{"id":1836,"date":"2026-05-15T11:04:24","date_gmt":"2026-05-15T10:04:24","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.loc-online.co.uk\/hampshire-loc\/?p=1836"},"modified":"2026-05-15T11:04:24","modified_gmt":"2026-05-15T10:04:24","slug":"latest-news-from-hampshire-loc-15-may-2026","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.loc-online.co.uk\/hampshire-loc\/2026\/05\/15\/latest-news-from-hampshire-loc-15-may-2026\/","title":{"rendered":"Latest News from Hampshire LOC &#8211; 15 May 2026"},"content":{"rendered":"<h2 data-pm-slice=\"1 1 []\"><strong>Hampshire LOC AGM &amp; Education Evening &#8211; Book Now for a Big Night of CPD!<\/strong><\/h2>\n<p>We\u2019re gearing up for one of the most important and enjoyable dates in the Hampshire LOC calendar \u2014 the <strong>2026 AGM &amp; Education Evening<\/strong> \u2014 and this year\u2019s programme is packed with value for every practitioner. Whether you\u2019re an <strong>Optometrist, DO, CLO, or an Independent\u00a0Prescriber<\/strong>, there are CPD points available for you, including IP\u2011specific learning.<\/p>\n<p>This is your chance to reconnect with colleagues, enjoy a relaxed buffet, hear the latest LOC updates, and take part in a high\u2011quality, interactive CPD session delivered by <strong>Scope<\/strong>.<\/p>\n<p><strong>Event Details<\/strong><\/p>\n<ul type=\"disc\" data-position=\"outside\">\n<li><strong>Date:<\/strong>\u00a0 Wednesday 10 June 2026<\/li>\n<li><strong>Time:<\/strong>\u00a0 From <strong>6:30pm<\/strong> (buffet &amp; networking)<\/li>\n<li><strong>Venue:<\/strong>\u00a0 <strong>Solent Hotel &amp; Spa<\/strong>, Rookery Avenue, Whiteley, PO15 7AJ<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p><strong>CPD Highlights<\/strong><\/p>\n<p>This year\u2019s education session is <strong>\u201cIs That a Dry Eye I Spy?\u201d<\/strong>, an engaging, case\u2011based discussion workshop led by:<\/p>\n<p><strong>Alexander Thornton BSc (Hons) MCOptom DipTp(IP) Prof Cert Med Ret Prof Cert Glauc<\/strong><\/p>\n<p>You\u2019ll work through real\u2011world ocular surface disease scenarios using an interactive quiz format \u2014 ideal for:<\/p>\n<ul>\n<li><span style=\"font-size: 1rem;\">Optometrists<\/span><\/li>\n<li>Dispensing \u00a0 Opticians<\/li>\n<li>Contact \u00a0 Lens Opticians<\/li>\n<li>Independent \u00a0 Prescribers (with IP\u2011relevant points available)<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p><strong>CPD available:<\/strong><\/p>\n<ul type=\"disc\" data-position=\"outside\">\n<li><strong>3 \u00a0 interactive points<\/strong> for the workshop<\/li>\n<li><strong>+1 \u00a0 additional point<\/strong> via the <em>Friday Night Specials<\/em> visual\u2011recognition \u00a0 quiz (QR\u2011code access on the night)<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p><strong>AGM<\/strong><\/p>\n<p>The AGM will take place between the buffet and the workshop. This is your opportunity to:<\/p>\n<ul>\n<li>Hear \u00a0 updates on local pathways and commissioning<\/li>\n<li>Review \u00a0 the LOC\u2019s work over the past year<\/li>\n<li>Ask \u00a0 questions and contribute to future priorities<\/li>\n<li>Meet \u00a0 the committee and learn about opportunities to get involved<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p><strong>Book Your Place<\/strong><\/p>\n<p><a href=\"https:\/\/forms.cloud.microsoft\/e\/tc7qDevmtA\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer nofollow\">Hampshire LOC AGM &amp; Education Evening\u00a0 \u2013 Fill in form<\/a><\/p>\n<p>Spaces fill quickly each year, and CPD\u2011accredited workshops are always in high demand. Please secure your place early to avoid missing out.<\/p>\n<h2><strong>Connect With Us on LinkedIn &#8211; Join the Hampshire LOC Professional Community<\/strong><\/h2>\n<p>Hampshire LOC is growing its presence on <strong>LinkedIn<\/strong>, and we\u2019re inviting all local optical professionals to join us in building a stronger, more connected community across Hampshire &amp; the Isle of Wight.<\/p>\n<p>Our LinkedIn page is designed as a professional space for professional people \u2014 a place where contractors, performers, DOs, CLOs, IP\u2011qualified colleagues, and sector partners can stay informed, share insights, and engage with the wider optical network.<\/p>\n<p><strong>Why Follow Hampshire LOC on LinkedIn?<\/strong><\/p>\n<p>Our aim is to create a vibrant, supportive, and informative online community. By joining us, you\u2019ll gain:<\/p>\n<ul type=\"disc\" data-position=\"outside\">\n<li><strong>Timely updates<\/strong> on local pathways, commissioning changes, and NHS communications<\/li>\n<li><strong>CPD opportunities<\/strong>, event reminders, and booking links<\/li>\n<li><strong>Professional news<\/strong> relevant to community optometry<\/li>\n<li><strong>Highlights from LOC projects<\/strong>, meetings, and sector developments<\/li>\n<li><strong>A space to connect<\/strong> with peers across the region<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p>LinkedIn is the ideal platform for this \u2014 professional, focused, and built for meaningful engagement.<\/p>\n<p><strong>Help Us Grow the Network<\/strong><\/p>\n<p>The more colleagues who follow the page, the stronger and more useful the community becomes.<br \/>\nIf you\u2019re on LinkedIn, we\u2019d love you to:<\/p>\n<ul>\n<li>Follow the Hampshire LOC page<\/li>\n<li>Like and share posts that matter to you<\/li>\n<li>Tag colleagues who may benefit<\/li>\n<li>Join the conversation and help shape the local professional voice<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p><strong>Join Us on LinkedIn<\/strong><\/p>\n<p><a href=\"https:\/\/www.linkedin.com\/groups\/8442630\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer nofollow\">https:\/\/www.linkedin.com\/groups\/8442630\/<\/a><\/p>\n<h2 data-pm-slice=\"1 1 []\"><strong>REMINDER: Upcoming CPD Workshop &#8211; Patient Safety &amp; Delayed Referrals Repeat Session &#8211; Tues 19 May 2026<\/strong><\/h2>\n<div><\/div>\n<p>Primary Eyecare Services is offering a repeat of this month\u2019s interactive CPD workshop for anyone who was unable to attend the session on 5 May. This discussion\u2011based event focuses on patient safety within enhanced eye care services, with a particular emphasis on the impact of delayed referrals.<\/p>\n<p>Timely and effective communication remains a critical element of clinical practice. Using three real\u2011world case studies, the workshop explores both the systemic challenges and individual factors that can contribute to referral delays and potential patient\u2011safety risks. Attendees will have the opportunity to reflect on current referral pathways, share peer\u2011to\u2011peer learning, and develop practical strategies that align with GOC Standards of Practice.<\/p>\n<p><strong>Event Details<\/strong><\/p>\n<p><strong>Tuesday 19 May 2026<\/strong>\u00a0 <strong>7:00pm \u2013 8:15pm<\/strong>\u00a0 <strong>Online via Zoom<\/strong>\u00a0 <strong>3 Interactive CPD Points (Optometrists &amp; Dispensing Opticians)<\/strong><\/p>\n<p><strong>Why Attend<\/strong><\/p>\n<ul>\n<li>Examine the root causes of delayed referrals in a supportive environment<\/li>\n<li>Take part in facilitated breakout discussions and share best\u2011practice insights<\/li>\n<li>Gain interactive CPD points early in the cycle through a high\u2011value session<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p><strong>Before You Join<\/strong><\/p>\n<p>To ensure smooth participation and eligibility for interactive points, please:<\/p>\n<ul>\n<li>Register using <strong>one device only<\/strong><\/li>\n<li>Join from a laptop or computer for stable breakout\u2011room access<\/li>\n<li>Test your camera and microphone beforehand (both are required for CPD accreditation)<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p><strong>Registration<\/strong><\/p>\n<p>Places are limited to maintain a high level of interaction.<br \/>\n<a href=\"https:\/\/zoom.us\/meeting\/register\/ANg4NkBQTYmGJxIUDqGFUg#\/registration\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer nofollow\"><strong>Click here to secure your place.<\/strong><\/a><\/p>\n<p>Primary Eyecare Services will also be running new discussion workshops in June and July, so please keep an eye out for further dates.<\/p>\n<h2 data-pm-slice=\"1 1 []\"><strong>REMINDER: Consultant-Led CPD Evening at SpaMedica Portsmouth &#8211; 18 May 2026<\/strong><\/h2>\n<p>Members are invited to a Consultant Ophthalmologist\u2013led CPD event at SpaMedica Portsmouth Hospital on Monday 18 May 2026, starting at 6:00pm.<\/p>\n<p>Mr Dario Inzerillo will deliver a 3\u2011point CPD session covering:<\/p>\n<p>\u2022 <em>An Introduction to Premium Lenses and Patient Selection<\/em><br \/>\n\u2022 <em>Basics of OCT Interpretation<\/em><\/p>\n<p>Alongside the lecture, there will be opportunities to ask questions and discuss direct referrals for YAG and glaucoma. The SpaMedica team will also be offering hospital tours and refreshments throughout the evening.<\/p>\n<p>This event provides a valuable chance to learn directly from a Consultant Ophthalmologist, explore the hospital environment, and strengthen referral pathways.<\/p>\n<p>To register, please use the Eventbrite link below:<\/p>\n<p><a href=\"https:\/\/www.eventbrite.co.uk\/e\/spamedica-portsmouth-cpd-evening-tickets-1987059792329?aff=oddtdtcreator\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer nofollow\">SpaMedica Portsmouth CPD Evening Tickets, Monday, May 18 \u00a0\u2022\u00a0 6 PM &#8211; 8:30 PM | Eventbrite<\/a><\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>Hampshire LOC AGM &amp; Education Evening &#8211; Book Now for a Big Night of CPD! We\u2019re gearing up for one of the most important and enjoyable dates in the Hampshire LOC calendar \u2014 the 2026 AGM &amp; Education Evening \u2014 and this year\u2019s programme is packed with value for every practitioner. Whether you\u2019re an Optometrist, &hellip; <\/p>\n<p class=\"link-more\"><a href=\"https:\/\/www.loc-online.co.uk\/hampshire-loc\/2026\/05\/15\/latest-news-from-hampshire-loc-15-may-2026\/\" class=\"more-link\">Continue reading<span class=\"screen-reader-text\"> &#8220;Latest News from Hampshire LOC &#8211; 15 May 2026&#8221;<\/span><\/a><\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":1132,"featured_media":0,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"open","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"_acf_changed":false,"footnotes":""},"categories":[1],"tags":[],"class_list":["post-1836","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","hentry","category-uncategorised"],"acf":[],"publishpress_future_workflow_manual_trigger":{"enabledWorkflows":[]},"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.loc-online.co.uk\/hampshire-loc\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/1836","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.loc-online.co.uk\/hampshire-loc\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.loc-online.co.uk\/hampshire-loc\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.loc-online.co.uk\/hampshire-loc\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/1132"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.loc-online.co.uk\/hampshire-loc\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=1836"}],"version-history":[{"count":3,"href":"https:\/\/www.loc-online.co.uk\/hampshire-loc\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/1836\/revisions"}],"predecessor-version":[{"id":1839,"href":"https:\/\/www.loc-online.co.uk\/hampshire-loc\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/1836\/revisions\/1839"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.loc-online.co.uk\/hampshire-loc\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=1836"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.loc-online.co.uk\/hampshire-loc\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=1836"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.loc-online.co.uk\/hampshire-loc\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=1836"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}