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OASC Optometry Department Closed

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Old 4th Jan 2009, 20:41
  #41 (permalink)  
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Iccarus

Check your pms

SA
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Old 4th Jan 2009, 21:08
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Another problem with corrective flying spectacles, for flying helmet wearers, is that the head-to-earcup seal is degraded when spectacles are worn. This might have long term effects on your hearing loss if you fly in noisy environments.
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Old 4th Jan 2009, 21:18
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Contact Lenses!

Sentry Agitator

If you are in the know could you please explain to me the method we now have to use to acquire contact lenses...I'm guessing it's not a quick call to Chetna and the crew anymore.

Also, for the yearly / 6-monthly checks what is the procedure now...do we still receive reminders or is the ball in our court to organise timings etc?

Sorry for all the Qs!

TF
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Old 4th Jan 2009, 22:50
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TF,

Long and short nobody knows what is happening! Spoke to my Med centre and they haven't a clue as it is news to them aswell. I only found out through Sentry Agitator's post and I called the week they shut and was lucky to order a 6 month supply (Yes, Mr C Winecup I had to pay the going unsubsided rate just like yourself, actually think they are more expensive than the high street but in accordance with the JSP, our orders, we have to buy them through the RAF). Hopefully within 6 months the new system will be up and running!?!? I know it is not ideal and doesn't address the long term problem but Specsavers can have you sorted fairly quickly with a presciption and the prices are similiar including free check-ups (Yes, M C Winecup just like you get!) Save you a trip to Birmingham and get you sorted quicker but not quite strictly by the book.

I would like to Sentry Agitator for bringing this to everyone's attention. It is good that people highlight things like this to each other, hence how I knew to get a good stock of lenses. I am very dissappointed that people like Mr C Winecup use this forum as vent for anti-aircrew sentiment. I know there is alot of aircrew/non-aircrew banter in the service and long should it remain. However, there is no need for the bitter and twisted to vent their spleen on such a forum. Quite frankly they should be banned.

We all have jobs to do in the RAF, whether we are in "grow bags","blues" or "civvies", lets focus on the the common enemy (Taleban, Politicians, Soviets etc). We all have the same opportunities in life, some choose different paths or are forced down a certain route. Some fly aircraft, some fix them, some feed us, some pay us (unless you bank with the Nationwide!) and so on. We all work hard at different times and lets keep the petty bitching out of public sight and in the workplace, frankly it is not very professional. Herewith end of moan.....

For those non-military who are reading this, the perks in the service aren't quite what you think i.e. we don't get free contact lenses, but we do get upto 6-month all-inclusive winter sun breaks to Iraq and Afghanistan...interested? Then sign up and enjoy the "perks"!

Also a big thank you to Chetna, Penny and the rest of the crew for their years of excellent service, you will be missed! Wish you all the very best for the future!

SB
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Old 4th Jan 2009, 23:42
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You fellas are barking mad: how much wonga could be saved by putting all the ancillary trivia to civilian contracts?
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Old 5th Jan 2009, 06:33
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I rang Cranwell in October to arrange my annual check (standing appt due to a long standing eye condition). I was told that they would be unable to see me this year but my details would be passed on to Selly Oak from whom I would receive an appointment. Needless to say, I am still waiting.
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Old 5th Jan 2009, 08:55
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The new system

Folks

This is as I found prior to the break. I'm still trying to get sorted so it may not be the definitive solution.

The dept at Cranwell has closed as stated and all those on record there will have all of their details transferred to Selly Oak in due course. I do not know how long it will take for this to be completed; however, my details had not been transferred prior to the break. As I'm not due a follow up appointment until Mar there was obviously no hurry?

You can still order your prescription through Selly Oak as long as they have your details. If they don't, then you have to be referred to them by the SMO. This is because they have to start a new file on you if they don't have your details and historical record of the checks previously done by Penny and Chetna at Cranwell.

The tele no for the opticians secretary at Selly is 0121 627 1627 extn 53112 but the opticians secretary (Tracy) is on leave until Tuesday 6th. She has been really helpful in offering advise on how to get things sorted so far.

Just in case you need to adjust any appointments made in the future the direct dial for patient admin is 0121 627 8946.

You now have as much as I do. Good luck one and all and stay safe.

Happy New Year by the way

SA
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Old 5th Jan 2009, 10:36
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Many thanks for the information SA, I will give them a ring I cant understand why people have to moan etc. when they dont know the facts! (Phil R)
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Old 5th Jan 2009, 10:58
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starbright. Your erudite post has made me see the error of my ways. I feel I must now apologise to everyone in a growbag who shares my misfortune in being myopic - as my views obviously are.
Imagine me sharing the same medical condition and not having access within the system to something you had access to? We have dental for all - why not optical services? We all need them the same - we're all equally useless without them. I'm not anti Aircrew - I've enjoyed the company of 3 or 4 of them in my time. I'm anti someone mumping because a small, select service has changed and they think mumping on here will change the price of fish. It doesn't. Get into the 'system' and change it or expect non-special people to throw stones when you mump on a public forum.
Now put your specs on and MTFU.
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Old 5th Jan 2009, 12:10
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oh dear oh dear!

Anyway.....

I've had a phonecall this morning from the med ctr. There is now a letter out on the streets detailing the process for those of us who are apparently more fortunate than Mr C....one team, one fight?

Expect SROs, Stn Intranet and Dii(F) homepages to be buzzing with info soon.

However:
  • Selly won't be up and running til Mar for consultancy.
  • They 'should' now have all the files, details & history.
  • You 'should' get called forward when due a check.
  • Expect to source your lenses from a local opticians in the interim. Perhaps that should save us a bit of cash and make us all more equal?
So everything is now looking great and I can stop 'mumping' whatever that means.

SA
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Old 5th Jan 2009, 14:52
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My 3 month supply arrived on my doormat on 29th Dec (a few weeks later than norm, but the postal service is slow that time of year). I haven't had to call them or chase anything up. Am I to assume that those of you not getting your lenses only order them as and when required? As other people I know who have a regular 3 or 6 monthly delivery have seen no change?

Must admit, was getting a little concerned they were not going to arrive, but only because of this thread!!

Sid.
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Old 5th Jan 2009, 15:13
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I would also like to add my sincere thanks to the long list of people who owe a great deal to Penny and her team at cranwell. In my own case, contact lenses were literally a last resort before being medically discharged, as specs could no longer be made to my prescription. Penny managed to source a brand new type of lens from the States for my condition, and allowed me to stay flying for a bit longer. Thanks Penny.

Mr C Hinecap.
The rules governing aircrew wearing specs and/or contact lenses are not made by the aircrew, but by the medics I assume, and if they deem it necessary for someone to wear contact lenses, for whatever reason, then so be it. It is not some sort of vanity thing, as anyone who knows me will vouch for!!

Best wishes to all for 2009 and many thanks once again to Penny for prolonging my career in the Air force for a few more years!

TKR
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Old 5th Jan 2009, 15:40
  #53 (permalink)  
 
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Thanks for the details Sentry Agitator, most helpful. Will give them a call.

One more for Mr C Winecup...Dental for all, yes great system walk across the other side of the base get seen by a dentist. Non-aircrew opticial care, walk into your local Specsavers, say max 20 mile round trip, pay less and get the same treatment. Aircrew optical care (in my case) 800 mile round trip to Birmingham, pay more and get the same treatment. Being based in Scotland has lots of advantages and this aint one! Personally I would prefer your option but the RAF won't allow it! What is your problem? I believe the intial thread by Sentry Agitator was information based and not a mump. The system shut down without telling anyone what was happening leaving alot of people unable to carry out their job. It wasn't run by aircrew for aircrew and also non-aircrew in Lincolnshire used the Service. It just wasn't practical for anyone else in the RAF to use it over there local opticians, you didn't miss much. DRY YOUR EYES PRINCESS AND THINK YOURSELF LUCKY!

The Real Slim Shady, I completely agree! I would much prefer to go to my local Specsavers (2 miles away) just like Mr C Winecup but some overpaid goon else where obviously knows better!
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Old 5th Jan 2009, 17:44
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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]
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Old 5th Jan 2009, 17:54
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High Street Buying of Contacts

Starbright,

According to the message I have seen from the Medics, we can buy our own lenses through our local optician:

[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]
Chetna advised me that we would need to provide proof of our prescription - SMO should be able to obtain this through Birmingham if you do not have it yourself. By the way, these lenses are not special to aircrew. Joe used to order then from a catalogue just like anyHigh Street optometrist - so they should not have cost us any more than normal. This ordering, billing and processing the repayment ended up being a full-time job - not what was intended when the system was introduced.

S
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Old 5th Jan 2009, 18:57
  #56 (permalink)  
 
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Hi All RAF aircrew CL wearers,

What a mess! The powers that be have decided to move the whole shebang to Selly Oak but there is, as yet, no facility set up to deal with you except that the Admin Cell has your details and knows when you should be due for a review. You'll have gathered that neither myself nor Chetna are involved any more.

If you're desperately overdue or need more lenses you should probably visit your local optom - doesn't have to be Specsavers - take the packaging from your current lenses so they know exactly what you're wearing and they should be able to sort you out though you may have to go into some detail about the conditions within the aircraft as not all will immediately appreciate the environment in which you work.

It was my pleasure and privilege to deal with you all and I'm sorry that the service couldn't continue as it was.

Best wishes

Penny
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Old 5th Jan 2009, 19:41
  #57 (permalink)  
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No Penny - Thank you

Penny

It is 'the few' CL wearers who will always be thankful to you and Chetna. As many have stated - Thank you for all you have done over the years.

I guess we never really knew or appreciated how lucky we all were to have the level of care you provided....that is until it has gone of course.

You and Chetna will be missed but good luck to you both for the future.

SA
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Old 5th Jan 2009, 19:48
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May i just confirm that i am allowed to privately source contact lenses without contravening existing regulations. If i acquire new lenses this weekend, have a mid air next monday(as a buddy did, many years ago, whilst wearing non RAF approved 'optometric' equipment!!), that the subsequent board will not treat me like a human kebab??
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Old 5th Jan 2009, 23:32
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Someone switch off the lights....

Dear all aircrew contact lens wearers,

I heard there was a thread running on pprune and I wanted to add a few comments.

Firstly, I am sorry for the inconvenience this has and is causing many of you. As you might have guessed, this was out of my control, and I did my best over the last few months to maintain the service.
Higher powers decided that a dedicated contact lens service was no longer justified at RAF Cranwell, and that this service would be better placed at RCDM in Birmingham.
Jo and I did our best to inform as many patients as possible of the changes, but with limited resources this was never going to be easy! So apologies to all of you who have only just become aware of the situation.
The RAF Cranwell optometry clinic existed to provide a professional, thorough, product-independent service, with out-reach clinics to make the facility as accessible as possible. I hope we achieved that.

I thoroughly enjoyed meeting all of you and hope the new service in Birmingham meets your expectations.

Kind regards

Chetna
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Old 6th Jan 2009, 07:24
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Big thanks

Penny and Chetna,

Thanks for the posts and once again thank you for your years of support! Wishing you both all the very best for the future and Chetna, I hope the job hunting goes well.

Kindest regards,

SB.
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