Latest News from Dorset LOC 24 September 2026
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 testing, children’s eye health, healthy ageing, digital eye strain, and the role healthy lifestyle choices play in protecting vision. The campaign aims to encourage the public to take proactive steps to look after their eyes and understand the importance of maintaining good sight throughout life.
Practices are encouraged to continue supporting the campaign through their own communication channels, including social media, websites, practice screens, newsletters, and patient conversations. Even small actions can help amplify key eye health messages and reach more people in our local communities.
For campaign resources, ideas, downloadable content, and information on organisations to follow, visit the Vision Matters National Eye Health Week website:
https://www.visionmatters.org.uk
Let’s continue working together to promote eye health and encourage patients to prioritise their vision.
Primary Eyecare Services Update: Practice Compliance Documentation Reminders
Primary Eyecare Services has issued a reminder regarding mandatory practice and practitioner compliance documentation within OPERA.
Pop-up notifications have been displayed on Practice Profiles since late 2025 and will continue to appear each time users log in. These notifications are designed to reduce the need for separate reminder emails and alert practices when documentation is missing, due for renewal, or has expired.
Practices should regularly review and maintain the following documents:
- GOS Contract Checklist
- NHS Contract Checklist
- Data Security and Protection Toolkit (DSPT)
- Practice Annual Declaration
It is essential that documentation is uploaded promptly whenever it is renewed or updated. Failure to keep records current may result in restricted access to clinical forms until the required documentation has been uploaded and verified.
For guidance on updating Practice Profiles, visit the Primary Eyecare Services help page: Practice Profiles – Primary Eyecare Services
Questions regarding document uploads or compliance requirements can be directed to: hello@referral.support
OPERA Update: Improved ‘Update Episode’ Functionality
Primary Eyecare Services has introduced an enhancement to the ‘Update Episode’ feature within OPERA.
Previously, selecting ‘Update Episode’ redirected users to an external JotForm. This process has now been integrated directly into OPERA through a new in-app form, creating a more streamlined user experience.
Key points include:
- Update options are now tailored to the specific service associated with the episode.
- Available actions may vary depending on episode status and the availability of a Referral Summary document.
- Where an update action is not available, users will receive a clear on-screen notification.
- All update activity will continue to be recorded for audit and operational purposes, including the user completing the action, the URN, and the action selected.
This improvement is designed to make episode management more efficient by keeping the process entirely within OPERA.
Further information and guidance can be found on the OPERA help page.
For support, users can contact the Primary Eyecare Services team using the blue support bubble within OPERA or by emailing: hello@referral.support
Quick Reminder: Live Well to See Well
As part of National Eye Health Week, remember that healthy lifestyle choices can help protect vision and support lifelong eye health:
- Protect your eyes from UV exposure when the UV index is 3 or above
- Eat a healthy, balanced diet
- Stay active
- Don’t smoke
- Follow the 20-20-20 screen rule
- Maintain a healthy weight
- Spend time outdoors
Live well to see well. Every conversation about eye health has the potential to make a difference.
Dorset LOC Latest News
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