Latest News from Hampshire LOC 16 January 2026

19 January 2026

REMINDER: Hampshire LOC Online CPD Event & EGM

Thursday 29th January 2026 | 7:00-9:00pm

Hampshire LOC invites all members to attend an online CPD event to be held alongside an Extraordinary General Meeting (EGM).

The EGM will include a brief discussion on the proposed adoption of a new constitution, with members invited to vote on its approval.

Please use the following link to access the constitution and send in your questions by a deadline of Friday 16th January 2026:

Draft Hampshire LOC Constitution Nov 25.pdf

Following the EGM, and in partnership with LOCSU, the LOC will host a Peer Review Case Study Session, offering 3 CPD points (Also suitable for CLOs and DOs).

Register in advance for this meeting here:

https://us02web.zoom.us/meeting/register/kcZH34PTQ6GBvDUMJIKqDw

You will receive confirmation once you have registered.  We encourage all colleagues to save the date and take part in this important meeting and valuable CPD opportunity.

New OPERA Functionality: Updating Revised Referral Appointment Dates 

PES are pleased to announce that practices and practitioners can now update appointment dates for the following services:

• Post Cataract
• Integrated Children’s Service
• Glaucoma Monitoring
• Pre Cataract Referral
• MECS
• Post Vision Screening

This enhancement allows you to record revised dates when appointments need to be rearranged, ensuring the system reflects the most accurate information.

The update aims to improve reporting quality and provide practices and head offices with a clearer overview of outstanding appointments.

Guidance: Changing referral appointment dates – OPERA

For further support or queries, please contact hello@referral.support.

Primary Eyecare Services: Upcoming CPD Discussion Workshops – Earn 6 Interactive Points!

Start 2026 by strengthening your skills and knowledge with two essential interactive workshops, each offering 3 CPD points for Optometrists and Dispensing Opticians.

1.Enhanced Eye Care Services: Quality & Professionalism

Join the Quality Team for a practical discussion workshop using real case studies to explore common complaint themes in enhanced eye care services. Learn strategies to prevent service failures while maintaining GOC Standards of Practice.

Event Details:

• Date: Monday 26 January 2026
• Time: 7:00pm – 8:15pm
• Platform: Zoom
• CPD Points: 3 interactive points

Before you join:

• Use only one device per person
• Test your camera and microphone (required for breakout rooms)

Register here

Places are limited – book early! If fully booked, email communications@primaryeyecare.co.uk to join the waiting list

2.Promoting Equality, Diversity & Inclusion (EDI) in Optics

This interactive session explores how EDI principles impact patient care and workplace culture in enhanced eye care services. Through real-world case discussions, develop skills in empathetic communication, inclusive practice, and equitable decision-making.

Event Details:

• Date: Tuesday 3 February 2026
• Time: 7:00pm – 8:15pm
• Platform: Zoom
• CPD Points: 3 interactive points

Before you join:

• Use only one device per person
• Test your camera and microphone (required for breakout rooms)

Register Here

Places are limited – book early! If fully booked, email communications@primaryeyecare.co.uk to join the waiting list.

Call for Docet Case Studies – Share your Experience

NHS England has asked The College of Optometrists to gather case studies demonstrating the impact of the Docet CPD programme. They are seeking examples from LOCs and optometrists working in primary eye care pathways, particularly highlighting how Docet resources have supported or enhanced individual practice and the services offered.

How to contribute:

• Share a testimonial or case study by 12 noon, Monday 19 January
• Email submissions to policy@college-optometrists.org
• Case studies can be anonymous, but please include your region and indicate whether the perspective is from an employer, LOC, or optometrist

LOCSU will also provide a testimonial supporting the continued development of high-quality education and training. All case studies will be used internally by NHS England; separate permission will be sought if they wish to publish them in future.