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
PCSE Service Update
PCSE service update Dear Colleague, We wanted to provide you with an update in PCSE’s services following this weekends IT upgrade. Outbound emails Currently we are unable to process any outbound email, password resets, verification links and case updates due to a technical issue. We are working with our third party providers as a matter of urgency …
Continue reading “PCSE Service Update”
10 March 2025
Berkshire LOC Education Event: 2nd of April 5:30pm – 9:00pm
Join us on Wednesday, 2nd of April, at Reading Rugby Club for this unmissable event! Hear about the optical developments in Berkshire from LOC Chair, Sean Caskey, and then earn 6 CPD points from the following sessions: Session 1: Sore Eyes – What Shall I Do? CPD type: Provider-led Peer Review CPD Points: 3 Interactive …
Continue reading “Berkshire LOC Education Event: 2nd of April 5:30pm – 9:00pm”
2 March 2025
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:
21 February 2025
New language/interpretation service provider details
FAO all primary care staff: New language/interpretation service provider details From the 1st of April 2025 Dals will provide a new, unified interpretation service across Buckinghamshire, Oxfordshire and Berkshire West to all: GP practices; Dental practices; Pharmacies; and Optometrists. All previous interpretation services operating across BOB will cease on the 31st of March …
Continue reading “New language/interpretation service provider details”
18 February 2025
PSPA Neuro-Orthoptics in Progressive Supranuclear Palsy (PSP) – 25th of March
Welcome to the 2025 PSPA Neuro-Orthoptics in Progressive Supranuclear Palsy (PSP) event! The UK charity, PSPA, is hosting a free online masterclass on 25 March 2025 to help ophthalmic professionals understand Progressive Supranuclear Palsy (PSP) and how it affects the eyes. PSP is a rare neurological condition that significantly affects various ophthalmic functions. Despite eye …
Continue reading “PSPA Neuro-Orthoptics in Progressive Supranuclear Palsy (PSP) – 25th of March”
13 February 2025
Frimley Foundation Trust Post-Cataract Service: Important Reminders
Thank you to all practices and practitioners who continue to provide this service, ensuring that patients can benefit from post-operative care close to home. Could we please remind all practices, clinicians and staff involved in booking patients of the following important points: Please do not transfer a post-cataract patient episode to …
Continue reading “Frimley Foundation Trust Post-Cataract Service: Important Reminders”
5 February 2025
Join Chris Tarrant for an unforgettable quiz night, supporting Berkshire Vision
Get ready for an evening of fun, laughter, and life-changing impact! We’re thrilled to invite you to our Charity Quiz Night, hosted by the legendary Chris Tarrant, on Thursday, 3rd April, at 7:30 PM at BrewDog Reading. This is more than just a quiz – it’s a chance to come together and enjoy a fantastic …
Continue reading “Join Chris Tarrant for an unforgettable quiz night, supporting Berkshire Vision”
17 January 2025
Newmedica – Peer Review CPD Event
Newmedica are offering a 3-point peer review CPD event at their new facility in Slough on Thursday the 13th of February. Please book via the link in their flyer below.
10 January 2025
PES Enhanced Cataract CPD Event: 18th December 2024
Join us for an insightful, free event tailored for practitioners involved in enhanced eyecare services using OPERA, with a spotlight on the pre-op cataract/enhanced cataract referral service in England. 📅 When: Wednesday 18th December, 7pm – 8pm. 📍Where: Online, via Zoom. 🎓Earn: 1 Interactive CPD Point (Lecture) for OOs and DOs This session …
Continue reading “PES Enhanced Cataract CPD Event: 18th December 2024”
11 December 2024
PCSE System Downtime 28-29 November
Dear Colleague, We’re letting you know about scheduled maintenance taking place this week. Due to scheduled maintenance, PCSE Online will be unavailable from 6pm on Thursday 28 November to 6am on Friday 29 November. We will then be carrying out assurance testing until 8.30am. Please note, the contact us forms on the PCSE …
Continue reading “PCSE System Downtime 28-29 November”
27 November 2024