About Buckinghamshire LOC
Established by the NHS (Amendment) Act 1949, Local Optical Committees (LOCs) were formed to be the official representatives for all GOS contractors and practitioners within their area, and to work with their local commissioners (ICBs) and NHS regional teams on matters relating to NHS optical services. LOCs are funded by a statutory levy on GOS sight tests in their locality.
Buckinghamshire Local Optical Committee (LOC) represents and supports community optometrists and optical practices across Buckinghamshire and Milton Keynes. We work closely with NHS partners and Integrated Care Boards (ICBs) across Buckinghamshire, Oxfordshire and Berkshire West (BOB ICB) and Bedfordshire, Luton and Milton Keynes (BLMK ICB) to support the development of high-quality, accessible eye care services.
From 1st April 2026, NHS structures have changed, with BOB ICB merging into the new NHS Thames Valley ICB, and BLMK ICB becoming part of the new NHS Central East ICB
The LOC’s primary functions are: to ensure the smooth running of General Ophthalmic Services within Buckinghamshire and Milton Keynes; to liaise with NHS England, ICBs and other relevant bodies to help shape eye care services that meet local need; and to contribute to the development of eye health pathways and matters affecting optical professionals. In addition, the LOC supports optometrists and dispensing opticians in keeping up to date with key changes and in meeting their professional responsibilities.
It also sees its function as maintaining high standards of practice and runs many educational courses. For this purpose it is registered with the GOC as a CPD provider.
Dispensing opticians who are not contractors are also welcome and encouraged to engage with the LOC and attend events.
Main objectives of Bucks LOC
- Inform, advise and negotiate with local organisations including the local contract managers of General Ophthalmic Services (GOS) and local commissioners of extended primary eyecare services.
- Facilitate and encourage local contractors and performers to identify opportunities to improve local eye care provision, presenting collective views for the betterment of local health care and outcomes.
- Disseminate information among local contractors and performers to help them to understand and comply with their duties.
- Convey the LOC views, and those of local contractors and performers, to the national representative bodies
- Contribute to the development of national policies
- Arrange and run events for contractors and performers for education and networking
- Liaise with other LOCs and LOCSU to support the LOC in developing and achieving their objectives
- Work with non-optical organisations including Local Representative Committees (LRCs), third sector, local authorities, specialist bodies (such as safeguarding and falls teams) and any other body and stakeholder with relevant remits
- Work with Local Medical Committees, Local Pharmaceutical Committees and Local Dentistry Committees to ensure the role of primary care is recognised in the wider healthcare sector.
- Obtain support, advice and training services from LOCSU and/or the national representative bodies and extend this benefit to the wider practice workforce in local areas.