Latest News from Hampshire LOC – 10 July 2026

10 July 2026

URGENT: Hampshire Contractors – Register Now for OFNC, LOCSU & LOC Webinar on eRS, GOS and practice funding (16th July 2026 7-8pm)

Hampshire LOC is encouraging all local contractors, and interested performers, to attend an important online webinar hosted by OFNC and LOCSU on Thursday 16 July, 7:00pm–8:00pm.

The session will focus on the onboarding of eRS, GOS, and practice funding in Hampshire. Attendees will hear from David Hewlett (Secretary of OFNC), who will discuss the national OFNC statement on eRS issued on 24 June and its relevance to Hampshire. Other OFNC representatives may also be in attendance.

The LOC is aware that many practices have already begun the onboarding process, but significant concerns have been raised around the amount of unpaid time required and the potential for additional unfunded work in the future. This webinar will provide an opportunity for local contractors to share their experiences directly with OFNC colleagues and help inform discussions taking place at a national level.

Registration is required to attend. Those wishing to join must register using the link below and meet the eligibility criteria. Once registration has been reviewed and approved, attendees will be sent the webinar access link.

Register here:

OFNC, LOCSU & Hampshire LOC Webinar discussing eRS, GOS & Practice Funding  – Fill in form

Hampshire LOC hopes to see as many local contractors as possible at this important event.

Hampshire Local Smoke-Free Incentive Scheme – Opportunity for Practices in High-Prevalence Areas

Hampshire County Council has reported a strong level of interest in the new Local Smoke-Free Incentive Scheme, with 14 Hampshire optical practices already signed up. However, there is still an opportunity for additional practices to join, particularly in areas with higher prevalence and need.

Practices located in Gosport, Basingstoke, Andover and Havant are especially encouraged to consider participating in the scheme.

Although the scheme commenced on 1 July, contracts are still being processed and applications received over the coming days can still be considered. This provides a valuable opportunity for eligible practices that may not yet have engaged with the programme.

If your practice is interested in joining the scheme, or if you would like further information, please contact:

hiowicb-hsi.pod@nhs.net

Hampshire LOC would encourage practices in these priority areas to review the scheme information and consider taking part to help support local eye health services and improve access for patients.

Interested practices should contact the Hampshire County Council team as soon as possible to discuss participation.

Reminder: Ophthalmic Payments UAT Testing Closes 10 July 2026

A reminder that User Acceptance Testing (UAT) for the updated ophthalmic payments system is currently underway and remains open until Friday 10 July.

Practices and providers are encouraged to complete their testing, if they have not already done so, to help ensure systems are ready ahead of the go-live date and to support a smooth transition to the updated payment schema.

If you identify any unexpected changes, errors or anomalies during testing, please email pcse.pmsegos@nhs.net with “PMS provider testing – Release 26.3” in the subject line. Please include:

• Your organisation code and user name (email address)
• Details of the issue encountered
• Screenshots (where possible)
• Test claim ID(s)
• Any error messages received

The PCSE Ophthalmic Payments Team will review and investigate reported issues.

Action for Practices: Please ensure any relevant staff complete testing and report any issues before the UAT window closes on 10 July.

Free CPD Webinar: Biology of Breathing – Enhance Wellbeing & Performance

You are invited to attend a free CPD webinar for Optometrists and Dispensing Opticians exploring the impact of breathing on wellbeing, focus and performance.

Biology of Breathing: Enhance Wellbeing and Performance will be presented by Mr Mital Patel, Optometrist, and is accredited for 1 CPD point (CPD Event No. 116608).

Date: Monday 27 July
Time: 7:00pm – 8:00pm
Venue: Microsoft Teams
CPD: 1 Point (Professionalism & Communication)
Cost: Free

During the session, participants will:

• Explore the science of breathing and its impact on the body and mind
• Learn practical techniques to improve focus, calm and performance
• Gain tools to support personal wellbeing and enhance patient interactions
• Take part in a mixture of learning and guided practical exercises

Places are limited to 20 attendees, so early booking is recommended.

To reserve your place, please email:
mital.patel@specsavers.com

This is an excellent opportunity to gain CPD while learning practical wellbeing techniques that can be applied both in practice and in everyday life.