Latest News from Hampshire LOC 03 April 2026

3 April 2026

Post-Op Cataract Pathway

 As part of our ongoing outpatient optimisation programme Hampshire and the Isle of Wight ICB is implementing a change to the post-operative pathway for cataract patients, in line with NHS England and GIRFT best practice guidance.  This change takes effect from 1^st April 2026, by extending the scope of the already embedded Single Point of Access for routine cataracts referrals so that this now includes the post operative follow up.

From 1^st April 2026 post operative follow up activity will be manged through a virtual follow up pathway. Patients will receive their call at 4 weeks post operatively to discuss their ongoing care needs, and any required clinical follow-up will be coordinated directly with the provider that carried out the surgery.

There will be a small percentage of patients who require a face to face follow up due to post op complications or when the patient has had complex surgery. It will be up to the provider delivering the cataract surgery to deliver these follow ups.

Following the virtual follow up patients will be instructed to attend their local optician for the routine post-operative sight test at 4-6 weeks post-surgery. The provider undertaking the cataract surgery is responsible for any complications identified post-operatively. Patients will be given contact details for their providers should complications arise during their discharge process.

Action Required: Annual Declaration & DSPT – 2026/27

Primary Eyecare Services (PES) has confirmed that practices can now complete the Annual Declaration for 2026/27 and upload their Data Security and Protection Toolkit (DSPT) documentation. These requirements apply to all practices delivering enhanced services via OPERA.

Annual Declaration – 2026/27

Practices are required to read and acknowledge the Annual Declaration through their Practice Profile on OPERA.

• The declaration must be completed via OPERA
• Guidance is available on the Primary Eyecare Services website
• Deadline: 31 July 2026

Failure to complete the Annual Declaration will result in restrictions on providing enhanced services via OPERA.

Data Security and Protection Toolkit (DSPT)

Practices must also complete the DSPT requirements:

• DSPT 2025–26 (Version 8) must be completed
• If DSPT is completed on QiO after 1 April 2026, it will remain valid until end of June 2027
• DSPT can be completed via:

• • The NHS Digital website, or
  • QiO(select DSPT from the top navigation bar)

Once completed, the DSPT must be uploaded to OPERA

A step‑by‑step DSPT tutorial and checklist is available to support practices and answer common questions.

Key deadline for services:

• Annual Declaration and DSPT must be completed by 30 April 2026 to avoid restrictions.
• If either requirement is not met, practices will be restricted from providing enhanced services and making referrals via OPERA.

Need support?

For queries or assistance, practices can contact Primary Eyecare Services at:
hello@referral.support