Latest News from Dorset LOC – 09 July 2026
9 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 to support a smooth transition to the updated payment schema.
If you identify any unexpected changes, errors or anomalies during testing, please email pcse.pmsegos@nhs.net
- Your organisation code and user name (email address)
- Details of the issue encountered
- Screenshots (where possible)
- Test claim ID(s)
- Any error messages received
The PCSE Ophthalmic Payments Team will review and investigate reported issues.
Action for Practices: Please ensure any relevant staff complete testing and report any issues before the UAT window closes on 10 July.
Quality in Optometry (QiO) 2025-2028 Cycle Submission Reminder
All GOS contractors are reminded that Quality in Optometry (QiO) is the national optical assurance programme and that completion of the QiO self-assessment is a mandatory contractual requirement under GOS terms of service.
Following agreement across the South West, all contractors are asked to complete their QiO 2025–2028 cycle submission by 23:59 on Friday 27 November 2026.
The QiO self-assessment is completed through the online LOCSU portal and provides assurance of compliance with key contractual, safety and quality standards across optometry services in England.
The South West QiO programme team will continue to issue regular reminders to practices that have not yet submitted, with reminder frequency increasing as the November deadline approaches.
Action for Contractors: If you have not yet completed your submission, please access the QiO Portal and submit your return before the local deadline:
QiO Portal: https://www.
Contractors who have not submitted by the closure date will be contacted regarding their outstanding return.
If you require support with your submission, please contact the NHS South West Optometry Team.
Amber Heat Health Alert Issued for South West England
The UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA) and the Met Office have issued an Amber Heat Health Alert for the South West of England, in effect until 9:00pm on Sunday 12 July 2026.An amber alert indicates that high temperatures are likely to impact the wider population and place additional pressure on health and care services.While optometry practices are not directly affected by medicine storage requirements, practices should be mindful of the impact of hot weather on patients, particularly those who may be older, clinically vulnerable or at risk of dehydration.
Key messages for practices to share with patients include:
- Stay well hydrated and avoid prolonged sun exposure during the hottest parts of the day.
- Be aware of the symptoms of heat exhaustion and heatstroke, including dizziness, headaches, confusion and dehydration.
- Patients with respiratory conditions, including asthma, should ensure they have access to their regular medication as warm weather and high pollen levels can exacerbate symptoms.
- Check on vulnerable family members, friends and neighbours during periods of extreme heat.
Practices may also wish to display or share Government and UKHSA resources to support public awareness of staying safe in hot weather.Above all, please ensure that practice teams take regular breaks, keep work areas as cool as possible and stay hydrated throughout the heatwave period.
Dorset LOC Latest News
Latest News from Dorset LOC – 13 November 2026
Opportunity: Scope Glaucoma Qualification Bursary Scheme 2026/2027 Scope Eyecare is offering three bursaries of £1,000 each to support GOC-registered optometrists pursuing a Professional Certificate, Higher Certificate, or Diploma in Glaucoma. This opportunity is open to practitioners based in England, Wales, or Northern Ireland who work at least one day a week in high street practice. …
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13 November 2026
Latest News from Dorset LOC – 6 November 2026
Cataract Services Discussion Workshop Interactive CPD Session for Cataract Service Providers Primary Eyecare Services is hosting an interactive Cataract Services Discussion Workshop for practitioners providing enhanced cataract referral and/or post-operative cataract services. Monday 23 November 7.00pm – 8.15pm Online via Zoom 3 Interactive CPD Points This engaging discussion workshop provides an opportunity to share experiences, …
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6 November 2026
Latest News from Dorset LOC – 16 October 2026
CPD Opportunity: Sapphire Eye Care Annual Education Evening Join Colleagues for an Evening of Learning and Networking Sapphire Eye Care is delighted to host its 7th Annual CPD Event on Monday 23 November 2026 at the prestigious Chewton Glen Hotel. This popular event offers eye care professionals an excellent opportunity to gain valuable clinical insights, …
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16 October 2026
Latest News from Dorset LOC – 09 October 2026
World Sight Day 2026 – Thursday 10 October World Sight Day: Make Eye Health a Priority World Sight Day takes place on Thursday 10 October and is a valuable opportunity to raise awareness of the importance of regular eye examinations and good eye health.Eye care professionals play a vital role in helping patients protect their …
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9 October 2026
Latest News from Dorset LOC – 02 October 2026
Quality in Enhanced Eyecare Services Discussion Workshop Managing Unexpected Charges in Enhanced Eyecare Services Primary Eyecare Services is hosting an interactive discussion workshop focusing on unexpected charges, one of the most common themes identified in service-related complaints. Using real-world case studies, the workshop will explore effective communication around service scope, patient charges and eligibility for …
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2 October 2026
Optometry Bulletin September 2026
Optometry Bulletin September 2026 Please find attached a copy of the Optometry Bulletin for September 2026, produced by NHS South West Collaborative Commissioning Hub. September 2026 Bulletin
30 September 2026
Latest News from Dorset LOC 24 September 2026
National Eye Health Week Continues: There’s Still Time to Get Involved National Eye Health Week is still underway, with three days remaining to support this year’s campaign and help raise awareness of the importance of good eye health across our communities. So far, the week has highlighted a range of important topics, including regular sight …
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24 September 2026
Latest News from Dorset LOC – 08 September 2026
Post-Operative Cataract Services in the Community: Pathway, Protocols and Benefits to Patient Care 16 September 2026 | 7:00pm to 8:15pm 1 Interactive CPD Point (CPD No: C-108562) This webinar is designed for newly qualified practitioners, those new to community post-operative cataract services, and anyone wanting a refresher on cataract pathways, protocols and service delivery. The …
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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
Reminder: MECS Appointment Eligibility
We would like to remind all contractors that MECS appointments must not be carried out for patients under the age of 16 or for those whose GP is located outside of Dorset. This is because the current contract with CHEC does not cover these specific patient groups. Thank you for your cooperation in ensuring that …
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22 June 2026