROVIDED) Fax (NUMBER PROVIDED).[/FONT]
[FONT='Arial','sans-serif'][/FONT]
[FONT='Arial','sans-serif']Routine review appointments iaw AP1269A Lflt 5-14 Annex C will be sent to aircrew following the opening of the CL clinic. If aircrew do not receive notification of an appointment at the expected time then they are to contact DCA Ophthalmology’s Secretary directly or via their SMO.[/FONT]
[FONT='Arial','sans-serif'][/FONT]
[FONT='Arial','sans-serif']The closure of the CL service at OASC means that CLs can no longer be provided to aircrew through OASC. DCA Ophthalmology will provide guidance to aircrew on sources for CLs when they are reviewed at BMEC. [/FONT]
[FONT='Arial','sans-serif'][/FONT]
[FONT='Arial','sans-serif']If aircrew experience problems with their CLs then they are to see the SMO for referral to DCA Ophthalmology at BMEC. [/FONT]
[FONT='Arial','sans-serif'][/FONT]
[FONT='Arial','sans-serif']The relocation of the aircrew CL service from OASC to BMEC provides an opportunity to review the process for the follow up of aircrew who wear CLs and for the supply of CLs. The aim is to reduce the frequency of review at BMEC and allow some local review thereby reducing operational impact in terms of time away from work. In addition, it is an aspiration to award a central contract for CL provision which will reduce the cost. One option that is being explored is the potential for CL supply to be coordinated through BMEC. This work will be taken forward by DDAvMed, DCA Ophthalmology and the IPT. The Medical Branch continues to push for central funding of aircrew CLs as a contribution to flight safety and operational effectiveness. [/FONT]
[FONT='Arial','sans-serif']Your SMO has the full details including the name and telephone numbers that I have not listed. If you are not able to contact your SMO and need assistance in a hurry then e-mail me through PPRuNe and I’ll get back to you.[/FONT]
[FONT='Arial','sans-serif'][/FONT]
[FONT='Arial','sans-serif']Hope this clears up any remaining confusion.[/FONT]
[FONT='Arial','sans-serif'][/FONT]
[FONT='Arial','sans-serif']S[/FONT]