Menu

News

Berkshire LOC Latest News

Covid 19 – Resumption of patient signatures on GOS Forms

Covid 19 – Resumption of patient signatures on GOS Forms 25 August 2021 The DHSC has informed OFNC that the COVID-19 suspension of the requirement for patient signatures on GOS forms will end on 31 August 2021. This means that patient signatures will be required on all GOS forms from Wednesday 1 September. Patient signatures …

25 August 2021

PCSE – Improvements made to Ophthalmic online system

    We’re pleased to confirm the following improvements have been made to our online Ophthalmic solution following system maintenance which took place on Tuesday 13 July:   The issue that was preventing PCSE Online users from signing across the whole of the signature box during the past week has now been resolved PVN same …

25 August 2021

Dry Eye Disease Research – request for help from City University

‘City University, London is conducting research into the how eye care practitioners in the U.K. manage dry eye disease. The data is being collected by distributing a questionnaire to eye care practitioners around the country. Your contribution to this research will be hugely valuable, so please take the time to complete the questionnaire in the …

19 August 2021

Second pairs for children and adults – application process

  Patients are not automatically entitled to a spare pair of spectacles of the same prescription under GOS, but permission may be sought from the NHS England Regional Local Team (RLT) to supply a second pair in “exceptional circumstances” by submitting a second pair application form. Second pairs should not be provided “just in case” …

17 August 2021

Pre-authorisation of Adult GOS 4 claims

National Briefing Pre-authorisation of Adult GOS 4 claims Under GOS (General Ophthalmic Services) Regulations (Optical Payments and Charges Regulations 2013) children and adult patients who qualify for GOS can receive a repair or replacement voucher (GOS4) if they lose or damage their glasses. Children qualify for unlimited repair and replacements, but adults only qualify if …

16 August 2021

Updated PHE guidance on NHS staff and student self-isolation and return to work

Dear colleague Updated PHE guidance on NHS staff and student self-isolation and return to work following COVID-19 contact As of 16 August 2021 the government is changing the requirements to self-isolate following a positive COVID-19 contact. We’re writing to inform you of how this change will impact staff and students working in the NHS. This …

16 August 2021

CET Claims -The 2021 claims window is now open and will close on 31 October.

CET claims can now be submitted online directly via PCSE Online or through your Patient Management System.    

7 August 2021

Research Project Help Request

Dear Colleagues, I’m an optometrist working towards a professional doctorate in optometry from London South Bank University, with Professors Bruce Evans & David Edgar. I’m writing to ask if you would circulate a request for LOCs to help promote awareness of a research project among community optometrists /dispensing opticians. The research project is on vision …

4 August 2021

OFNC Statement on GOS contract management functions

23 July 2021 GOS CONTRACT MANAGEMENT FUNCTIONS TO MOVE TO INTEGRATED CARE BOARDS FROM APRIL 2022 NHS England has confirmed to the OFNC that General Ophthalmic Services (GOS) will remain a national contract with terms, fees and grants continuing to be negotiated nationally. The Health and Care Bill, currently before Parliament, will change NHS commissioning …

2 August 2021

Berkshire LOC AGM – 8th September

To all local Contractors and Performers in the Berkshire LOC area:   Notification of Annual General Meeting The Annual General Meeting (AGM) of the Berkshire LOC will be held on 8th September @ 7.30pm via Zoom. Following the meeting, there is a planned lecture about Myopia Control given by Andy Sanders from Hoya. This presentation …

22 July 2021

LOCSU Latest News

Sign Up to NOC25 Now – Registration Closes on Friday 25 April

Registration for the National Optical Conference 2025 (NOC25) is due to close at midday on Friday 25 April 2025 – make sure to register now to avoid missing out!

17 April 2025

LOCSU Levy Reduction Commencing 1 April 2025

LOCSU is delighted to announce the reduction of the LOCSU levy from 0.5% to 0.4%.

31 March 2025

OFNC Statement: GOS Voucher Values in England to be Frozen for 2025/26

Each year the Department of Health and Social Care (DHSC) independently sets optical voucher values, dental charges and prescription charges for the coming year.

27 March 2025

OFNC Statement: Delay in GOS Fees Announcement and Early Warning of Inflation Only Increases

GOS contractors will have been expecting an announcement about GOS fees and grants in 2025/26 with the start of new financial year only 13 days away.

20 March 2025

Find out about upcoming events

Find out about upcoming events