Latest News from Hampshire LOC – 26 June 2026

26 June 2026

NHS Sight Testing Service in Special Educational Settings

Hampshire LOC would like to make contractors aware of a recent update from the NHS regarding the development of a new NHS Sight Testing and Spectacle Dispensing Service for children and young people in special educational settings.

Following a formal procurement process, SeeAbility Limited has been appointed as the provider, with a contract awarded for up to seven years.

The service will be rolled out in phases across special schools in the South East, with full delivery expected by the end of the year to those schools that have expressed an interest. It will be delivered directly within specialist educational settings outside of mainstream schools, supporting individuals up to the age of 25.

Importantly, this service is designed to complement existing NHS General Ophthalmic Services (GOS). Pupils, along with their parents or carers, will continue to retain full choice over where they access their eye care, including local optical practices.

This initiative reflects ongoing efforts to improve accessibility and equity in eye care for vulnerable groups, and further updates will be shared as the service rollout progresses.

Action Required: Annual Declaration and DSPT Deadline Approaching

Hampshire LOC would like to remind all contractors and practitioners of an important NHS requirement regarding the Annual Declaration and Data Security and Protection Toolkit (DSPT) submissions.

NHSE and Primary Eyecare Services have advised that there are still a small number of practices and practitioners who have outstanding compliance submissions, and it is essential that these are completed before 30 June 2026 to avoid any disruption to service delivery.

What you need to do

To remain compliant and continue providing enhanced services, practices must complete two key requirements:

1. Annual Declaration (2026–27)
   Practices are required to:

• Review and acknowledge the Annual Declaration via their Practice Profile on OPERA
• Ensure this is completed for each individual practice, where applicable

2. Data Security and Protection Toolkit (DSPT)
   Practices must also ensure they have a valid DSPT submission by:

• Completing the 2025–26 DSPT (Version 8), or
• Submitting via Quality in Optometry (QiO) after 1 April 2026 (valid until June 2027)

Once completed, the DSPT must be uploaded onto OPERA.

Important – Impact on Services

Failure to complete both the Annual Declaration and DSPT requirements will result in:

• Restricted access to enhanced services, and
• Inability to make referrals via OPERA

This could have a direct impact on both patient care and practice activity, so timely completion is critical.

Further guidance and support materials are available via OPERA and QiO, and contractors experiencing difficulties should contact Primary Eyecare Services for assistance.

Upcoming CPD Workshops: Quality in Enhanced Eye Care Services

Hampshire LOC would like to highlight two upcoming interactive CPD workshops delivered by the Professional Development and Quality Teams at Primary Eyecare Services. These sessions focus on patient safety within enhanced eye care services and offer valuable opportunities for shared learning and reflection.

Both workshops are accredited for 3 Interactive CPD points for Optometrists and Dispensing Opticians.

Workshop 1: Delayed Referrals

Monday 13 July, 7:00–8:15pm (via Zoom)

This session (a repeat of earlier dates) uses real-world case studies to explore the causes and consequences of delayed referrals. It will examine both systemic challenges and individual decision-making factors that can impact patient safety.

Participants will have the opportunity to:

• Reflect on current referral practices
• Learn from peer discussion
• Develop practical strategies to improve consistency and safety
• Align practice with GOC Standards of Practice

Workshop 2: External Processes

Tuesday 14 July, 7:00–8:15pm (via Zoom)

This new session focuses on how external processes within enhanced services can influence patient safety outcomes. Through case-based discussion, attendees will explore:

• System and pathway-related risks
• Opportunities for improving referral processes
• Practical actions to support safer patient care

Important information for attendees

To ensure the best experience and participation:

• Register individually (one device per person)
• Join via a laptop or computer, where possible

Ensure your camera and microphone are working, as active participation is required

REMINDER: 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.

Invitation: Surrey LOC AGM & CPS Event – Monday 13 July 2026

Hampshire LOC members are warmly invited to attend the Surrey LOC AGM and CPD evening, taking place on:

• The Pavilion, Woodbridge Road, Guildford, GU1 4RP
• Monday 13th July 2026
• From 6:30pm (registration, refreshments and networking)

The evening will feature a range of valuable CPD sessions, including:

• Macula OCT – anatomy and interpretation
• Interactive CPD point session
• AGM business, including a visual recognition test
• Further CPD topics such as paediatric VR, binocular vision, and referral guidance

This is an excellent opportunity to gain CPD, network with peers, and hear from expert speakers.

Please see the enclosed leaflet for full details: Here

Register your place here:
Surrey LOC AGM and CPD Event – Monday 13th July 2026

All Hampshire LOC members are very welcome to attend—please feel free to share with colleagues who may be interested.

Reminder: Smoking Cessation Local Incentive Scheme (ICB)

We would like to remind all practices that the deadline to sign up for the Smoking Cessation Local Incentive Scheme has been extended to 29 June 2026.

Practices interested in participating, or with any queries, should submit their sign-up form or contact:
📧 hiowicb-hsi.pod@nhs.net

Training opportunities are available through Smokefree Hampshire for participating practices:

• Opticians Very Brief Advice (VBA) Training
  • 29 June 2026, 9:00–10:00am
  • 6 July 2026, 6:00–7:00pm

The scheme supports practices to:

• Deliver brief smoking cessation advice
• Refer patients to local stop smoking services
• Improve recording of smoking status
• Raise awareness of smoking-related eye health risks.

Further details can be found in the scheme documentation and promotional materials previously circulated.