Latest News from Hampshire LOC 03 March 2026
5 March 2026
Smoking Cessation Local Incentive Scheme for Optometry Practices: Expression of interest extended to 12 March 2026 & Webinar Invite
(For Practices in the Hampshire County Council Region Only)
Hampshire County Council Public Health and the Hampshire & Isle of Wight ICB are inviting optometry practices within Hampshire County Council areas to express their interest in a proposed Local Incentive Scheme designed to embed smoking‑cessation conversations and referrals into routine optical care.
The deadline for submitting an Expression of Interest (EOI) has now been extended to 12 March 2026. All practices are encouraged to complete the short form—including those who may not wish to participate—to help commissioners understand the level of interest and support planning for the next stage of development.
EOI Form: https://forms.office.com/e/Z4WSTePnWN
Why this matters for eye health
Smoking remains one of the most significant modifiable risk factors for poor eye health, increasing the likelihood of conditions such as age‑related macular degeneration and cataracts. Optical practices are uniquely placed to initiate brief, meaningful conversations that can motivate patients to consider quitting.
The proposed scheme aims to support practices to:
- Increase uptake of Very Brief Advice (VBA) training among optical staff.
- Provide clear, supportive smokefree advice to patients who smoke.
- Refer patients directly to Smokefree Hampshire, the local Stop Smoking Service.
- Use patient‑facing materials to raise awareness of smoking’s impact on eye health and available cessation support.
Webinars for Hampshire practices
Hampshire County Council Public Health is hosting two short webinars/drop‑in sessions for practices wishing to ask questions or learn more about the scheme:
- Friday 6 March, 12:30–13:00
Register: https://events.teams.microsoft.com/event/00e643cb-cb50-47e9-912b-51bb1b453cfb@3f81d8b5-ee07-4c17-869c-1db439018d9b - Monday 9 March, 12:00–12:30
Register: https://events.teams.microsoft.com/event/cc486477-28d2-49fc-9046-5235caa899e4@3f81d8b5-ee07-4c17-869c-1db439018d9b
These sessions are open to Hampshire County Council–area practices only and offer an opportunity to explore how the scheme could work in practice.
Completing the EOI takes only a few minutes, and your feedback will play an important role in shaping a programme with real potential to improve eye‑health outcomes across Hampshire.
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 …
Continue reading “Latest News from Hampshire LOC – 06 November 2026”
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 …
Continue reading “Hampshire LOC Email Errors Now Resolved- 09 October 2026”
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, …
Continue reading “Latest News from Hampshire LOC – 09 October 2026”
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 …
Continue reading “Latest News from Hampshire LOC – 25 September 2026”
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