Latest News from Hampshire LOC – 12 June 2026

12 June 2026

Update: CUES Eligibility Criteria Refreshed for Hampshire & Isle of Wight

Primary Eyecare Services has issued an important update to the eligibility criteria for the Community Urgent Eyecare Service (CUES) across Hampshire and the Isle of Wight.

CUES is designed specifically for acute and urgent eye conditions. Recent system feedback has shown that some patients are being directed into CUES despite not having an appropriate acute symptom profile. To support more consistent triage and improve service efficiency, PES has worked with the LOC and Local Pharmacy Committee to produce a clearer, more comprehensive set of guidelines. These have now been approved by the HIOW ICB.

Key Update

While most criteria remain unchanged, practices should note the following clarification:

• Patients with symptom onset greater than 4 weeks ago, with no progression within the last 7 days (unless an exception applies), are no longer eligible for CUES.
• The updated guidance outlines where these patients should be directed instead.

This refinement reinforces the original purpose of CUES as a service for acute or urgent presentations only. The updated criteria have already been shared with GP practices, NHS 111 and local Trusts to support consistent messaging across the system.

Access the Updated Guidance

• Full eligibility criteria: Here
• Summary flowchart: Here

Practices are encouraged to ensure that all clinicians and front‑of‑house staff review the updated guidance to support safe and appropriate patient signposting.

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

New Smoking Cessation Local Incentive Scheme – Practices Invited to Sign up by 19 June 2026

Hampshire and Isle of Wight ICB, in partnership with Hampshire County Council Public Health, has launched a new Local Incentive Scheme to support optical practices in embedding smoking cessation conversations and referrals into everyday clinical care.

Stopping smoking is one of the most effective actions individuals can take to protect their eye health, significantly reducing the risk of conditions such as age‑related macular degeneration and cataracts. Optical practices are uniquely placed to initiate these conversations, and this scheme aims to strengthen and support that role over a 12‑month period.

Sign‑Up Required by 19 June

Practices wishing to participate should complete the sign‑up form and return it to: hiowicb-hsi.pod@nhs.net

Once registered, practices will receive an NHS standard contract ahead of the scheme’s start date on 1 July 2026.

Information Webinars

Hampshire County Council Public Health will be hosting two drop‑in webinars to explain the scheme and answer questions:

• Friday 12 June, 11:30am–12pm – Register here
• Tuesday 16 June, 2–3pm – Register here

What the Scheme Supports

Participating practices will be supported and incentivised to:

• Increase delivery of Very Brief Advice (VBA) training across optical staff
• Provide smokefree interventions and motivational advice to patients who smoke
• Make direct referrals to Smokefree Hampshire
• Improve recording of smoking status within clinical systems
• Use patient‑facing communications to raise awareness of smoking’s impact on eye health and available local support

VBA Training for Optical Teams

Smokefree Hampshire will provide dedicated VBA training for optical staff on the following dates:

• Mon 22 June, 12–1pm
• Mon 29 June, 9–10am
• Mon 6 July, 6–7pm

Further Information

View the full scheme specification and a promotional/educational resource pack enclosed to support your practices in preparing for implementation.

For any queries, please contact:
hiowicb-hsi.pod@nhs.net

IMPORTANT DEADLINE! 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

Thank You for Joining Us at the Hampshire LOC AGM & Education Evening

A huge thank you to everyone who attended this year’s Hampshire LOC AGM & Education Evening. It was a fantastic event with excellent engagement, lively discussion and a real sense of shared purpose across our local optical community.

The education session was extremely well received, and it was wonderful to see colleagues from across Hampshire and the Isle of Wight coming together to learn, share experiences and strengthen professional connections. The networking throughout the evening was a real highlight, reminding us how valuable it is to meet face‑to‑face and build relationships across practices and roles.

We would also like to take this opportunity to remind the community that all Hampshire LOC committee meetings are open for observers. If you’ve ever wondered how the LOC works, or are considering getting more involved in the future, you are very welcome to come along, listen in and get a feel for the discussions and work we do on your behalf.

If you’d like to attend a meeting or find out more about opportunities to contribute, please get in touch — we’d be delighted to welcome you: manager@hampshireloc.org.uk

Exclusive CPD Evening at Winchester Cathedral – 9th July 2026

Hosted by Sapphire Eye Care | Limited Places

Members are invited to a special CPD event set in the stunning grounds of Winchester Cathedral, offering an evening of consultant‑led education, a relaxed summer BBQ, and valuable networking opportunities.

Date: Thursday 9 July 2026
Venue: The Pavilion, Winchester Cathedral
From 6:00pm: Registration, BBQ & Networking
6:45pm: Consultant‑Led CPD Sessions

Featured Speakers & Topics

• Professor Andy Luff – Beyond the Lens: Pre & Post‑Phaco Care and the Role of Optometrists
• Mr Simon Rogers – The Lid List: Know When to Observe, Treat or Refer (VRICS)
• Mr Nish Srikantha – From Bottlenecks to Backfills: Private Solutions for NHS Glaucoma Shortfalls

Alongside the CPD programme, attendees will enjoy a summer BBQ and drinks reception, with time to connect with colleagues in a unique and historic setting.

Places are limited and early interest is already high.

To register, please email your: Name | GOC Number | Practice to:   events@sapphire-eyecare.co.uk

Please feel free to share this invitation with colleagues who may be interested