Communications reports for VISION 2020 UK Communications Group
Monday 26 March
UK Vision Strategy Communications group report
Date completed: March 2012
Organisation / Action for Blind PeopleCEO / Stephen Remington
Website /
Social media channels / Facebook; Twitter
Background / Action for Blind People is a national charity with local reach, providing practical help and support to blind and partially sighted people of all ages. Our close relationship with RNIB enables us to provide a unique combination of complementary strengths and expertise to help an ever increasing number of people with sight loss in line with the UK Vision Strategy.
Communications/
Marketing/
PR contacts / Head of Communications: Richard Deeks
PR: Savannah Wiza (until end of April 2012) (0207 635 3027); Chris Dyson (0207 635 4921)
Marketing: Fenella Brown (0207 635 4896)
Digital Media: Jason Bell (0207 635 4902)
Out of hours press office contact details / 07739 819954
Policy/Public Affairs contacts / N/A
Research contact / N/A
Newsletter / Employee e-bulletin (weekly): Seven Days of Action
Magazine / N/A
Links/Other cross sector groups / UK Vision Strategy;
RNIB (Action is part of the RNIB Group);
Leeds Vision Consortium (with The Wilberforce Trust);
Other societies, charities and organisations supporting blind and partially sighted people – local and national relationships
Achievements/
Successes which have met the UK Vision Strategy priorities in the last six months. Explain which priority each item has met:
Improving the eye health of the people of the UK (1)
Eliminating avoidable sight loss and delivering excellent support for people with sight loss (2)
Inclusion, participation and independence for people with sight loss (3) / Boots Great Big Eye Check (with RNIB) (1 and 2);
Seeing it my way (2 and 3);
Leeds Vision Consortium (launch and ongoing development (2 and 3);
Launch of new office in Stoke and re-launch of services in Stafford, working closely with local partners (1,2 and 3);
(Assistive) Technology workshops in Manchester, Preston and Penrith (2 and 3);
Actionnaires and services for Children, Young People and Families (CYF), including:
- Boots Opticians Actionnaires Athletics Event in Sheffield(2 and 3);
- Launch of Activity Club in Norwich and North London Actionnaires club (2 and 3);
- Blind cricket training at Lord’s (shared with RNIB) (2 and 3)
Key projects/objectives over next six months which are working towards the three UK Vision Strategy priorities
Improving the eye health of the people of the UK (1)
Eliminating avoidable sight loss and delivering excellent support for people with sight loss (2)
Inclusion, participation and independence for people with sight loss (3)
**Indicates looking for support or collaboration from members** / Launch of new office in Liverpool, shared with RNIB and other partners (1,2 and 3);
(Assistive) Technology open day in Middlesbrough (2 and 3)
Actionnaires and services for Children, Young People and Families (CYF), including:
- Boots Opticians Actionnaires Athletics Event, in Sheffield… details tbc (2 and 3);
- Launch of Swim for Action (with charity partners and sponsors) (2 and 3)
UK Vision Strategy Communications group report
Date completed: March 2012
Organisation / Association of OptometristsCEO/Director / Richard Carswell, Acting Chief Executive
Website /
Social media channels / Student AOP
AOP Chairman, David Shannon
Optometry Today
Background / As the leading professional organisation in the UK for optometrists, the Association of Optometrists (AOP) promotes the profession and development of high professional and clinical standards, as well as representing the needs and interests of individual optometrists and dispensing opticians.
With more than 10,000 members, the AOP represents and promotes the interests of its members in Parliament and to Government and other institutions in the UK and European community.
Formed in 1946, the AOP campaigns to remove barriers that prevent patients accessing eye care, including over-restrictive regulations, the underfunding of the NHS Sight Test and insufficient primary eye care provision in England and Northern Ireland.
The AOP provides professional advice on commercial, economic, legal and administrative aspects of the profession and industry to its members and the wider community.
Communications/
Marketing/
PR contacts / Anne Grenyer, PR Manager, 020 7549 2063
Louise Devine, Marketing and Communications Manager, 020 7549 2064
Out of hours press office contact details / N/A
Policy/Public Affairs contacts / Jenny Gowen, Head of Public Affairs, 020 7549 2045
Ben Cook, Deputy Head of Public Affairs, 020 7549 2044
Research contact / N/A
Newsletter / Blink – members’ e-newsletter sent out at the end of the month. Copy to Anne Grenyer and Louise Devine who produce this on alternate months
Magazine / Optometry Today (OT) produced in-house by the OT editorial team. Queries to Louise Walpole, OT Manager, 020 7549 2077
Links/Other cross sector groups / Anne Grenyer is involved with the following committees:
- Children’s Vision Initiative
- Eyecare Trust (co-opted board member representing the views of the AOP
- Driving and Vision working group
- Children’s Vision Initiative
- National Eye Health Week
Achievements/
Successes which have met the UK Vision Strategy priorities in the last six months. Explain which priority each item has met. / Strategy Outcome 1
Improving the eye health of the people of
the UK
Message regularly promoted via the AOP’s website and media relations work, for example when discussing children’s eye health in an interview on ITV (Daybreak) and drivers’ vision in an interview on the BBC (The One Show), plus other media mentions (print, online and broadcast) when possible.
Children’s eye health campaign (2010 to present) has resulted in increasing enquiries from the general public, including parents, teachers, school nurses and school nurse managers – all of whom have been passed the eye health message. Political interest in the campaign has resulted in specific briefings for MPs to raise awareness of the importance of children’s eye health.
Key projects/objectives over next six months which are working towards the three UK Vision Strategy priorities
**Indicates looking for support or collaboration from members** / Strategy Outcome 1
Improving the eye health of the people of
the UK
See above – the AOP will continue to promote the eye health message to the media when possible.
** The AOP is interested in sourcing key statistics/research from all organisations involved in the comms group to support the Vision 2020 strategy outcomes > perhaps via the statistics group (as mentioned at a previous Vision 2020 comms group?)
UK Vision Strategy Communications group report
Date completed: March 2012
Organisation / College of OptometristsCEO/Director / Ian Humphreys – Director of Member Services and Communications
Website /
Social media channels /
Background / The College uses it clinical expertise in optometry to promote the best eye care for patients.
With over 13,000 members we are the professional, scientific and examining body for optometry in the UK.
We provide the secretariats to the World Council of Optometry and the European Council of Optometry and Optics.
Communications/
Marketing/
PR contacts / Zena Wigram
Head of Marketing and Comms
0207 766 4383
Out of hours press office contact details
Policy/Public Affairs contacts / Stuart Holland
Public Affairs
Tel: 0207 766 4383
Mob: 07944 866 937
Research contact / Mike Bowen
Director of Research
0207 766 4373
Newsletter / Quarterly InFocus newsletter to all members.
Fortnightly eNews to all members.
Topic based emails and media alerts as and when.
Magazine
Links/Other cross sector groups / At the last check, we counted about 70 groups in the sector, of which we seem to sit on quite a few.
Achievements/
Successes which have met the UK Vision Strategy priorities in the last six months. Explain which priority each item has met. /
Strategy outcome 1: Improving the eye health of the people ofthe UKStrategy outcome 2: Eliminating avoidable sight loss anddelivering excellent support for people withsight loss
- The attainment of the preventable sight loss indicator in the Public Health Outcomes Framework was a major success by the UK Vision Strategy partnership
Strategy outcome 1: Improving the eye health of the people ofthe UKStrategy outcome 2: Eliminating avoidable sight loss anddelivering excellent support for people withsight loss
- Published a public health strategy for optometry and optics. Working with colleagues across the sector to deliver it by supporting people to study ophthalmic public health courses and to help set up an ophthalmic public health NHS network.
Strategy outcome 2: Eliminating avoidable sight loss anddelivering excellent support for people withsight loss
Working closely with UKVS and colleagues from across the sector , we have helped establish an Action Group on children’s screening.Key projects/objectives over next six months which are working towards the three UK Vision Strategy priorities
**Indicates looking for support or collaboration from members** / Strategy outcome 1: Improving the eye health of the people of the UK
Together with the Royal College of Ophthalmologists, the Royal College of GPs, NAPC and the DH RightCare team, we will consult on eye care guidance for commissioners.
Strategy outcome 1: Improving the eye health of the people of the UK/Eliminating preventable sight loss
We are beginning a project to examine how optometry data can be better used to strengthen the business case for ophthalmic public health interventions.
Strategy outcome 1: Improving the eye health of the people of the UK/Eliminating preventable sight loss
Revamping of our consumer website – Look After Your Eyes
Strategy outcome 1: Improving the eye health of the people of the UK/ Eliminating preventable sight loss
Review of our use of social media to raise awareness of the importance of eye health and frequent sight testing. We would be delighted to work with colleagues on this.
UK Vision Strategy Communications group report
Date completed: March 2012
Organisation / Guide DogsCEO/Director / Richard Leaman (CEO)
Sheila Hooper (Marketing Director)
Website /
Social media channels / Twitter (guidedogs)
Facebook (guidedogsUK)
UTube (GuideDogsUK)
Background
Communications/
Marketing/
PR contacts / Nikki Malin – Head of Comms and Campaigns
Eli David – Communications Manager
Out of hours press office contact details / 07920 285741
Policy/Public Affairs contacts / David Cowdrey – Campaigns Manager
Carl Freeman – Policy Manager
Research contact / Jenny Cook Head of Research and Strategy
Newsletter / Forward – published four times a year
Guide Dog Matters – published four times a year
Giving – published four times a year
Magazine / As above
Links/Other cross sector groups
Achievements/
Successes which have met the UK Vision Strategy priorities in the last six months. Explain which priority each item has met. / My Guide pilot – developing and piloting a standard training package and approach to sighted guiding, working in partnership with key sector charities as well as local associations (priority three)
Increasing the number of new guide dog partnerships in 2011 (target 800, achieved 822) (priority three)
Campaigning on silent vehicles, AV on buses, shared surfaces (including changing the Exhibition Road (London) plans to incorporate corded paving etc
Key projects/objectives over next six months which are working towards the three UK Vision Strategy priorities
**Indicates looking for support or collaboration from members** / Expanding our range of mobility services
Further development of the My Guide service
Continuing campaigns mentioned above
International Glaucoma Association Communications group report
Date completed: 20 March 2012
Organisation / International Glaucoma AssociationCEO/Director / David Wright, Chief Executive
Website /
Social media channels / Twitter: @tweet_iga
Background / The International Glaucoma Association is the charity for people with glaucoma, with the mission to raise awareness of glaucoma, promote research related to early diagnosis and treatment and to provide support to patients and all those who care for them.
Communications/
Marketing/
PR contacts / Alex Painter
Head of Marketing and PR
Direct line: 01233 64 81 69
Mobile: 07856 68 79 31
Email:
Out of hours press office contact details / 07856 68 79 31 Alex Painter’s work mobile
Policy/Public Affairs contacts / As above
Research contact / N/A
Newsletter / IGA News – sent quarterly to members
Magazine / N/A
Links/Other cross sector groups / David Wright sits on the steering group for National Eye Health Week
Links with Optical Confederation
Achievements/
Successes which have met the UK Vision Strategy priorities in the last six months. Explain which priority each item has met. /
Outcome 2: Eliminate avoidable sight loss and deliver excellent support for people with sight loss
Helping to set up glaucoma patient support meetings throughout the UK.Providing free literature to hospital eye departments and to individuals.
Providing ‘compliance briefcases’ free of charge to hospital eye departments.
World Glaucoma Week – raising awareness of glaucoma in general – supporting events in town centres and other locations.
Key projects/objectives over next six months which are working towards the three UK Vision Strategy priorities
**Indicates looking for support or collaboration from members** / Outcome 2: Eliminate avoidable sight loss and deliver excellent support for people with sight loss
National Glaucoma Awareness Week, 11th–17th June – raising awareness of glaucoma in general.
Aiming to raise awareness of IGA services among optometrists, as they take on greater responsibility for managing glaucoma patients.
UK Vision Strategy Communications group report
Date completed: March 2012
Organisation / Local Optical Committee Support UnitCEO/Director / Chairman Alan Tinger
Director of Operations and Commissioning, Katrina Venerus
Website /
Social media channels / Twitter:@LOCSU
Background / LOCSU’s main purpose is to support local and regional optical committees to increase the role of optometrists and opticians in delivering high quality eyecare services in the community.
Communications/
Marketing/
PR contacts / Jenny Manchester, Communications Manager
Local Optical Committee Support Unit
2, Woodbridge Street, London EC1R 0DG
Main Tel: 020 7549 2050
Jacque Hudson DDI: 020 7549 2051
Mobile:07703 677697
Out of hours press office contact details / Mobile:07703 677697
Policy/Public Affairs contacts / N/A
Research contact / N/A
Newsletter / LOCSU News (every two months)
Magazine
Links/Other cross sector groups / Katrina Venerus is a member of the National Clinical Commissioning Network
Achievements/
Successes which have met the UK Vision Strategy priorities in the last six months. Explain which priority each item has met. / Priority 2: Eliminating avoidable sight loss and delivering excellent support for people with sight loss
Working with the NHS Commissioning Board’s implementation team to shape and promote Local Professional Networks (LPNs) for eyecare. The LPNs are intended to influence Clinical Commissioning Groups and Health and Wellbeing Boards in the new NHS and improve local eye health services.
Providing training and accreditation to enable optometrists and opticians to deliver a Community Optical Low Vision Service.
Key projects/objectives over next six months which are working towards the three UK Vision Strategy priorities
**Indicates looking for support or collaboration from members** /
Priority 1: Improving the eye health of the people of the UK
- **Launch of the Ophthalmic Public Health Network
- need support from members to disseminate communications about the Public Health network to their members/ stakeholders and to encourage people with an interest in ophthalmic public health hand prevention of sight loss to join the network
- Launch of web-based map of local eyecare services England (and subsequently Wales)
- Launch of new LOCSU enhanced service pathway for people with learning disabilities.
UK Vision Strategy Communications group report
Date completed: March 2012
Organisation / Macular Disease SocietyCEO/Director / Helen Jackman, Chief Executive
Website /
Social media channels / Twitter: @mdsociety
Background /
Our Vision
A cure for macular disease in the future; excellence in treatment, rehabilitation and support now.Our Mission
To promote independence, confidence and quality of life for people with macular disease.Communications/
Marketing/
PR contacts / Cathy Yelf
Head of External Relations
Direct line: 01264 321 976
Mobile: 07775 683 452
Email:
Susanna Woods
Communications Officer
Direct line: 01264 321 983
Email:
Tim Goddard
PR and Campaigns Assistant
Direct line: 01264 321 987
Email:
Out of hours press office contact details / Cathy Yelf
Head of External Relations
Mobile: 07775 683 452
Policy/Public Affairs contacts / As above
Research contact / Helen Jackman
Chief Executive
Direct line: 01264 321 973
Newsletter / E-newsletter sent out monthly to members and supporters with email access.
Magazine / Quarterly magazine Side View, distributed to all members. Publication edited by Susanna Woods.
Deadline for next edition 21 May.
Annual scientific journal Digest, distributed to members and professionals. Publication edited by Susanna Woods.
Links/Other cross sector groups / - Vision 2020 Macular Interest Group
- Vision 2020 Dementia and Sight Loss Interest Group
- Vision 2020 Social Research Group
Achievements/
Successes which have met the UK Vision Strategy priorities in the last six months. Explain which priority each item has met. / Improving the eye health of people in the UK/Eliminating avoidable sight loss
-The publication of prevalence data in the British Journal of Ophthalmology, suggesting 84,000 people a year develop AMD, 40,000 of which wet AMD. The research also shows 500,000 people are affected by AMD in the UK, a figure which is estimated to rise to 650,000 by 2020. This data will inform the commissioning of services and care.
Inclusion, participation and independence for people with sight loss
-Continued marketing of Eccentric Viewing programme as we expand to new areas of the country and partner with other local organizations to provide the tuition.
-Top Doctors tour with the Royal College of Ophthalmologists, will be visiting eight locations across the UK. These will include a talk from a local consultant and researcher.
-Press work surrounding new support group launches, we aim to have 250 by the end of the year.
-Update on patient materials, including revised versions of the Guide to AMD and Guide to JMD.
Key projects/objectives over next six months which are working towards the three UK Vision Strategy priorities
**Indicates looking for support or collaboration from members** / Improving the eye health of people in the UK/Eliminating avoidable sight loss
-Widening the scope of our research to be more proactive, including exploring opportunities for joint research projects.
Inclusion, participation and independence for people with sight loss
-Increased accessibility of materials by producing more in audio formats.
-Annual Awards scheme to celebrate the work of health care professionals and volunteers.
-Tea for MD fundraising parties held by our members across the UK, including one at the House of Commons!
-Art exhibition in September to celebrate the work of those affected by macular disease and increase awareness of the condition.
-Commissioning a literature review for Eccentric Viewing to build the evidence base of how the techniques benefit people with central vision loss.
UK Vision Strategy Communications group report