Primary Eyecare Services has issued an important update to the eligibility criteria for the Community Urgent Eyecare Service (CUES) across Hampshire and the Isle of Wight.<\/p>\n
CUES is designed specifically for acute and urgent eye conditions. Recent system feedback has shown that some patients are being directed into CUES despite not having an appropriate acute symptom profile. To support more consistent triage and improve service efficiency, PES has worked with the LOC and Local Pharmacy Committee to produce a clearer, more comprehensive set of guidelines. These have now been approved by the HIOW ICB.<\/p>\n
Key Update<\/strong><\/p>\n While most criteria remain unchanged, practices should note the following clarification:<\/p>\n This refinement reinforces the original purpose of CUES as a service for acute or urgent presentations only. The updated criteria have already been shared with GP practices, NHS 111 and local Trusts to support consistent messaging across the system.<\/p>\n Access the Updated Guidance<\/strong><\/p>\n Practices are encouraged to ensure that all clinicians and front\u2011of\u2011house staff review the updated guidance to support safe and appropriate patient signposting.<\/p>\n For any questions, please contact:\u00a0katie.atkins@primaryeyecare.co.uk<\/a><\/p>\n Hampshire and Isle of Wight ICB, in partnership with Hampshire County Council Public Health, has launched a new Local Incentive Scheme to support optical practices in embedding smoking cessation conversations and referrals into everyday clinical care.<\/p>\n Stopping smoking is one of the most effective actions individuals can take to protect their eye health, significantly reducing the risk of conditions such as age\u2011related macular degeneration and cataracts. Optical practices are uniquely placed to initiate these conversations, and this scheme aims to strengthen and support that role over a 12\u2011month period.<\/p>\n Sign\u2011Up Required by 19 June<\/strong><\/p>\n Practices wishing to participate should complete the\u00a0sign\u2011up form<\/a> and return it to: hiowicb-hsi.pod@nhs.net<\/a><\/p>\n Once registered, practices will receive an NHS standard contract ahead of the scheme\u2019s start date on\u00a01 July 2026.<\/p>\n Information Webinars<\/strong><\/p>\n Hampshire County Council Public Health will be hosting two drop\u2011in webinars to explain the scheme and answer questions:<\/p>\n What the Scheme Supports<\/strong><\/p>\n Participating practices will be supported and incentivised to:<\/p>\n VBA Training for Optical Teams<\/strong><\/p>\n Smokefree Hampshire will provide dedicated VBA training for optical staff on the following dates:<\/p>\n Further Information<\/strong><\/p>\n View the full\u00a0scheme specification<\/a>\u00a0and a\u00a0promotional\/educational resource pack<\/a>\u00a0enclosed to support your practices in preparing for implementation.<\/p>\n For any queries, please contact: The Optometric Fees Negotiating Committee (OFNC) is calling on all contractors in England to take part in a new confidential survey (by the 22nd<\/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 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 All responses will be analysed only in aggregate, with no identifiable information shared.<\/p>\n Why This Matters<\/strong><\/p>\n 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 A high response rate will significantly strengthen the sector\u2019s negotiating position.<\/p>\n Take Part in the Survey<\/strong><\/p>\n Survey link:\u00a0OFNC Survey<\/a>\u00a0(by the 22nd<\/sup>\u00a0June 2026<\/strong>)<\/p>\n More Information<\/strong><\/p>\n Further details are available in the OFNC press release:\u00a0Find out more<\/a><\/p>\n A huge thank you to everyone who attended this year\u2019s Hampshire LOC AGM & Education Evening. It was a fantastic event with excellent engagement, lively discussion and a real sense of shared purpose across our local optical community.<\/p>\n The education session was extremely well received, and it was wonderful to see colleagues from across Hampshire and the Isle of Wight coming together to learn, share experiences and strengthen professional connections. The networking throughout the evening was a real highlight, reminding us how valuable it is to meet face\u2011to\u2011face and build relationships across practices and roles.<\/p>\n We would also like to take this opportunity to remind the community that all Hampshire LOC committee meetings are open for observers. If you\u2019ve ever wondered how the LOC works, or are considering getting more involved in the future, you are very welcome to come along, listen in and get a feel for the discussions and work we do on your behalf.<\/p>\n If you\u2019d like to attend a meeting or find out more about opportunities to contribute, please get in touch \u2014 we\u2019d be delighted to welcome you: manager@hampshireloc.org.uk<\/p>\n Hosted by Sapphire Eye Care | Limited Places<\/p>\n Members are invited to a special CPD event set in the stunning grounds of Winchester Cathedral, offering an evening of consultant\u2011led education, a relaxed summer BBQ, and valuable networking opportunities.<\/p>\n Date:<\/strong> Thursday 9 July 2026 Featured Speakers & Topics<\/p>\n Alongside the CPD programme, attendees will enjoy a s<\/strong>ummer BBQ and drinks reception, with time to connect with colleagues in a unique and historic setting.<\/p>\n Places are limited and early interest is already high.<\/p>\n To register, please email your: Name | GOC Number | Practice<\/strong> to:\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0events@sapphire-eyecare.co.uk<\/a><\/p>\n Please feel free to share this invitation with colleagues who may be interested<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":" Update: CUES Eligibility Criteria Refreshed for Hampshire & Isle of Wight Primary Eyecare Services has issued an important update to the eligibility criteria for the Community Urgent Eyecare Service (CUES) across Hampshire and the Isle of Wight. CUES is designed specifically for acute and urgent eye conditions. Recent system feedback has shown that some patients … <\/p>\n\n
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New Smoking Cessation Local Incentive Scheme – Practices Invited to Sign up by 19 June 2026<\/h2>\n
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\nhiowicb-hsi.pod@nhs.net<\/a><\/p>\nIMPORTANT DEADLINE! OFNC Survey: Contractors Urged to Share Evidence on Unfunded GOS Work<\/h2>\n
Thank You for Joining Us at the Hampshire LOC AGM & Education Evening<\/h2>\n
Exclusive CPD Evening at Winchester Cathedral – 9th July 2026<\/strong><\/h2>\n
\nVenue:<\/strong> The Pavilion, Winchester Cathedral
\nFrom 6:00pm:<\/strong> Registration, BBQ & Networking
\n6:45pm:<\/strong> Consultant\u2011Led CPD Sessions<\/p>\n\n