{"id":1844,"date":"2026-05-22T08:03:19","date_gmt":"2026-05-22T07:03:19","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.loc-online.co.uk\/hampshire-loc\/?p=1844"},"modified":"2026-05-22T08:03:19","modified_gmt":"2026-05-22T07:03:19","slug":"latest-news-from-hampshire-loc-22-may-2026","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.loc-online.co.uk\/hampshire-loc\/2026\/05\/22\/latest-news-from-hampshire-loc-22-may-2026\/","title":{"rendered":"Latest News from Hampshire LOC &#8211; 22 May 2026"},"content":{"rendered":"<h2><strong>Update: Telemedicine &amp; Accessing CUES in Hampshire &amp; Isle of Wight\u00a0<\/strong><\/h2>\n<p>Primary Eyecare Services has issued important clarification regarding how patients should access the\u00a0Community Urgent Eyecare Service (CUES) and how practices should manage appointments arranged via the Telemedicine Service.<\/p>\n<p><strong>CUES Access \u2013 Telemedicine Is <em>Not<\/em> the Only Route<\/strong><\/p>\n<p>PES has confirmed that patients do not need to contact Telemedicine in order to access CUES.<br \/>\nPatients may self\u2011present directly to any CUES\u2011accredited practice.<\/p>\n<p>The Telemedicine Service exists to support capacity across Hampshire &amp; Isle of Wight\u2014not to act as a mandatory gateway.<\/p>\n<p><strong>When Practices Should Use Telemedicine<\/strong><\/p>\n<p>If a patient contacts a practice with symptoms appropriate for CUES, but the practice cannot offer an appointment within the clinically appropriate timeframe, the patient should be directed to call the Telemedicine Service.<\/p>\n<p>This ensures patients are still seen promptly and safely when local capacity is limited.<\/p>\n<p><strong>When Telemedicine Books a Face\u2011to\u2011Face Appointment<\/strong><\/p>\n<p>If Telemedicine triages a patient and arranges a face\u2011to\u2011face appointment with a local practice:<\/p>\n<ul>\n<li>The patient is transferred into the care of that practice.<\/li>\n<li>The practice becomes responsible for seeing the patient.<\/li>\n<li>If the confirmed appointment must be cancelled, the practice should attempt to rebook the patient into another suitable slot.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p>If no alternative appointment is available within the appropriate timeframe, the patient may then be advised to contact Telemedicine again so they can be reallocated to another practice.<\/p>\n<p><strong>What Practices <em>Should Not<\/em> Do<\/strong><\/p>\n<p>It is not appropriate to tell a patient that they <em>must<\/em> contact Telemedicine in order to be seen under CUES.\u00a0Direct access to CUES practices remains fully valid and unchanged.<\/p>\n<p><strong>Further Information<\/strong><\/p>\n<p>PES thanks all practices for their continued support in delivering CUES across Hampshire &amp; Isle of Wight.<\/p>\n<p>Any questions can be directed to: <a href=\"mailto:katie.atkins@primaryeyecare.co.uk\"><strong>katie.atkins@primaryeyecare.co.uk<\/strong><\/a><\/p>\n<h2 data-pm-slice=\"1 1 []\"><strong>Update: DORA Virtual Post-Operative Follow-Up for Cataract Patients<\/strong><\/h2>\n<p>Hampshire and Isle of Wight Integrated Care Board (HIOW ICB) has now launched the new DORA virtual post\u2011operative cataract follow\u2011up pathway, which came into effect on 1 April 2026<strong>.<\/strong> Contractors may already have seen the initial announcement shared via Hampshire LOC on 3 April; this information is also available on the LOC website under <em>Post\u2011Cataract Information<\/em>.<\/p>\n<p><strong>How the new pathway works<\/strong><\/p>\n<p>All cataract patients will now receive a telephone follow\u2011up at 4 weeks post\u2011surgery. During this call, their ongoing care needs will be assessed, and any required clinical follow\u2011up will be arranged directly with the provider that carried out the surgery.<\/p>\n<p><strong>What this means for practices<\/strong><\/p>\n<p>Under the updated ICB guidance:<\/p>\n<ul type=\"disc\" data-position=\"outside\">\n<li>Surgical providers remain responsible for all post\u2011operative complications, regardless of how long it has been since surgery.<\/li>\n<li>Patients presenting with symptoms suggestive of post\u2011operative issues should be directed to their surgical provider first, not immediately booked into CUES.<\/li>\n<li>All patients receive provider contact details in their post\u2011operative information pack, and should be encouraged to use these if concerns arise.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p>This applies even if the patient has already attended their routine post\u2011operative sight test. For example, if a patient presents at 7 weeks with symptoms that appear related to their surgery, they should still be referred back to their surgical provider, not into CUES.<\/p>\n<p>This approach is essential because the ICB monitors post\u2011operative complication rates using data supplied by surgical providers. If patients are instead seen within CUES, this may distort the accuracy of that data.<\/p>\n<p><strong>When CUES <\/strong><em><strong>can<\/strong><\/em><strong> be used<\/strong><\/p>\n<p>If a patient contacts your practice with symptoms after already attempting to contact their surgical provider, and the provider has stated they cannot see the patient, then the patient may be seen within CUES, provided they meet the usual eligibility criteria.<\/p>\n<p>In these cases, practices must:<\/p>\n<ul type=\"disc\" data-position=\"outside\">\n<li>Obtain patient consent<\/li>\n<li>Notify the ICB of the incident by emailing <a href=\"mailto:hiow.electivecaremailbox@nhs.net\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer nofollow\"><strong>hiow.electivecaremailbox@nhs.net<\/strong><\/a> with relevant details<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p><strong>Further information<\/strong><\/p>\n<p>If you have any questions about the pathway or require clarification, please contact:<\/p>\n<p>Katie Atkins<strong>, <\/strong>Clinical Lead, Primary Eyecare Services <a href=\"mailto:katie.atkins@primaryeyecare.co.uk\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer nofollow\"><em>katie.atkins@primaryeyecare.co.uk<\/em><\/a><\/p>\n<h2><strong>Hampshire LOC AGM &amp; Education Evening &#8211; Book Now!\u00a0<\/strong><\/h2>\n<p>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, DO, CLO, or an Independent\u00a0Prescriber, 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 Scope.<\/p>\n<p><strong>Event Details<\/strong><\/p>\n<ul>\n<li><strong>Date:<\/strong>\u00a0 Wednesday 10 June 2026<\/li>\n<li><strong>Time:<\/strong>\u00a0 From 6:30pm (buffet &amp; networking)<\/li>\n<li><strong>Venue<\/strong>:\u00a0 Solent Hotel &amp; Spa, 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>Alexander Thornton BSc (Hons) MCOptom DipTp(IP) Prof Cert Med Ret Prof Cert Glauc<\/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>Optometrists<\/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>\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\">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 data-pm-slice=\"1 1 []\"><strong>Accurate Recording of Episodes &amp; Outcomes in OPERA: Guidance Reminder<\/strong><\/h2>\n<p>Primary Eyecare Services has issued updated guidance for practices and practitioners on the importance of accurate episode and outcome recording within OPERA. This information will be circulated to all providers on <strong>Friday 22 May<\/strong>, and Hampshire LOC is sharing the key points below to support consistent, safe, and reliable service delivery across our area.<\/p>\n<p><strong>Why Accurate Recording Matters<\/strong><\/p>\n<p>Clear and consistent recording ensures:<\/p>\n<ul type=\"disc\" data-position=\"outside\">\n<li>Safe \u00a0 and seamless patient pathways<\/li>\n<li>Accurate \u00a0 representation of clinical activity<\/li>\n<li>Reliable \u00a0 service data for commissioning and reporting<\/li>\n<li>Reduced \u00a0 need for retrospective clarification<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p>PES has identified variation in how episodes and outcomes are being logged, particularly within CUES, and is asking all practices to review their processes.<\/p>\n<p><strong>Recording Episodes Correctly<\/strong><\/p>\n<p><strong>Follow\u2011ups vs New Episodes<\/strong><\/p>\n<p>Practices are reminded that follow\u2011up appointments must be recorded as <strong>follow\u2011ups<\/strong>, not as new telemedicine or face\u2011to\u2011face episodes.<\/p>\n<p>Multiple episodes of the same type should not be created where the interaction is a continuation of care.<\/p>\n<p><strong>Example pathway:<\/strong><\/p>\n<ul type=\"disc\" data-position=\"outside\">\n<li>Telemedicine \u00a0 assessment<\/li>\n<li>Face\u2011to\u2011face \u00a0 appointment<\/li>\n<li>Further \u00a0 face\u2011to\u2011face review<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p><strong>This should be recorded as:<\/strong><br \/>\n<strong>Telemedicine \u2192 Face\u2011to\u2011face \u2192 Follow\u2011up<\/strong><br \/>\n<em>not<\/em> multiple face\u2011to\u2011face episodes.<\/p>\n<p><strong>Referrals to Your Practice<\/strong><\/p>\n<p>When a patient appears on your clinical dashboard, the face\u2011to\u2011face consultation must continue on the <strong>same record using the same OPR number<\/strong>.<br \/>\nA new record should not be created.<\/p>\n<p>Guidance on accepting referrals is available here: <a href=\"https:\/\/d4jq2.r.sp1-brevo.net\/mk\/cl\/f\/sh\/1t6Af4OiGsDg0cECR4eh8Fo93frzZ1\/T3Ap2D2-0WwL\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer nofollow\"><em>Internal Referrals \u2013 OPERA<\/em><\/a><\/p>\n<p><strong>Recording Outcomes Correctly<\/strong><\/p>\n<p>Outcomes must accurately reflect what happened to the patient.<\/p>\n<p>PES has noted cases where episodes were marked as <strong>discharged<\/strong>, despite clinical notes showing that the patient was referred outside OPERA.<\/p>\n<p><strong>Key points:<\/strong><\/p>\n<ul type=\"disc\" data-position=\"outside\">\n<li>Local \u00a0 protocols may require referrals to be sent outside OPERA (e.g., emergencies, EeRS transfers).<\/li>\n<li>Where \u00a0 this occurs, the <strong>episode outcome must reflect that an external referral \u00a0 was made<\/strong>.<\/li>\n<li><strong>Discharge<\/strong>\u00a0 should only be selected when the patient has genuinely been discharged with no onward referral.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p><strong>Important:<\/strong><\/p>\n<p>Under no circumstances should a GOS18 referral be created within OPERA to close an episode.<br \/>\nThese referrals will be rejected by the Eyecare Navigation Service, and you will be instructed to refer via the original service record (e.g., CUES or GERS).<\/p>\n<p>Further guidance: <a href=\"https:\/\/d4jq2.r.sp1-brevo.net\/mk\/cl\/f\/sh\/1t6Af4OiGsE8LKQcpQkcIVryRUqjH5\/0_htPJxJG51m\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer nofollow\"><em>Managing referrals sent outside the OPERA platform \u2013 OPERA<\/em><\/a><\/p>\n<p><strong>Where to Find More Information<\/strong><\/p>\n<p>Service\u2011specific guidance, including how to record different episode types, is available on the OPERA Help Pages:<br \/>\n<a href=\"https:\/\/d4jq2.r.sp1-brevo.net\/mk\/cl\/f\/sh\/1t6Af4OiGsEag2d3DmqXSlvnpJpSz9\/WeGEeQJKsV-l\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer nofollow\"><strong>Service Guides for Practices and Practitioners \u2013 OPERA<\/strong><\/a><\/p>\n<p>Primary Eyecare Services thanks all practices for their continued commitment to high\u2011quality, safe delivery of community eye care services.<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>Update: Telemedicine &amp; Accessing CUES in Hampshire &amp; Isle of Wight\u00a0 Primary Eyecare Services has issued important clarification regarding how patients should access the\u00a0Community Urgent Eyecare Service (CUES) and how practices should manage appointments arranged via the Telemedicine Service. CUES Access \u2013 Telemedicine Is Not the Only Route PES has confirmed that patients do not &hellip; <\/p>\n<p class=\"link-more\"><a href=\"https:\/\/www.loc-online.co.uk\/hampshire-loc\/2026\/05\/22\/latest-news-from-hampshire-loc-22-may-2026\/\" class=\"more-link\">Continue reading<span class=\"screen-reader-text\"> &#8220;Latest News from Hampshire LOC &#8211; 22 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-1844","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\/1844","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=1844"}],"version-history":[{"count":4,"href":"https:\/\/www.loc-online.co.uk\/hampshire-loc\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/1844\/revisions"}],"predecessor-version":[{"id":1852,"href":"https:\/\/www.loc-online.co.uk\/hampshire-loc\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/1844\/revisions\/1852"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.loc-online.co.uk\/hampshire-loc\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=1844"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.loc-online.co.uk\/hampshire-loc\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=1844"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.loc-online.co.uk\/hampshire-loc\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=1844"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}