World Optometry Week 2026 – Dorset LOC Update
23 March 2026
This week marks World Optometry Week 2026, an annual opportunity to celebrate the vital role that optometrists and optical practices play in protecting eye health and supporting our communities.
Across Dorset, contractors and performers continue to deliver high‑quality, accessible eyecare—often acting as the first point of contact for patients seeking advice, reassurance, and clinical expertise. World Optometry Week is a timely reminder of the impact our profession has every day, from preventing avoidable sight loss to supporting wider public health priorities.
The global theme for 2026 focuses on “Optometry as Essential Primary Care”, highlighting the importance of integrating community eyecare into wider health systems. This aligns closely with ongoing work in Dorset to strengthen pathways, improve access, and ensure patients receive the right care in the right place.
Celebrating Optometry in Dorset
We want to take this opportunity to thank all Dorset practices for:
- Delivering high‑quality clinical care in increasingly challenging conditions
- Supporting patients with urgent eye problems
- Providing essential monitoring and care
- Championing eye health within local communities
Your work is valued, recognised, and essential.
Get Involved
Throughout the week, practices may wish to:
- Share eye‑health messages on social media
- Highlight the role of optometry teams within your practice
- Promote the importance of regular sight tests
- Engage with local community groups or patient networks
If you’d like ready‑made graphics or messaging, the World Council of Optometry and other professional bodies have downloadable resources available.
Stay Connected
We’ll continue to share updates, resources, and local developments on the Dorset LOC website. If your practice is doing something special for World Optometry Week, we’d love to hear about it!
Thank you once again for your continued professionalism and commitment to patient care.
Dorset LOC
Dorset LOC Latest News
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8 September 2026
Latest News from Dorset LOC – 21 August 2026
Have Your Say: Ophthalmic Payments Service Review NHS England has commissioned a discovery exercise to better understand the current Ophthalmic Payments Service and identify opportunities for improvement. They are keen to hear from colleagues who have experience using or working with the service. Your feedback will help identify challenges, understand local processes, and capture any …
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21 August 2026
Latest News from Dorset LOC – 09 July 2026
Reminder: Ophthalmic Payments UAT Testing Closes 10 July 2026 A reminder that User Acceptance Testing (UAT) for the updated ophthalmic payments system is currently underway and remains open until Friday 10 July. Practices and providers are encouraged to complete their testing, if they have not already done so, to help ensure systems are ready ahead of the go-live date and …
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Reminder: MECS Appointment Eligibility
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22 June 2026
Important! OFNC Survey: Contractors Urged to Share Evidence on Unfunded GOS Work
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4 June 2026
Notification of Annual General Meeting & CPD Event 20th May 2026
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16 April 2026
Official Update – CHEC Community Ophthalmology Service Extended until March 2027
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19 March 2026
Dorset LOC CPD Study Day Sunday 26th April 2026 – Book Now!
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10 March 2026
Upcoming CPD Webinar – Advancing the Standard of Care in AMD (1 CPD Point)
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