Help When It’s Needed Most
8 May 2021
Optics has been through a turbulent time over the last year. Although the situation appears to be improving, the Benevolent fund of the College of Optometrists and the Association of Optometrists know there are practitioners who are still in need of support. But as well as the fall-out from Covid, there are the perennial problems associated with illness, disability, family upheaval or bereavement. If your life has been suddenly turned upside down or if circumstances have gradually got to the point where they are overwhelming or unmanageable, they want you to know that they are here to help. All you need to do is email them or pick up the phone.
The fund exists to help people who do not have the immediate resources to get through a crisis. It aims to provide solutions whilst treating everyone with dignity and confidentiality. The Trustees all have a background in optics and approach every case with understanding gained from their varied experiences within optometry.
After a careful assessment of an individual’s circumstances, they will try to provide the means to ease their difficulties and preserve some quality of life. The fund’s assistance may come in various forms including financial grants, debt advice or help with financial management. Sometimes the fund will contract to other organisations to provide the specialist services that applicants need. Every application is unique and is treated as such.
If you, or someone you know, genuinely needs help, please do contact the fund.
To make contact, email: admin@opticalbenfund.com or phone 01376 223800.
Website: www.opticalbenfund.com
Berkshire LOC Latest News
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New NHS funded services for East Berkshire patients
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9 April 2025
OFNC Statement: GOS Voucher Values in England to be Frozen for 2025/26
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PCSE Service Update
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10 March 2025
Berkshire LOC Education Event: 2nd of April 5:30pm – 9:00pm
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HES Voucher Claims
From 1st April 2025, practices will have 6 months from the date the glasses are supplied by the optical practice to make a claim for HES voucher payment, please see the update below from the Royal Berkshire NHS Foundation Trust:
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PSPA Neuro-Orthoptics in Progressive Supranuclear Palsy (PSP) – 25th of March
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