Latest News from Hampshire LOC – 18 September 2026

18 September 2026

REMINDER: Hampshire CUES Decommissioning Update Webinar & Q&A

Join Hampshire LOC, Primary Eyecare Services (PES) and LOCSU for a virtual meeting on 23 September, 7.00pm to 8.00pm, to hear the latest update on the decommissioning of the Community Urgent Eyecare Service (CUES) in Hampshire.

The session will provide an opportunity for contractors and performers to understand the current position, hear what is being done to raise concerns on behalf of the profession, and ask questions about the next steps and potential impact on patients and practices.

This is a closed session for those working in the Hampshire area only.

This Engagement Webinar is organised by Hampshire LOC. It is strictly by direct invitation only and is exclusive to optical practice contractors and performers in the area. On receipt of the invitation, do not forward on to colleagues outside your practice.

Contractors and performers who wish to attend should email manager@hampshireloc.org.uk with their full name, GOC number and practice address. Registration details and joining instructions will then be provided.

To help us make the session as valuable as possible, please share any questions in advance when requesting your meeting link.

Dry Eye Event: A full day event with 9 interactive CPD points hosted by Inspiring Success- for Hampshire Contractors & Performers Only

Following the resounding success of Dry Eye United, Inspiring Success is delighted to be bringing the event to the South for the very first time in partnership with Hampshire LOC.

This full-day event offers exceptional value, including 9 interactive CPD points for Optometrists and Dispensing Opticians, live peer review with real patients, specialist IP education, a full three-course hot buffet lunch, and refreshments throughout the day.

The Hampshire LOC have increased the number of limited places they will fund for contactors and performers in Hampshire. Places are limited and will be allocated on a first-come, first-served basis.

Event Details
• Date: 4th October 2026
• Time: 10:00am – 4:00pm
• Venue: Solent Hotel & Spa, Rookery Avenue, Whiteley, Fareham, PO15 7AJ
• CPD: 9 interactive CPD points, including IP, Peer Review and sessions involving real-life patients (suitable for Optometrists and DOs)
• Education: GOC-accredited lectures with practical, clinically relevant content, including peer review with real patients led by a Corneal Consultant
• Catering: Full three-course hot buffet lunch and refreshments throughout the day.

If you are interested in a complimentary place funded by the Hampshire LOC, please email manager@hampshireloc.org.uk with your name, GOC number and practice location and we will send you a link to register for the event.  We do ask, if you register for the event but can no longer attend, please let the Hampshire LOC know so we can reallocate the ticket.

However, you can still sign up to the event once the number of free places have gone for only £19 Early Bird Price

BOOK YOUR PLACE:
Dry Eye United South – £19 Early Bird Tickets Places are limited and the £19 Early Bird price is available for a limited time

NHS Sight Testing Service for Children & Young People in Special Educational Settings

Hampshire LOC would like to make members aware of an update from NHS Hampshire and Isle of Wight regarding the provision of NHS sight testing services within Special Educational Settings across the region.

“A new Special Educational Settings sight testing and spectacle dispensing service is being rolled out across specialist educational settings for children and young people up to age 25 across the Hampshire and Isle of Wight area. The service will be delivered by SeeAbility from November 2026 for an initial five-year period. This is a complementary NHS General Ophthalmic Service (GOS), and pupils and parents/carers retain full choice on where they are seen.”

The new service is intended to improve access to eye care for children and young people attending specialist educational settings.

This update is being shared for awareness. Any members receiving enquiries about the new service are encouraged to direct questions to NHS Hampshire and Isle of Wight, who are coordinating the rollout and can provide further information as required.   hiow.pod@nhs.net

Hampshire LOC will share additional updates with members should further information become available.

Biology of Breathing: Enhance Wellbeing and Performance

Members may be interested in an upcoming online CPD session exploring the science of breathing and its impact on wellbeing and performance.

Biology of Breathing: Enhance Wellbeing and Performance will take place on Tuesday 29 September, 7.00pm to 8.00pm, via Microsoft Teams. The session has been created and will be presented by Optometrist Mital Patel.

The event will examine the biology behind breathing and how simple breathing techniques can positively influence everyday wellbeing, communication and performance. Attendees will discover the science behind breathing, with practical insights that can be applied both professionally and personally.

The session is:

• Free to attend
• Worth 1 CPD point in Professionalism and Communication
• Suitable for optometrists and dispensing opticians (CPD 116608)
• Open to pre-registration students and other professionals as self-directed learning
• Relevant to retail team members interested in learning something new

Places are limited and early registration is encouraged.

To register, please emailmital.patel@specsavers.com

SpaMedica Southampton CPD Evening – Anatomy of Complication – Peer Review

Join colleagues for an evening of CPD with SpaMedica Southampton.

SpaMedica is hosting a face-to-face CPD event focused on the topic”SpaMedica Files: Anatomy of a Complication – Peer Review”, presented by Janan Sundaralingam. The session is designed for optometrists and offers 3 CPD points, with SpaMedica registered as a GOC CPD provider.

The event will take place at Stoneham Place, Southampton, and includes light refreshments on arrival. Places are limited and will be allocated on a first come, first served basis.

This is an excellent opportunity to enhance your clinical knowledge, reflect on real-world complications through peer review, and network with fellow practitioners in the region.

Date: Wednesday, 7 October 2026
Time: 6:00pm to 9:00pm
Venue: Stoneham Place, Stoneham Lane, Southampton, SO50 9NW 

Book your place:
Register via Eventbrite

Places are limited, so early booking is recommended