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Berkshire LOC Latest News

Optometry PPE Engagement Panel

Optometry PPE Engagement Panel The Department of Health & Social Care is recruiting panel members for Optometry PPE engagement panels to gather feedback on the quality and quantity of PPE provided to meet service needs. The purpose of the panels is to provide end-user customers the opportunity to discuss their (COVID) PPE provision experiences, in …

27 August 2021

Covid 19 – Resumption of patient signatures on GOS Forms

Covid 19 – Resumption of patient signatures on GOS Forms 25 August 2021 The DHSC has informed OFNC that the COVID-19 suspension of the requirement for patient signatures on GOS forms will end on 31 August 2021. This means that patient signatures will be required on all GOS forms from Wednesday 1 September. Patient signatures …

25 August 2021

PCSE – Improvements made to Ophthalmic online system

    We’re pleased to confirm the following improvements have been made to our online Ophthalmic solution following system maintenance which took place on Tuesday 13 July:   The issue that was preventing PCSE Online users from signing across the whole of the signature box during the past week has now been resolved PVN same …

25 August 2021

Dry Eye Disease Research – request for help from City University

‘City University, London is conducting research into the how eye care practitioners in the U.K. manage dry eye disease. The data is being collected by distributing a questionnaire to eye care practitioners around the country. Your contribution to this research will be hugely valuable, so please take the time to complete the questionnaire in the …

19 August 2021

Second pairs for children and adults – application process

  Patients are not automatically entitled to a spare pair of spectacles of the same prescription under GOS, but permission may be sought from the NHS England Regional Local Team (RLT) to supply a second pair in “exceptional circumstances” by submitting a second pair application form. Second pairs should not be provided “just in case” …

17 August 2021

Pre-authorisation of Adult GOS 4 claims

National Briefing Pre-authorisation of Adult GOS 4 claims Under GOS (General Ophthalmic Services) Regulations (Optical Payments and Charges Regulations 2013) children and adult patients who qualify for GOS can receive a repair or replacement voucher (GOS4) if they lose or damage their glasses. Children qualify for unlimited repair and replacements, but adults only qualify if …

16 August 2021

Updated PHE guidance on NHS staff and student self-isolation and return to work

Dear colleague Updated PHE guidance on NHS staff and student self-isolation and return to work following COVID-19 contact As of 16 August 2021 the government is changing the requirements to self-isolate following a positive COVID-19 contact. We’re writing to inform you of how this change will impact staff and students working in the NHS. This …

16 August 2021

CET Claims -The 2021 claims window is now open and will close on 31 October.

CET claims can now be submitted online directly via PCSE Online or through your Patient Management System.    

7 August 2021

Research Project Help Request

Dear Colleagues, I’m an optometrist working towards a professional doctorate in optometry from London South Bank University, with Professors Bruce Evans & David Edgar. I’m writing to ask if you would circulate a request for LOCs to help promote awareness of a research project among community optometrists /dispensing opticians. The research project is on vision …

4 August 2021

OFNC Statement on GOS contract management functions

23 July 2021 GOS CONTRACT MANAGEMENT FUNCTIONS TO MOVE TO INTEGRATED CARE BOARDS FROM APRIL 2022 NHS England has confirmed to the OFNC that General Ophthalmic Services (GOS) will remain a national contract with terms, fees and grants continuing to be negotiated nationally. The Health and Care Bill, currently before Parliament, will change NHS commissioning …

2 August 2021

LOCSU Latest News

Healthcare Reforms Must Include Wider Use of Primary Eye Care, Optical Leaders Urge Minister for Care

The College of Optometrists and the OFNC call on the government to make a long-term commitment to primary eye care.

23 May 2025

“You Have Superpowers!”: NOC25 Inspires LOCs To Lead Transformational Change

As the curtain falls on NOC25, the 250 delegates from across England are reflecting on the conference theme “Leadership in a Time of Change”.

22 May 2025

NOC25 App Now Available for Download!

Delegates can now use the app to view and book workshops for Sunday 18 May, ensuring they secure a spot in the sessions that interest them the most.

2 May 2025

Professor Sally Lewis to Deliver NOC 2025 Opening Keynote

The theme of this year’s NOC conference is ‘Leadership in a time of change’ and we are delighted to kick it off with a dynamic note keynote speech from Professor Sally Lewis.

29 April 2025

Find out about upcoming events

Find out about upcoming events