Hampshire LOC would like to make contractors aware of a recent update from the NHS regarding the development of a new NHS Sight Testing and Spectacle Dispensing Service for children and young people in special educational settings.<\/p>\n
Following a formal procurement process, SeeAbility Limited\u00a0<\/strong>has been appointed as the provider, with a contract awarded for up to seven years.<\/p>\n The service will be rolled out in phases across special schools in the South East, with full delivery expected by the end of the year to those schools that have expressed an interest. It will be delivered directly within specialist educational settings outside of mainstream schools, supporting individuals up to the age of 25.<\/p>\n Importantly, this service is designed to complement existing NHS General Ophthalmic Services (GOS). Pupils, along with their parents or carers, will continue to retain full choice over where they access their eye care, including local optical practices.<\/p>\n This initiative reflects ongoing efforts to improve accessibility and equity in eye care for vulnerable groups, and further updates will be shared as the service rollout progresses.<\/p>\n Hampshire LOC would like to remind all contractors and practitioners of an important NHS requirement regarding the Annual Declaration and Data Security and Protection Toolkit (DSPT)<\/strong> submissions.<\/p>\n NHSE and Primary Eyecare Services have advised that there are still a small number of practices and practitioners who have outstanding compliance submissions<\/strong>, and it is essential that these are completed before 30 June 2026<\/strong> to avoid any disruption to service delivery.<\/p>\n What you need to do<\/p>\n To remain compliant and continue providing enhanced services, practices must complete two key requirements:<\/p>\n Once completed, the DSPT must be uploaded onto OPERA<\/strong>.<\/p>\n Important \u2013 Impact on Services<\/p>\n Failure to complete both the Annual Declaration and DSPT requirements will result in:<\/p>\n This could have a direct impact on both patient care and practice activity, so timely completion is critical.<\/p>\n Further guidance and support materials are available via OPERA and QiO, and contractors experiencing difficulties should contact Primary Eyecare Services for assistance.<\/p>\n Hampshire LOC would like to highlight two upcoming interactive CPD workshops delivered by the Professional Development and Quality Teams at Primary Eyecare Services. These sessions focus on patient safety within enhanced eye care services and offer valuable opportunities for shared learning and reflection.<\/p>\n Both workshops are accredited for 3 Interactive CPD points<\/strong> for Optometrists and Dispensing Opticians.<\/p>\n Workshop 1: Delayed Referrals<\/p>\n Monday 13 July, 7:00\u20138:15pm (via Zoom)<\/strong><\/p>\n This session (a repeat of earlier dates) uses real-world case studies to explore the causes and consequences of delayed referrals. It will examine both systemic challenges and individual decision-making factors\u00a0that can impact patient safety.<\/p>\n Participants will have the opportunity to:<\/p>\n Workshop 2: External Processes<\/p>\n Tuesday 14 July, 7:00\u20138:15pm (via Zoom)<\/strong><\/p>\n This new session focuses on how external processes within enhanced services can influence patient safety outcomes. Through case-based discussion, attendees will explore:<\/p>\n Important information for attendees<\/p>\n To ensure the best experience and participation:<\/p>\n Ensure your camera and microphone are working<\/strong>, as active participation is required<\/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<\/strong><\/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 Hampshire LOC members are warmly invited to attend the Surrey LOC AGM and CPD evening, taking place on:<\/p>\n The evening will feature a range of valuable CPD sessions, including:<\/p>\n This is an excellent opportunity to gain CPD, network with peers, and hear from expert speakers.<\/p>\n Please see the enclosed leaflet for full details: Here<\/a><\/p>\n Register your place here:<\/strong> All Hampshire LOC members are very welcome to attend\u2014please feel free to share with colleagues who may be interested.<\/p>\n We would like to remind all practices that the deadline to sign up for the Smoking Cessation Local Incentive Scheme has been\u00a0extended to 29 June 2026<\/strong>.<\/p>\nAction Required: Annual Declaration and DSPT Deadline Approaching<\/h2>\n
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\nPractices are required to:<\/li>\n<\/ol>\n\n
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\nPractices must also ensure they have a valid DSPT submission by:<\/li>\n<\/ol>\n\n
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Upcoming CPD Workshops: Quality in Enhanced Eye Care Services<\/h2>\n
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REMINDER: Exclusive CPD Evening at Winchester Cathedral – 9th July 2026<\/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
Invitation: Surrey LOC AGM & CPS Event – Monday 13 July 2026<\/h2>\n
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\nSurrey LOC AGM and CPD Event \u2013 Monday 13th July 2026<\/a><\/p>\nReminder: Smoking Cessation Local Incentive Scheme (ICB)<\/h2>\n