Peer Review, Sensory Impairment Survey, Application To Join Herts LOC, LOCSU And FODO News

2 February 2024

We have 5 items for you today:

1. Herts LOC/SpaMedica Peer Review CPD Event 4th March in Welwyn
   
   We are pleased to invite you to a joint Herts LOC/SpaMedica In-Person Peer Review CPD Event, “Post-Op Care of the Cataract Surgery Patient” on Monday 4th March 2024, at The Millstream Suite, Tewinbury Farm, Welwyn, AL6 0JB. This will be an Optom-led peer review, with three interactive points available for OOs and DOs. We will be providing a buffet and refreshments from 6pm, with the event starting at 7pm. 

   Please register by completing the form HERE. Registrations will close at 10pm on Wednesday 14th February. We are sorry that spaces are limited so we cannot guarantee a place, but we will email confirmation after booking has closed. If you later find that you are unable to attend or if you have any queries, please email admin@hertsloc.org.uk

   We look forward to seeing many of you there!

2. Research study survey on awareness of dual sensory impairment/deaf blindness amongst healthcare professionals
   We have been asked to forward details of a survey, HERE, which is being run by Dr Saima Rajasingam & Dr Eldre Beukes at Anglia Ruskin University and Dr Peter Simcock at Birmingham City University. The survey is to understand what healthcare practitioners know about deaf blindness/dual sensory impairment/multisensory impairment and how they change their practice to support children and young people with combined hearing and vision difficulties.
3. LOCSU’s latest newsletter
   
   Is HERE, including an interview with our committee member, Seema Rauniar, who joined the committee last year, as well as Maintaining High Standards of IPC This Winter and Additional CPD Capacity for 100% Optical.
4. Applications invited for Local NHS Contractors and DOs to join Hertfordshire Local Optical Committee
   
   Herts LOC always like to welcome new members to increase the diversity of experience, backgrounds and opinions amongst our cohort. The LOC meets quarterly, along with an annual AGM. At these meetings we discuss a wide variety of topics which include the commissioning of local eye care pathways, ICB updates, organising CPD meetings and much more.
   
   
   
   In order to best represent the practitioners of Hertfordshire, we try to maintain a balance of Contractors and Performers. Currently, we have more Practitioners than Contractors, so we would welcome applications from Contractors this year. Also, the incumbent DO on the committee is up for election and as such other DOs are also welcome to stand. Practitioners in these roles who are passionate about their profession and are keen to take an active role to help influence positive change are welcome to apply.
   
   
   
   If you would like to apply, please fill in the form by clicking the link below. The closing date for applications is 10pm on Sunday 18th February. 
   
   
   
   Application to join the Committee

   The election will take place at our AGM on 18th March 2024, which will be held via Zoom. 
   
   
   
   For further information or should you have any queries, please contact Admin@HertsLOC.org.uk
   
   
   
   Thanks and kind regards
   
   
   
   Steve Roberts, Joint Vice Chair

5. FODO News
   Is HERE including World Optometry Week 17-23 March,GOC renewal window open and Primary care continues to suffer real-term cuts.

Kind regards

Herts LOC