What is an LOC?

LOCs were established by the NHS (Amendment) Act 1949 as the optical Local Representative Committee (LRC), whose primary care counterparts are the Local Medical Committees, Local Pharmaceutical Committees and Local Dentistry Committees, who represent local GPs, Pharmacy and Dentistry Committees respectively and together with Optometry form the local “POD”.  Therefore, they are bodies created by statute and have an important and defined legislative role.

LOCs represent the interests and raise awareness of the roles of NHS optical contractors and performers within defined geographical areas, this levy derived from a percentage of each NHS eye examination conducted by all practices in Surrey.  The work of the LOC is funded by a statutory levy on NHS GOS sight tests in their localities and meet regularly, including an annual AGM.

Private-only optical business cannot be represented by the LOC as these businesses are not included within legislation, nor are they financial contributors to the LOC.

LOCs work with other neighbouring LOCs along with Local Optical Committee Support Unit (LOCSU) and regional counterparts in LOC regional forums, to develop and achieve their objectives in enhancing eye care locally, as well as contributing to national policies.

Integrated Care Board’s (ICBs) are responsible for planning the delivery of NHS services to improve the eye health of the population, including deciding how resources are allocated.  Integrated Care Systems (ICS) were legally established in July 2022 replacing the former Clinical Commissioning Groups (CCG).  Locally, the former CCGs of Guildford and Waverley, Surrey Downs, East Surrey, North West Surrey formed the ICS of Surrey Heartlands and Surrey Heath and NE Hants and Farnham CCG areas joined to form part of the Frimley ICS area.

Through this website we aim to provide eye care practitioners, other health care professionals and the public with information and support on all aspects of NHS eye care provision available across Surrey.