Clinical Governance

Quality in Optometry - Toolkits for Clinical Governance in Optometric Practice (England and Wales)

The professional bodies (ABDO, AOP, College of Optometrists and FODO) have designed two, separate toolkits for England and Wales entitled 'Quality in Optometry - A Toolkit for Clinical Governance in Optometric Practice'. They explain what clinical governance means and its relevance to optometry. They are entirely web-based and will assist practitioners in meeting all aspects of clinical governance. These aspects are divided into four levels. Level 1 covers legal or mandatory requirements and level 2 covers good clinical practice. Both levels fall into the 'core standards' category of clinical governance. Levels 3 and 4 are aspirational and fall into the 'development standards' category.

You can click here to access the Quality in Optometry (QiO) website and find out how to navigate your way around the information and check list which has been designed specifically for optometry. You will find that all the help you will need is available on line as you go through the check list via links to background and additional information.

Remember, the provision of clinical governance information is not a requirement of your GOS contract and is not funded by GOS. While it remains a good thing to do for your own practice, it does require remuneration if you are to provide information to others. LOCSU, with the professional bodies, have prepared a suggested response for LOCs who have been asked by PCTs for clinical governance information. The letter points out that clinical governance is not part of GOS and draws the PCT's attention to the QiO , as the national approach to clinical governance by the profession. Please click here for a copy of that advice and if you would like  an information leaflet on clinical governance, please click here

LOCSU has information on local clinical governance arrangements which LOCs/AOCs have made with their PCTs/LHBs. Please contact us if you would like access to it.