Latest News from Hampshire LOC – 05 June 2026

5 June 2026

Important! OFNC Survey: Contractors Urged to Share Evidence on Unfunded GOS Work

The Optometric Fees Negotiating Committee (OFNC) is calling on all contractors in England to take part in a new confidential survey (by the 22^nd June 2026) designed to capture the scale of unfunded workload associated with GOS delivery, as well as wider cost pressures facing practices.

The survey aims to gather robust, system‑wide evidence that will be used in discussions with ministers and senior officials during this year’s fees round. OFNC has emphasised that strong participation is essential to ensure the sector’s voice is accurately represented ahead of the summer parliamentary break.

All responses will be analysed only in aggregate, with no identifiable information shared.

Why This Matters

Contractors across England have highlighted the growing burden of unfunded activity—administrative tasks, follow‑up work, and clinical responsibilities that fall outside the scope of GOS fees. This survey provides the mechanism to quantify those pressures and present a clear, evidence‑based picture to government.

A high response rate will significantly strengthen the sector’s negotiating position.

Take Part in the Survey

Survey link: OFNC Survey (by the 22^nd June 2026)

More Information

Further details are available in the OFNC press release: Find out more

Reminder for Practices: Action Required on Post-Cataract Episodes

Primary Eyecare Services has issued an important reminder for all practices delivering Post‑Cataract care to ensure that episodes are being monitored, actioned and completed promptly within OPERA. This forms a key part of maintaining patient safety, meeting contractual requirements, and supporting effective failsafe processes across the system.

What Practices Need to Do

Practices are asked to regularly review both their Clinical Dashboard and Manage Referrals lists to ensure all Post‑Cataract episodes are progressing appropriately. PES has highlighted several essential expectations:

• Monitor   your dashboard daily to ensure referrals are booked without delay.
• Contact   patients promptly to arrange appointments, and record all contact   attempts. If appointments need to be rearranged, the updated date must be recorded so the system reflects the change.
• Follow   FTE/DNA/WNB guidance where patients cannot be contacted or do not   attend.
• Return   or close episodes that are overdue or no longer required.
• Complete   patient episodes within 48 hours of the appointment. If the clinical   report has not been completed, the responsible optometrist must be alerted immediately.

PES emphasises that practices are responsible for monitoring their own worklists and ensuring no episodes remain unactioned for extended periods, as this may compromise patient safety and compliance.

Support Available

If practices require help with booking, recording FTE/DNA outcomes, or navigating OPERA, support is available via the Blue Bubble or by emailing hello@referral.support with the relevant OPR number.

Full guidance has been circulated to practices, and teams are encouraged to ensure all staff involved in Post‑Cataract care are familiar with the correct processes.

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.

HIOW eRS Rollout – Action Required from Practices

Following the earlier communications regarding the rollout of the Electronic Referral Service (eRS) across optometry in Hampshire and the Isle of Wight, a number of practices have not yet completed the required steps for onboarding. The ICB has asked us to remind all practices of the actions needed to ensure full compliance and to avoid delays in referral processing.

What Practices Need to Complete

1. DSPT & ODS Code Every practice must have an up‑to‑date Data Security Protection Toolkit (DSPT) submission and an ODS code in place. Practices must also nominate an eRS Lead, who will act as the main point of contact during implementation and provide staff information as required.

2. Staff Information for RA Process Practices must complete the required spreadsheet with the following details:

• eRS   Lead: full name and email address (for contact purposes)
• Users:  full name, unique email address (Gmail, Outlook, Hotmail, Yahoo, iCloud, or a business email on the Care Identity allow‑list), and a unique mobile number
• eRS   Role:
  • Referring   Clinician – B1101
  • Referring   Clinician Admin – B1102

This information is essential for the Registration Authority (RA) process and for users to receive their link to create a Care Identity Management (CIM) profile.

3. Completing the RA Application The RA Team has reported difficulty contacting some practices where users have been sent their application link but have not started the process. The link is sent to the mobile number provided on the spreadsheet. Users must follow this link promptly to complete their registration.

Support and Submission

If your practice is experiencing difficulties completing any part of the process, support is available. Please email: england.eyecare-transformation@nhs.net

SeeAbility Practice Directory – Help Improve Access for Patients With Learning Disabilities

SeeAbility maintains a national online directory of optical practices that are willing and able to welcome patients with learning disabilities and autism. This resource is widely used by patients, carers, and local health professionals to identify practices that can offer accessible, supportive care.

At present, only a small number of practices in Hampshire and the Isle of Wight are listed, and a recent review found that some entries are out of date. The core requirement for joining the directory is simply a commitment to being welcoming and accommodating to patients with learning disabilities.

The LOC is encouraging any practice that feels able to support these patients to submit their details. Increasing the number of local practices on the directory will make a meaningful difference to access and patient choice across our area.

Information SeeAbility Requests

Practices can provide as much detail as they wish, but the following is particularly helpful:

•   Practice  name
•   Address
•   Phone   number
•   Email
•   Website
•   Accessibility   information (e.g., disabled/Blue Badge parking, wheelchair access to test rooms, hearing loop availability)

To add your practice or ask any questions, please email eyecare@seeability.org.