Latest News from Wiltshire LOC – 29 September 2026
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 be completed directly within OPERA.
- Available update options are tailored to the specific service associated with the episode.
- Certain options may depend on episode status or the availability of a Referral Summary document.
- All update actions continue to be recorded for audit and operational purposes, including the user, URN and selected action.
- Where an update action is not available, users will receive a clear on-screen message.
For support, practices can use the blue help bubble within OPERA or contact hello@referral.support.
CPD Opportunity: Eye Care Navigation Service Workshop
Earn 3 Interactive CPD Points
Primary Eyecare Services is hosting an online discussion workshop focused on the Eye Care Navigation Service (ECNS), now established across the Bath and North East Somerset, Swindon and Wiltshire Integrated Care Board footprint.
Date and Time
Thursday 15 October
7:00pm to 8:15pm
Topics Covered
- Common reasons referrals are returned
- Best practice referral guidance
- How referrals are triaged within secondary care
- Review and discussion of three real-life referral examples
The session will also include an update from local clinical leads and provide opportunities for shared learning and discussion.
Before You Join
- Register using one device per person
- Join via a laptop or computer where possible
- Ensure your microphone and camera are available for participation
The workshop carries 3 interactive CPD points for Optometrists and Dispensing Opticians.
Registration is now open – Book here! Meeting Registration – Zoom
The Road to Ocular Surface Recovery
Somerset LOC invites you to attend their Dry Eye CPD evening featuring Sarah Farrant, industry expert and local optometrist. Only 10 spaces remain.
The session follows the journey of a real patient with dry eye disease, exploring:
- Diagnosis and assessment
- Clinical decision-making
- Effective patient communication
- Evidence-based management strategies
Sponsor Showcase
Before the CPD session, attendees will have the opportunity to explore:
- Essilor and Nordic Pharma exhibits
- The Espansione dry eye technology range
- Lacrifill dry eye treatment technology
Event Details
– Haynes Motor Museum, Sparkford, Somerset
– Thursday 8 October 2026
– Hot buffet, networking and sponsor demonstrations from 6:00pm
– Exclusive access to the Red Room from 6:00pm to 7:00pm
– CPD Session: 7:00pm to 8:00pm
Places are limited to just 30 attendees and are filling quickly.
Early booking is strongly recommended: Book here
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 …
Continue reading “Latest News from Wiltshire LOC – 09 October 2026”
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 …
Continue reading “Latest News from Wiltshire LOC – 02 October 2026”
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 …
Continue reading “CPD Event: How AI is Transforming Digital Eye Care”
29 September 2026
Latest News from Wiltshire LOC – 04 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 …
Continue reading “Latest News from Wiltshire LOC – 04 September 2026”
4 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 …
Continue reading “Latest Local News from Wiltshire LOC – 16 July 2026”
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 …
Continue reading “Latest Local News from Wiltshire LOC – 09 July 2026”
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 …
Continue reading “Important! OFNC Survey: Contractors Urged to Share Evidence on Unfunded GOS Work “
4 June 2026
