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Latest News from Dorset LOC – 02 October 2026

2 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 NHS-funded care, helping practices improve patient experience and reduce complaints.

Topics will include communicating costs clearly, managing patient expectations, improving consistency across practice teams and supporting high-quality patient care.

Date: Monday 12 October 2026
Time: 7.00pm to 8.15pm
Venue: Zoom
CPD: 3 Interactive CPD Points for Optometrists and Dispensing Opticians

Registration: Book here

October Awareness Campaigns for Practices

Supporting Eye Health and Wellbeing This October

October presents several opportunities for practices to engage patients and promote important public health messages through social media, practice websites and in-practice communications.

– Eye Injury Prevention Month

A month-long campaign raising awareness of the importance of protecting vision in the workplace, during leisure activities and at home.

– World Sight Day – 8 October

A global initiative highlighting the importance of regular sight tests, early detection of eye conditions and access to quality eye care services.

– World Mental Health Day – 10 October

An opportunity to support conversations around mental wellbeing and recognise the important connection between overall health and quality of life.

Practices may wish to use these campaigns to share eye safety advice, encourage regular eye examinations, promote wellbeing and highlight the valuable role community optometry plays in supporting local populations.

Together, these awareness campaigns provide an excellent opportunity to reinforce the message that healthy eyes and healthy communities go hand in hand.

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. …

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, …

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, …

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 …

9 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 …

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 …

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 …

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 …

9 July 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 …

22 June 2026

LOCSU Latest news

Referrals during the Microsoft Outage

We know LOCs are being contacted by practices who are concerned about how to refer patients while systems are affected.

13 November 2026