Latest News from Hampshire LOC – 07 July 2023
10 July 2023
Hampshire Medicines Management Team Update
We (Medicines Management Team) need support from our local opticians to help us realise prescribing savings across Hampshire.
We have recently updated our dry eye guidance again to include cost effective switches that we are opting for. We are switching Hylo-Forte and HyloTears to the cost effective brands Eyeaze and ClinOptic. This will apply to the whole of Hampshire including the Isle of Wight.
Wherever possible, patients will be directed to purchase these drops, especially for mild to moderate dry eyes.
The latest guidance and resources are on our new ICS website – here
Hampshire LOC AGM update
This year’s AGM held on the 07 June 2023 at the Solent Hotel and Spa was well attended with 34 out of 45 registered delegates attending. It was a great opportunity for our members to meet up again and catch up on their news.
The peer review CPD also went down well with an overall feedback score of 91% and it was a great opportunity for members of the Committee to act as facilitators.
The Minutes of the AGM and associated reports can be found via the following links.
AGM Minutes – here
Chair’s Report – here
Treasurer’s Report – here
LOCSU Update – here
Primary Eyesore Service Update – here
Hampshire LOC Committee Officers Re-Elected
At the July LOC Committee meeting the following Officers of the Committee were re-elected.
Chair – Bryony Allen
Vice Chair – Rebecca Rushton
Treasurer – Denise Connor
Further information regarding the standing committee can be found – here
NHSE July Update on NHS GOS Contract – Feedback Required
The recent update from NHSE regarding changes to the NHS GOS contract made reference to electronic claims being a contractual requirement from January 2024 as set out below.
Mandating electronic claims – anticipated implementation date: 1 January 2024
PCSE (Primary Care Support England) introduced an electronic payment claims system in 2019 which is accessible via PCSE Online and several practice management systems (PMS). From 1 January 2024 it will be a contractual requirement that all GOS claims are submitted electronically via your practice 2 management system or PCSE Online.
Ongoing support via PSCE will remain in place in order that practices are supported in transition to electronic submission.
As far as Hampshire LOC is aware, there has been no consultation regarding this and has concerns that there may be some practices across Hampshire and Isle of Wight that are not in a position to submit claims electronically.
We would like to hear from you if this is a case and also any other concerns that contractors may have regarding the above statement.
Please reply to our Business Manager at the following email address isilk@hampshireloc.org.uk by Friday 21st July 2023. we will then collate the responses and forward to LOCSU to raise with PCSE and NHSE on our behalf.
Optegra CPD Events 11 July and 12 July 2023
Further information in relation to the 11July event at Hampshire Hospital can be found – here
Further information in relation to the 12 July event at Surrey Hospital can be found – here
CPD Event CHEC Basingstoke – 20 July 2023
“Wellbeing in the Workplace” CPD Event, worth 3 Points. For more details and how to register use the link – here
Frimley CPD Event – Ocular Emergencies – 13 July 2023
Frimley Park Hospital are holding a CPD event on Thursday 13 July 2023.
Further details and registration can be found – here
TUESDAY 1st AUGUST 2023
South East Regional LOCs – CPD Evening – 1 Interactive Point
Lorcan Butler – The Optical Engagement Manager will be presenting a CPD Educational event to South Eastern Local Optical Committees combined.
All Optometrists, Dispensing Opticians, Contact Lens Opticians and Pre-Reg Students are more than welcome.
This is a Save The Date Notification.
Registration Link will be sent out closer to the date
TITLE: Leadership in Optometry
Lorcan Butler is a Dispensing Optician & Optometrist who works for The Brain Tumour Charity. Lorcan has given this presentation in the past to numerous optical associations, Optical Conferences and other LOCS across England.
This presentation will be worth 1 CPD point, Interactive, GOC Core Domain: Leadership
Hampshire LOC Latest News
Latest News from Hampshire LOC – 06 November 2026
Information from the Local Pharmacy Committee: NHS Hypertension Case Finding Service Dear Colleagues, We wanted to raise awareness of the NHS Hypertension Case-Finding Service (HCFS), which is available through many community pharmacies across Hampshire and the Isle of Wight. The service supports the early detection of high blood pressure by offering in-pharmacy blood pressure checks …
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6 November 2026
Latest News From Hampshire LOC – 23 October 2026
Patient Complaints Template Available Following CUES Decommissioning Supporting Patients Who Wish to Raise Concerns The Hampshire LOC and LOCSU have developed a template letter for practices to provide to patients who previously accessed CUES and wish to express dissatisfaction regarding recent service changes. The letter encourages patients to direct their concerns and feedback appropriately to …
Continue reading “Latest News From Hampshire LOC – 23 October 2026”
23 October 2026
Hampshire LOC Newsletter – 16 October 2026
Low Vision and Stable Glaucoma Services to Continue in 2026/27 Service Continuity Confirmed The ICB has confirmed that both the Low Vision Service and Stable Glaucoma Service will continue throughout the 2026/27 financial year under existing service arrangements. Practices are asked to continue seeing and supporting patients as usual while discussions regarding future contract renewals …
Continue reading “Hampshire LOC Newsletter – 16 October 2026”
16 October 2026
Hampshire LOC Email Errors Now Resolved- 09 October 2026
Hampshire LOC Email Service Restored We are pleased to confirm that the Hampshire LOC email system is now fully operational following recent domain-related issues. If you previously attempted to contact us and did not receive a response, we kindly ask that you resend your email. We apologise for any inconvenience caused and appreciate your patience …
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9 October 2026
Latest News from Hampshire LOC – 09 October 2026
REMINDER: Hampshire LOC Strategy Planning Day – We Need Your Feedback! Hampshire LOC Committee will be holding a dedicated Strategy Planning Day on 12 October 2026, bringing together the whole committee to review our progress and set our priorities and objectives for the year ahead. To help ensure our plans reflect the needs of the profession, …
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9 October 2026
Hampshire LOC Email Errors – 08 October 2026
Server Errors Hampshire LOC are experiencing technical issues receiving emails from outside our organisation. Please bear with us while we work on the solution. You can still contact us using our social media pages Facebook and LinkedIn Many thanks, Hampshire LOC
8 October 2026
Latest News from Hampshire LOC – 02 October 2026
Hampshire LOC Strategy Planning Day – We Need Your Feedback! Hampshire LOC Committee will be holding a dedicated Strategy Planning Day on 12 October 2026, bringing together the whole committee to review our progress and set our priorities and objectives for the year ahead. To help ensure our plans reflect the needs of the profession, we …
Continue reading “Latest News from Hampshire LOC – 02 October 2026”
2 October 2026
Latest News from Hampshire LOC – 25 September 2026
Upcoming CPD Opportunity: The Biology of Breathing Hampshire LOC is pleased to share an upcoming online CPD event exploring the fascinating relationship between breathing and health. The Biology of Breathing will provide insights into the science of breathing and its wider impact on wellbeing and clinical practice. Online via Microsoft Teams – 29th September 2026 …
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25 September 2026
Latest News from Hampshire LOC – 18 September 2026
REMINDER: Hampshire CUES Decommissioning Update Webinar & Q&A Join Hampshire LOC, Primary Eyecare Services (PES) and LOCSU for a virtual meeting on 23 September, 7.00pm to 8.00pm, to hear the latest update on the decommissioning of the Community Urgent Eyecare Service (CUES) in Hampshire. The session will provide an opportunity for contractors and performers to …
Continue reading “Latest News from Hampshire LOC – 18 September 2026”
18 September 2026
Latest News from Hampshire LOC – 11 September 2026
REMINDER: Hampshire CUES Decommissioning Update Webinar & Q&A Join Hampshire LOC, Primary Eyecare Services (PES) and LOCSU for a virtual meeting on 23 September, 7.00pm to 8.00pm, to hear the latest update on the decommissioning of the Community Urgent Eyecare Service (CUES) in Hampshire. The session will provide an opportunity for contractors and performers to understand …
Continue reading “Latest News from Hampshire LOC – 11 September 2026”
11 September 2026