Latest News from Wiltshire LOC – 04 September 2026
4 September 2026
BSW Eye Care Navigation Service: Help Shape Future Referrals
The Bath and North East Somerset, Swindon and Wiltshire (BSW) Eye Care Navigation Service (ECNS) launched on 7 July 2026, providing practitioners with two ways to refer patients into the service:
- Via secure email to cnech.pecservices@nhs.net
- Via the OPERA GOS18 module
While both referral routes remain available, Primary Eyecare Services has noted that secure email is currently being used for the majority of referrals. To better understand current practice and identify any barriers to greater use of the OPERA GOS18 module, they are seeking feedback from practices across the BSW area.
Practices are asked to complete a short questionnaire on behalf of their team. The information gathered will help Primary Eyecare Services understand how the OPERA referral pathway is being used and what additional support may be beneficial.
Your feedback will play an important role in helping to improve referral processes and ensure practices receive the support they need.
Please take a few minutes to complete the questionnaire if you have not already done so: Questionnaire
Thank you for supporting this important piece of work.
Get Involved in National Eye Health Week 2026 (21-27 September)
National Eye Health Week is a fantastic opportunity for practices to promote the importance of good eye health and encourage more people to make eye care a priority.
We encourage all Wiltshire practices to get involved by raising awareness among patients, sharing eye health messages on social media, displaying promotional materials in practice, and highlighting the vital role that regular eye examinations play in detecting eye conditions and wider health issues.
Taking part is a great way to engage with your local community, showcase the services your practice provides, and help spread important public health messages.
A range of free resources, campaign materials and activity ideas are available from the National Eye Health Week team to help practices participate.
Let’s work together to make this year’s campaign a success and continue improving eye health awareness across Wiltshire.
Find out more and access campaign resources via the National Eye Health Week website.
Wiltshire LOC Latest News
Latest News from Wiltshire LOC – 09 October 2026
Menopause Awareness Month: The Link Between Menopause and Eye Health October is Menopause Awareness Month, providing an opportunity to highlight an important but often overlooked aspect of women’s health: eye health. Hormonal changes during perimenopause and menopause can have a significant impact on the ocular surface, increasing the risk of dry eye disease and related …
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9 October 2026
Latest News from Wiltshire LOC – 02 October 2026
AI in Eye Care CPD Event How AI is Transforming Digital Eye Care – and What Comes Next Practice Plus Group is hosting an online CPD event exploring how artificial intelligence and digital technologies are reshaping eye care. The session will cover topics including clinical AI, teleophthalmology, virtual clinics, home monitoring and patient-facing technologies, with …
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2 October 2026
Optometry Bulletin September 2026
Optometry Bulletin September 2026 Please find enclosed a copy of the Optometry Bulletin for September 2026, produced by NHS South West Collaborative Commissioning Hub. September 2026 Bulletin
30 September 2026
CPD Event: How AI is Transforming Digital Eye Care
CPD Event: How AI is Transforming Digital Eye Care – and What Comes Next Tuesday 20 October | 6:30pm to 8:00pm Online via Microsoft Teams 2 CPD Points Available Practice Plus Group is pleased to host this engaging CPD event exploring how artificial intelligence is transforming modern eye care. The session will cover current …
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29 September 2026
Latest News from Wiltshire LOC – 29 September 2026
OPERA Update: Improved Episode Management Primary Eyecare Services has introduced an enhancement to the ‘Update Episode’ function within OPERA.Previously, selecting “Update Episode” redirected users to an external JotForm. The process is now completed entirely within OPERA through a new integrated form, creating a more streamlined and efficient user experience. Key Changes Update requests can now …
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29 September 2026
Latest News from Wiltshire LOC – 21 August 2026
Action Required: Quality in Optometry (QiO) 2025-2028 Submission Priority Update for GOS Contractors Optometry Southwest has issued a reminder for all General Ophthalmic Services (GOS) contractors to complete their Quality in Optometry (QiO) 2025-2028 self-assessment submission, a mandatory requirement under GOS contractual terms. The QiO programme is a national assurance process designed to support consistency, safety …
Continue reading “Latest News from Wiltshire LOC – 21 August 2026”
21 August 2026
Latest Local News from Wiltshire LOC – 16 July 2026
Important Update: BSW Eye Care Navigation Service (ECNS) Referrals Primary Eyecare Services has issued an important reminder for all practitioners referring patients to the Bath and North East Somerset, Swindon and Wiltshire (BSW) Eye Care Navigation Service (ECNS) via email. Ensure Clinical Information Is Included in the Referral Letter When sending referrals to cnech.pecservices@nhs.net, all relevant …
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16 July 2026
Latest Local News from Wiltshire LOC – 09 July 2026
Secure Referrals to the Eye Care Navigation Service (ECNS) – Important Reminder Practices referring patients into the Eye Care Navigation Service (ECNS) across Bath & North East Somerset, Swindon and Wiltshire (BSW) are reminded that patient information must only be shared using secure communication methods. If you are referring via OPERA, no additional action is required. However, if referrals …
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9 July 2026
Important: Wiltshire LOC Guidance on the New Eye Care Navigation Service (from 6 July 2026)
Please find enclosed a letter from Wiltshire LOC Chair Colin Gault regarding the new Eye Care Navigation Service being introduced from 6 July 2026. Letter about referrals.pdf This letter provides clarification following recent discussions with Primary Eyecare Services (PES), LOCSU, OFNC, and neighbouring LOCs regarding the transfer of the existing Referral Support Service to PES. …
3 July 2026
Important! OFNC Survey: Contractors Urged to Share Evidence on Unfunded GOS Work
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 June 2026) designed to capture the scale of unfunded workload associated with GOS delivery, as well as wider cost pressures …
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4 June 2026