MECS Pharmacy List
The list of pharmacies that accept MECS written orders has been updated. Please visit the Useful Documents page on the website to find the link.
24 January 2026
News
Durham LOC Latest News
MECS Service Reminder
If a patient contacts your practice to book a MECS appointment, you must offer them an appointment within the recommended time frame based on their symptoms. If you cannot offer them a suitable appointment, you are obliged to find them an appointment elsewhere. If the patient declines an appointment you have offered within the time …
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18 December 2025
Durham Cataract Pre-Op Scheme Decommissioned
We are disappointed to communicate the news that the ICB has chosen to decommission the Cataract Pre-op scheme in our area. As of 04/08/2025 referrals in to this scheme will cease. From this date, any referrals for cataract should be directed through the GP. The following elements of the cataract pre-op assessment were part of …
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20 July 2025
A Great AGM and CPD Event
Thank you everyone who came to the Durham LOC CPD and AGM Event! We hope you all enjoyed the Peer Review and the updates from LOCSU and PES. Thank you Nina Hodgkiss, Andy Byrne and Naomi Smith. We are also happy to announce we have 2 new committee members – an Optometrist Performer and a …
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6 June 2025
Durham LOC AGM Attendance Link
The Durham LOC AGM is on Wednesday 4th June at the Ramside Hall Hotel, Durham. This includes a 3 point CPD Peer Review as well as local updates. We’d love you to join us! Attendance invite link below: https://www.eventleaf.com/Attendee/Attendee/EventPage?eId=%2FFgsqg56dynyzTZ%2B1Z%2BfmA%3D%3D
20 May 2025
Durham LOC AGM
The Annual General Meeting (AGM) of Durham LOC will be held on Wednesday 4th June at Ramside Hall Hotel, Durham with a start time of 6.30pm. In addition to the AGM, we will be providing free CPD in the form of a peer review. Keep a watch on your emails for the registration link which …
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25 April 2025
Change of Date for Next Meeting
Our next committee meeting will now be Tuesday 8th April at 6.45pm via Zoom. One day later than planned. As always, observers are welcome, please contact us if you would like a link to join.
1 April 2025
Funding for Higher Qualifications
There is still some funding available for Higher Qualifications for practitioners working within the NENC ICB footprint for 50% of their working week. All relevant information was sent out to our mailing list a few weeks ago. Funding is limited, so apply ASAP if you are interested.
9 March 2025
Primary Care Workforce Strategy
The Primary Care Collaborative is being supported by the NECS to help develop a Primary Care Workforce Strategy. We would really love to understand how our workforce feels, this really short questionnaire has been designed to help us try and gauge the feelings of those who work with us across the North East and Cumbria. …
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18 February 2025
LOCSU Latest News
LOCSU Bulletin – 06 February 2026, Issue 81
LOCSU have this morning shared the latest edition of the bulletin, packed with useful information for LOCs and important signposting.
6 February 2026
OFNC Statement: NHS Sexual Safety Charter Update
Many primary eye care practices will be aware of the recent communication from ICBs and/or NHSE Regional Teams in which they requested practices sign up to the NHS Sexual Safety Charter.
6 February 2026