{"id":1857,"date":"2026-06-05T08:00:50","date_gmt":"2026-06-05T07:00:50","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.loc-online.co.uk\/hampshire-loc\/?p=1857"},"modified":"2026-06-04T09:52:20","modified_gmt":"2026-06-04T08:52:20","slug":"latest-news-from-hampshire-loc-05-june-2026","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.loc-online.co.uk\/hampshire-loc\/2026\/06\/05\/latest-news-from-hampshire-loc-05-june-2026\/","title":{"rendered":"Latest News from Hampshire LOC &#8211; 05 June 2026"},"content":{"rendered":"<h2><strong>Important! OFNC Survey: Contractors Urged to Share Evidence on Unfunded GOS Work<\/strong><\/h2>\n<p>The Optometric Fees Negotiating Committee (OFNC) is calling on all contractors in England to take part in a new confidential survey (<strong>by the 22<sup>nd<\/sup>\u00a0June 2026<\/strong>) designed to capture the scale of unfunded workload associated with GOS delivery, as well as wider cost pressures facing practices.<\/p>\n<p>The survey aims to gather robust, system\u2011wide evidence that will be used in discussions with ministers and senior officials during this year\u2019s fees round. OFNC has emphasised that strong participation is essential to ensure the sector\u2019s voice is accurately represented ahead of the summer parliamentary break.<\/p>\n<p>All responses will be analysed only in aggregate, with no identifiable information shared.<\/p>\n<p><strong>Why This Matters<\/strong><\/p>\n<p>Contractors across England have highlighted the growing burden of unfunded activity\u2014administrative tasks, follow\u2011up work, and clinical responsibilities that fall outside the scope of GOS fees. This survey provides the mechanism to quantify those pressures and present a clear, evidence\u2011based picture to government.<\/p>\n<p>A high response rate will significantly strengthen the sector\u2019s negotiating position.<\/p>\n<p><strong>Take Part in the Survey<\/strong><\/p>\n<p>Survey link:\u00a0<a href=\"https:\/\/forms.cloud.microsoft\/pages\/responsepage.aspx?id=e9gduufai0iqt3STf8iTgxtvzzOXXXdJkRZANDFlNhRUM0NQUUo0TFNIS01aV0xEVFUzTThHQk1KVy4u&amp;route=shorturl\">OFNC Survey<\/a>\u00a0(by the 22<sup>nd<\/sup>\u00a0June 2026)<\/p>\n<p><strong>More Information<\/strong><\/p>\n<p>Further details are available in the OFNC press release:\u00a0<a href=\"https:\/\/locsu.co.uk\/ofnc-urges-all-contractors-in-england-to-take-part-in-new-survey-to-assess-unfunded-gos-workload\/\">Find out more<\/a><\/p>\n<h2><strong>Reminder for Practices: Action Required on Post-Cataract Episodes<\/strong><\/h2>\n<p>Primary Eyecare Services has issued an important reminder for all practices delivering Post\u2011Cataract care to ensure that episodes are being monitored, actioned and completed promptly within OPERA. This forms a key part of maintaining patient safety, meeting contractual requirements, and supporting effective failsafe processes across the system.<\/p>\n<p><strong>What Practices Need to Do<\/strong><\/p>\n<p>Practices are asked to regularly review both their Clinical Dashboard and Manage Referrals lists to ensure all Post\u2011Cataract episodes are progressing appropriately. PES has highlighted several essential expectations:<\/p>\n<ul>\n<li><strong>Monitor \u00a0 your dashboard daily<\/strong>\u00a0to ensure referrals are booked without delay.<\/li>\n<li><strong>Contact \u00a0 patients promptly<\/strong>\u00a0to arrange appointments, and record all contact \u00a0 attempts. If appointments need to be rearranged, the updated date must be recorded so the system reflects the change.<\/li>\n<li><strong>Follow \u00a0 FTE\/DNA\/WNB guidance<\/strong>\u00a0where patients cannot be contacted or do not \u00a0 attend.<\/li>\n<li><strong>Return \u00a0 or close episodes<\/strong>\u00a0that are overdue or no longer required.<\/li>\n<li><strong>Complete \u00a0 patient episodes within 48 hours<\/strong>\u00a0of the appointment. If the clinical \u00a0 report has not been completed, the responsible optometrist must be alerted immediately.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p>PES emphasises that practices are responsible for monitoring their own worklists and ensuring no episodes remain unactioned for extended periods, as this may compromise patient safety and compliance.<\/p>\n<p><strong>Support Available<\/strong><\/p>\n<p>If practices require help with booking, recording FTE\/DNA outcomes, or navigating OPERA, support is available via the\u00a0<strong>Blue Bubble<\/strong>\u00a0or by emailing\u00a0<a href=\"mailto:hello@referral.support\"><strong>hello@referral.support<\/strong><\/a>\u00a0with the relevant OPR number.<\/p>\n<p>Full guidance has been circulated to practices, and teams are encouraged to ensure all staff involved in Post\u2011Cataract care are familiar with the correct processes.<\/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\u00a0<strong>2026 AGM &amp; Education Evening<\/strong>\u00a0\u2014 and this year\u2019s programme is packed with value for every practitioner. Whether you\u2019re an\u00a0<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\u00a0<strong>Scope<\/strong>.<\/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\u00a0<strong>6:30pm<\/strong>\u00a0(buffet &amp; networking)<\/li>\n<li><strong>Venue:<\/strong>\u00a0\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\u00a0<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>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>\u00a0for the workshop<\/li>\n<li><strong>+1 \u00a0 additional point<\/strong>\u00a0via the\u00a0<em>Friday Night Specials<\/em>\u00a0visual\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><strong>HIOW eRS Rollout &#8211; Action Required from Practices<\/strong><\/h2>\n<p>Following the earlier communications regarding the rollout of the <strong>E<\/strong>lectronic Referral Service (eRS) across optometry in Hampshire and the Isle of Wight, a number of practices have not yet completed the required steps for onboarding. The ICB has asked us to remind all practices of the actions needed to ensure full compliance and to avoid delays in referral processing.<\/p>\n<p><strong>What Practices Need to Complete<\/strong><\/p>\n<ol>\n<li>DSPT &amp; ODS Code Every practice must have an up\u2011to\u2011date Data Security Protection Toolkit (DSPT) submission and an ODS code in place. Practices must also nominate an eRS Lead, who will act as the main point of contact during implementation and provide staff information as required.<\/li>\n<\/ol>\n<ol start=\"2\">\n<li>Staff Information for RA Process Practices must complete the required spreadsheet with the following details:<\/li>\n<\/ol>\n<ul>\n<li><strong>eRS \u00a0 Lead:<\/strong>\u00a0full name and email address (for contact purposes)<\/li>\n<li><strong>Users:<\/strong>\u00a0 full name, unique email address (Gmail, Outlook, Hotmail, Yahoo, iCloud, or a business email on the Care Identity allow\u2011list), and a unique mobile number<\/li>\n<li><strong>eRS \u00a0 Role:<\/strong>\n<ul>\n<li><em>Referring \u00a0 Clinician<\/em>\u00a0\u2013 B1101<\/li>\n<li><em>Referring \u00a0 Clinician Admin<\/em>\u00a0\u2013 B1102<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p>This information is essential for the Registration Authority (RA) process and for users to receive their link to create a Care Identity Management (CIM) profile.<\/p>\n<ol start=\"3\">\n<li>Completing the RA Application The RA Team has reported difficulty contacting some practices where users have been sent their application link but have not started the process. The link is sent to the mobile number provided on the spreadsheet. Users must follow this link promptly to complete their registration.<\/li>\n<\/ol>\n<p><strong>Support and Submission<\/strong><\/p>\n<p>If your practice is experiencing difficulties completing any part of the process, support is available. Please email:\u00a0<a href=\"mailto:england.eyecare-transformation@nhs.net\"><strong>england.eyecare-transformation@nhs.net<\/strong><\/a><\/p>\n<h2><strong>SeeAbility Practice Directory &#8211; Help Improve Access for Patients With Learning Disabilities<\/strong><\/h2>\n<p>SeeAbility maintains a national online directory of optical practices that are willing and able to welcome patients with learning disabilities and autism. This resource is widely used by patients, carers, and local health professionals to identify practices that can offer accessible, supportive care.<\/p>\n<p>At present, only a small number of practices in Hampshire and the Isle of Wight are listed, and a recent review found that some entries are out of date. The core requirement for joining the directory is simply a commitment to being welcoming and accommodating to patients with learning disabilities.<\/p>\n<p>The LOC is encouraging any practice that feels able to support these patients to submit their details. Increasing the number of local practices on the directory will make a meaningful difference to access and patient choice across our area.<\/p>\n<p><strong>Information SeeAbility Requests<\/strong><\/p>\n<p>Practices can provide as much detail as they wish, but the following is particularly helpful:<\/p>\n<ul>\n<li>\u00a0 Practice\u00a0 name<\/li>\n<li>\u00a0\u00a0Address<\/li>\n<li>\u00a0\u00a0Phone \u00a0 number<\/li>\n<li>\u00a0\u00a0Email<\/li>\n<li>\u00a0\u00a0Website<\/li>\n<li>\u00a0\u00a0Accessibility \u00a0 information (e.g., disabled\/Blue Badge parking, wheelchair access to test rooms, hearing loop availability)<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p>To add your practice or ask any questions, please email\u00a0<a href=\"mailto:eyecare@seeability.org\"><strong>eyecare@seeability.org<\/strong><\/a>.<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>Important! OFNC Survey: Contractors Urged to Share Evidence on Unfunded GOS Work The Optometric Fees Negotiating Committee (OFNC) is calling on all contractors in England to take part in a new confidential survey (by the 22nd\u00a0June 2026) designed to capture the scale of unfunded workload associated with GOS delivery, as well as wider cost pressures &hellip; <\/p>\n<p class=\"link-more\"><a href=\"https:\/\/www.loc-online.co.uk\/hampshire-loc\/2026\/06\/05\/latest-news-from-hampshire-loc-05-june-2026\/\" class=\"more-link\">Continue reading<span class=\"screen-reader-text\"> &#8220;Latest News from Hampshire LOC &#8211; 05 June 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-1857","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\/1857","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=1857"}],"version-history":[{"count":1,"href":"https:\/\/www.loc-online.co.uk\/hampshire-loc\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/1857\/revisions"}],"predecessor-version":[{"id":1858,"href":"https:\/\/www.loc-online.co.uk\/hampshire-loc\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/1857\/revisions\/1858"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.loc-online.co.uk\/hampshire-loc\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=1857"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.loc-online.co.uk\/hampshire-loc\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=1857"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.loc-online.co.uk\/hampshire-loc\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=1857"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}