News

NHS England Issues Update on General Ophthalmic Services Payments

NHS England has issued an update on general ophthalmic services (GOS) fees and payments, including changes to the NHS sight test fee, the 2024 continuing professional development (CPD) payment, and the clinical placement training payment effective from 1 April 2025. Practices are advised to share this information with all staff involved in GOS delivery, including …

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5 January 2026

Extraordinary General Meeting Notification Dorset LOC | Wednesday 14 January 2026 | 7:00 pm

Extraordinary General Meeting Notification Dorset LOC | Wednesday 14 January 2026 | 7:00 pm Dear Colleague, Dorset LOC invites all constituents to attend an Extraordinary General Meeting (EGM) on Wednesday 14 January 2026 at 7:00 pm. The EGM has been called to vote on the adoption of the new constitution. (The draft constitution is attached to this invitation) We kindly ask that any questions …

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5 January 2026

Important Update from the Dorset LOC: PIFU Pathway for Post-Cataract

The following invitation was sent out by NHS Dorset to Ophthalmic Contractors. Dorset LOC do not agree with the use of PIFU for the follow-up of low complexity routine cataract surgery. Dorset LOC have been in discussions with NHS Dorset, the hospital Trusts & Independent Service Providers about the proposed Patient-Initiated Follow-Up (PIFU) pathway for post-cataract procedures. We …

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24 November 2025

OFNC update on delays: 2025/26 fees, Pre-reg and CPD grants

The following statement was released by OFNC: Primary eye care providers have been in touch to ask for updates on fees and when they can claim CPD grants. Since the last update on 20 March, OFNC has been in discussions with NHS England about the data it was using to propose 2025/26 fees. The OFNC …

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17 November 2025

SpaMedica – Cataract Post-Operative Accreditation Webinar: Thursday 20th November 2025

On Thursday 20 November, SpaMedica are holding a post-op cataract accreditation webinar with 1 CPD point available. For more information and to book please click the following link: SpaMedica Cataract Post-Operative Accreditation Webinar Flyer

5 November 2025

Online CPD Lecture – Red Eye Evaluation – Wed 19th Nov 2025 18:30hrs

We are pleased to announce an upcoming online CPD lecture from Dorset LOC in partnership with Dorset County Hospital. The event will begin at 1830 until 2000 on Wednesday 19th November. Presenting the lecture will be Miss Krisztina Emeriewen, a Consultant Ophthalmologist at DCH. This lecture is aimed at GPs, Pharmacists, Opticians, Optometrists and any …

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4 November 2025

National Eye Health Week – Day 3: Eyes at Work

Whether you’re behind a desk, on the road, or working outdoors, your eyes are working just as hard as you are. Today, Dorset LOC joins the nationwide campaign to spotlight the importance of protecting your vision in the workplace. Why Eyes at Work Matter From screen glare and poor lighting to airborne irritants and eye …

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24 September 2025

National Eye Health Week: 22-28th September 2025

 National Eye Health Week 2025 – Vision Matters This week marks the start of National Eye Health Week (22–28 September), and Dorset LOC is proud to support the nationwide Vision Matters campaign, raising awareness of the importance of good eye health and regular sight tests. Why Vision Matters Sight is our most precious sense, yet many people still …

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22 September 2025

CHEC – Dorset U16s Exclusion from MECs

CHEC wish to send practices a friendly reminder that under the current local arrangements in Dorset, the Minor Eye Conditions Service (MECs) should not be used to see patients under the age of 16. While it is understood this may already be part of your current practice, CHEC are sending this reminder to all providers …

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16 September 2025

Quality in Optometry Survey Findings

Please see the following LOCSU feedback from the QiO Survey Findings: Dear Colleague, Thank you to those who completed the recent survey on QiO user feedback and we have received responses from across the sector including domiciliary, multiples (nationwide and regional) and single practices. Overwhelmingly responses were positive with 82% of respondents reporting they find …

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1 August 2025