Latest News from Hampshire LOC – 09 October 2026

9 October 2026

REMINDER: Hampshire LOC Strategy Planning Day – We Need Your Feedback!

Hampshire LOC Committee will be holding a dedicated Strategy Planning Day on 12 October 2026, bringing together the whole committee to review our progress and set our priorities and objectives for the year ahead.

To help ensure our plans reflect the needs of the profession, we would like to hear from both performers and contractors across Hampshire. Your feedback will help shape our future work, support the development of local services, and ensure we continue to focus on the issues that matter most to you.

We would be grateful if you could take a few minutes to complete our short survey.

Survey Link: Hampshire LOC Constituent Survey 2026 – Fill out form

Thank you for taking the time to share your views and help inform the future direction of Hampshire LOC. Your input is greatly appreciated!

CPD Opportunity: A Practical Classification of IOLs & EDOF Technology

1 Interactive CPD Point | GOC Reference: C-116980 | Clinical Practice Domain

You are invited to attend an online CPD session delivered by Miss Guzaliya Safiullina, Consultant Ophthalmologist and Vitreoretinal Surgeon, exploring the practical classification of intraocular lenses (IOLs) and Extended Depth of Focus (EDOF) technology. [CPD invita…on of IOLs | PDF]

This interactive session is designed for optometrists and specialty optometrists (AS/SP/IP) and will provide a brand-agnostic framework to help practitioners confidently discuss lens options with patients. Topics covered include:

• Classification of monofocal, enhanced monofocal, EDOF and multifocal IOLs
• Night glare and halo risk across different lens types
• Real-world working distances and near-add considerations
• The impact of pupil size, spherical aberration and refractive targets
• An overview of major IOL manufacturers and technologies
• Understanding the difference between genuine product recalls and class effects

The session consists of a 50-minute lecture followed by 10 minutes of discussion, with attendees encouraged to bring patient scenarios for consideration.

Upcoming dates:

• Wednesday 7 October 2026, 7.00pm to 8.00pm
• Wednesday 4 November 2026, 7.00pm to 8.00pm
• Wednesday 2 December 2026, 7.00pm to 8.00pm

Delivered live online via Google Meet.

How to Register

To reserve your place, please email your full name, GOC number and practice name to info@thelensaudit.com. Places are limited to 100 attendees per session and joining details will be provided following registration.

For further information, contact info@thelensaudit.com

Sapphire Eye Care Annual CPD Event – 23 November 2026

Hampshire LOC members are invited to attend Sapphire Eye Care’s Annual CPD Event, taking place at Chewton Glen on Monday 23 November 2026.

Now in its seventh year, this popular event offers attendees the opportunity to gain 3 CPD Points whilst hearing from leading clinicians on a range of topical subjects.

The evening includes a gourmet buffet from 6:00pm, followed by presentations from 6:30pm by:

• Prof Andy Luff: Risk Factors for Retinal Detachment and the Effect of Phacoemulsification
• Miss Bhavna Sharma: Beyond the Drops: A Holistic Approach to Dry Eye
• Mr Nish Srikantha: The Tube, the Trab and the Ugly

Additional insights will be provided by Baba Awopetu, alongside product updates from Rayner.

The event is open to Optometrists, Dispensing Opticians, Practice Owners, Practice Managers and Pre-Registration Students.

To reserve your place, please email events@sapphire-eyecare.co.uk with your name, GOC number and practice name.

Quality in Enhanced Eyecare Services Workshop: Unexpected Charges

Primary Eyecare Services is inviting optometrists, dispensing opticians and practice teams to take part in an interactive workshop focusing on unexpected charges, one of the most common themes identified in service-related complaints.

Using real-world case studies, the session will explore how clear communication around service scope, costs and NHS eligibility can improve patient understanding, reduce complaints and enhance the overall patient experience.

Workshop details

• Date: Monday 12 October
• Time: 7:00pm to 8:15pm
• Format: Zoom
• CPD: 3 Interactive CPD Points for Optometrists and Dispensing Opticians

The workshop will provide practical guidance on:

• Communicating charges and service options clearly
• Explaining NHS-funded eligibility and service limitations
• Improving consistency of knowledge across the practice team
• Managing patient expectations effectively
• Reducing complaints while supporting high-quality patient care

The session will encourage discussion and shared learning, helping practices strengthen transparent charging processes, improve team confidence and deliver a consistently positive patient experience.

Registration: Register for the workshop https://zoom.us/meeting/register/x4LF8K1sQlqpzr7QIxuOcw#/registration.

For CPD-related queries, contact Primary Eyecare Services at hello@referral.support.

CPD Event: How AI is Transforming Digital Eye Care – and What Comes Next

Artificial intelligence is rapidly changing healthcare, and eye care is no exception. Join this engaging online CPD session to explore how AI and digital technologies are shaping the future of ophthalmology and optometry.

• Tuesday 20 October
• 6.30pm – 8.00pm
• Online via Microsoft Team
• 2 CPD Points

The session will examine:

• Automated image interpretation
• Clinical decision support systems
• Teleophthalmology
• Virtual clinics
• Home monitoring technologies
• The opportunities and challenges of incorporating AI into patient care

The event will be led by Professor Konstantinos Balaskas, Consultant Ophthalmologist and Medical Director at Practice Plus Group, and Professor of Ophthalmology and Medical Artificial Intelligence at UCL. Professor Balaskas is internationally recognised for his work in medical AI and digital health, particularly in the prevention of vision loss from retinal disease.

Register here: How AI is Transforming Digital Eye Care – and What Comes Next