Latest News from Hampshire LOC – 29 May 2026

29 May 2026

Continuation of Frimley ICB & Trust Services – Important Update (May 2026)

Following the recent Integrated Care Board (ICB) boundary changes, the former Frimley ICB footprint has now been divided across Hampshire & Isle of Wight ICB, the new Thames Valley ICB, and Surrey & Sussex ICB.

Despite these changes, all three enhanced services previously commissioned by Frimley ICB remain fully active and unchanged:

• Enhanced Cataract Referral Service
• Wet AMD Direct Referral Service
• Glaucoma Repeat Readings

These contracts will continue until at least 31 December 2026.
This means any patient registered with a GP surgery formerly under Frimley ICB remains eligible, regardless of which ICB their surgery now sits within.

A full list of affected GP surgeries and their new ICB allocation is available via the link provided in the original communication.

Eligibility Across New ICB Boundaries

Patients now located within Hampshire & Isle of Wight ICB or Thames Valley ICB remain eligible for the Frimley‑commissioned services and may also be eligible for the DORA pre‑cataract pathways in those areas.
Practitioners may refer through either pathway, and this has been confirmed by both ICBs.

For Hampshire & Isle of Wight practices, guidance on using the Enhanced Cataract Referral Service alongside DORA is available in the previously circulated update.

Patients in Thames Valley ICB and Surrey & Sussex ICB should continue to be referred through the Enhanced Cataract Service in the usual way.

Frimley Trust Post‑Operative Cataract Service (POCS)

Frimley NHS Foundation Trust commissions its own Post‑Operative Cataract Service, independent of ICB boundaries.

Eligibility is based solely on:

• The patient having cataract surgery at Frimley Park, Heatherwood, or Wexham Park, and
• The patient being transferred to OPERA by Frimley Trust.

A patient’s GP surgery, ICB, home address, or the practice’s location does not affect eligibility.

If a POCS episode appears on your OPERA dashboard, you may proceed as usual and will be paid accordingly.

Further Information: 

For queries, please contact:
katie.atkins@primaryeyecare.co.uk

Letter from the Secretary of State and Health & Social Care

We have received a letter from the Secretary of State for Health and Social Care, which we are sharing with all practices and practitioners for awareness.

Please refer to the enclosed document for the full details.

Letter from the Secretary of State 27 May 2026 2.pdf

Hampshire LOC AGM & Education Evening – Book Now! 

We’re gearing up for one of the most important and enjoyable dates in the Hampshire LOC calendar — the 2026 AGM & Education Evening — and this year’s programme is packed with value for every practitioner. Whether you’re an Optometrist, DO, CLO, or an Independent Prescriber, there are CPD points available for you, including IP‑specific learning.

This is your chance to reconnect with colleagues, enjoy a relaxed buffet, hear the latest LOC updates, and take part in a high‑quality, interactive CPD session delivered by Scope.

Event Details

• Date:  Wednesday 10 June 2026
• Time:  From 6:30pm (buffet & networking)
• Venue:  Solent Hotel & Spa, Rookery Avenue, Whiteley, PO15 7AJ

CPD Highlights

This year’s education session is “Is That a Dry Eye I Spy?”, an engaging, case‑based discussion workshop led by:

Alexander Thornton BSc (Hons) MCOptom DipTp(IP) Prof Cert Med Ret Prof Cert Glauc

You’ll work through real‑world ocular surface disease scenarios using an interactive quiz format — ideal for:

• Optometrists
• Dispensing   Opticians
• Contact   Lens Opticians
• Independent   Prescribers (with IP‑relevant points available)

CPD available:  

• 3   interactive points for the workshop
• +1   additional point via the Friday Night Specials visual‑recognition   quiz (QR‑code access on the night)

AGM  

The AGM will take place between the buffet and the workshop. This is your opportunity to:

• Hear   updates on local pathways and commissioning
• Review   the LOC’s work over the past year
• Ask   questions and contribute to future priorities
• Meet   the committee and learn about opportunities to get involved

Book Your Place:

Hampshire LOC AGM & Education Evening  – Fill in form

Spaces fill quickly each year, and CPD‑accredited workshops are always in high demand. Please secure your place early to avoid missing out.

Invitation to Take Part in Domiciliary Eyecare Research (University of Bradford)

Hampshire LOC has been asked to share a research opportunity from the University of Bradford, led by Dr Sophie Coverdale, exploring practitioners’ experiences of delivering domiciliary eye care across the UK.

The study aims to better understand the realities of providing care in home and care‑home settings, including what supports effective practice, the challenges encountered, and communication with patients, relatives, and care staff.

Who can take part

• GOC‑registered optometrists and dispensing opticians
• With current or previous experience in domiciliary eyecare
• Practitioners from any region of the UK

About the study

• Participation involves joining an online focus group
• The session is accredited for 3 provider‑led CPD points (peer discussion)
• Participants will receive a £30 voucher as a thank‑you

Please view the following poster for more information:   Poster advert.png

Register your interest

Practitioners wishing to take part can sign up here:
https://forms.cloud.microsoft/e/nbZAZupSsy

For any questions about the project, please contact Dr Sophie Coverdale directly: s.coverdale@bradford.ac.uk

Smoking Cessation Local Incentive Scheme Launching This June

Hampshire County Council has confirmed that the Local Incentive Scheme for opticians to embed smoking cessation will launch in June 2026. Many practices have been awaiting this development, and it is positive to see the programme moving ahead.

About the scheme

The initiative is designed to support optical practices across Hampshire to embed smoking cessation conversations and referrals into routine care. Practices will be able to sign up until 26 June, with full details and the formal sign‑up process to be circulated directly by Hampshire County Council shortly.

Information sessions

A series of short online information sessions will run throughout June. These will provide an overview of how the scheme works and offer an opportunity to ask questions.

Training opportunities

To support delivery, Very Brief Advice (VBA) in Smoking Cessation training will be available in June and July, delivered by Smokefree Hampshire. This practical training is intended to help teams feel confident initiating conversations and supporting patients to quit.

Further details, including the sign‑up form, will be shared in June. Practices are encouraged to take part.