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Hot Weather Toolkit 2026 (1) The UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA) has issued a red heat-health (HHA) for the South West from 01:00am on Wednesday 24 June until 11:00pm on Thursday 25 June. This is the second time a red HHA has been issued, the first having been issued in July 2022. A red heat-health …
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23 June 2026
To All local Contractors & Performers in the Avon LOC area: Notification of Annual General Meeting The Annual General Meeting (AGM) of the Avon LOC will be held on Wednesday 6th May, 630pm at Bristol & Bath Science Park, Dirac Cres, Bristol BS16 7FR The evening will begin with a buffet and finish with a CPD lecture – more details …
Continue reading “Avon LOC AGM & Education Evening – Wednesday 6th May 2026”
25 March 2026
With over 15 years on the Avon LOC committee — including time as Vice Chair and now as BaNES Lead — Andrew Edwards has seen significant change in community eye care. We caught up with him to reflect on how things have evolved, what he’s most proud of, and what he thinks the future …
Continue reading “Meet the Committee – Andrew Edwards”
16 March 2026
(Hosted by Newmedica Bristol Tuesday 28 April 2026, 18:00–21:00) Avon LOC members are warmly invited to attend Newmedica Bristol’s next CPD event at their Aztec West clinic. This 3‑point interactive workshop is designed for optometrists and dispensing opticians who want to strengthen their confidence in recognising and managing trichiasis and entropion in primary care. The session focuses on practical differentiation between …
Continue reading “Newmedica CPD Event – Eye‑dentify – Trichiasis vs Entropion”
11 March 2026
Uniting for a Glaucoma-Free World – Glaucoma Awareness Week 2026 Monday 9th March marks the start of World Glaucoma Week, as we come together to fight for a glaucoma-free future. Organised by the World Glaucoma Association, the week invites patients, eye care providers, health officials and the public to join forces in creating …
9 March 2026
📣 VOLUNTEERS NEEDED THIS SATURDAY! 👀💙 Volunteers are needed for the Optoversity Challenge 2026 in Thornbury (Bristol) on Saturday 7th February This fun, inter‑university competition raises vital funds for Vision Care, a charity providing eye care support for people affected by homelessness. 🏥✨ Volunteers are needed to be: 📝 Mock assessors 🧑⚕️ Mock patients 🤝 …
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3 February 2026
Primary Eyecare Services has shared details of two upcoming online discussion workshops offering a total of 6 interactive CPD points for Optometrists and Dispensing Opticians. Both sessions use real case studies and breakout‑room discussion to support reflective learning and good practice within enhanced eyecare services. 1. Quality & Professionalism in Enhanced Eye Care Services A …
13 January 2026
PES Update: New OPERA Functionality for Amending Referral Appointment Dates PES has shared an update regarding new functionality within OPERA that may be helpful for practices delivering commissioned services. Practices and practitioners are now able to amend appointment dates for the following services directly within OPERA: Post Cataract Integrated Children’s Service Glaucoma Monitoring Pre‑Cataract Referral …
Continue reading “PES Update: New OPERA Functionality for Amending Referral Appointment Dates”
12 January 2026
Please see the following request: Dear all, We are third-year optometry students conducting a dissertation study titled “An exploration of myopia control practice in the South West.” We would like to invite you to take part in our anonymised online survey. The questionnaire takes approximately 10–15 minutes to complete. Please read the Participant Information Sheet …
Continue reading “Myopia Control in the Southwest Survey – UWE Students”
5 January 2026
NHS England has issued an update on general ophthalmic services (GOS) fees and payments, including changes to the NHS sight test fee, the 2024 continuing professional development (CPD) payment, and the clinical placement training payment effective from 1 April 2025. Practices are advised to share this information with all staff involved in GOS delivery, including …
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5 January 2026
LOCSU have shared the latest edition of our bi-weekly bulletin, including useful information, guidance for LOCs, new resources, and important signposting.
10 July 2026
Organised by Glaucoma UK, the week encourages patients, eye care providers and the public to hold conversations about glaucoma.
6 July 2026