Menu

News

Buckinghamshire LOC Latest News

MHRA issues advice on PPE and heat stress

Wearing personal protective equipment (PPE) in warm/hot environments increases the risk of heat stress. This occurs when the body is unable to cool itself enough to maintain a healthy temperature. Heat stress can cause heat exhaustion and lead to heat stroke if the person is unable to cool down. Measures to control the temperature of clinical …

6 August 2021

College updates its Amber phase guidance

The College of Optometrists has updated its Amber phase COVID-19 guidance . Their position remains clear – practices should continue to remain open for routine services while prioritising patients on a needs and symptoms-led basis. Optometrists and other practice staff should continue to maintain comprehensive infection prevention and control procedures, including the wearing of appropriate PPE …

25 July 2021

Reviewed guidance on PPE/IPC

The College of Optometrists, ABDO, the AOP and FODO have issued guidelines on appropriate infection prevention and control measures following recent government announcements. They advise that optical practices should continue to follow the College’s Amber guidance. On 19th July, practices should therefore continue to: follow current IPC guidance, including PPE ensure social distancing remains in …

14 July 2021

Changes to how primary care staff access lateral flow devices for asymptomatic testing

The way that NHS staff across all primary care contractor groups (medical, dental, optometry and community pharmacy) order lateral flow device (LFD) tests is changing. From 5th July 2021, all NHS staff will be able to order tests directly through the government lateral flow ordering portal and have these delivered to their home addresses. This update …

3 July 2021

Vacancy for LOC secretary

This interesting position has become available as the present holder is retiring from the role. It provides a rare opportunity to continue the development of optical services in Bucks and Milton Keynes.   The position consists of management and secretarial support to the Local Optical Committee (LOC), including communication between the LOC and NHS England, …

30 June 2021

Cataract waiting times

Waiting time for cataract surgery at Stoke Mandeville Hospital is currently 14 weeks from referral to surgery. Most cataract operations now take place in the standalone cataract theatre. Watch a virtual tour of the cataract theatre and the patient journey. Go to our Bucks Referrals page for more information about all referrals in the Bucks …

28 June 2021

NHSBSA

The following functions are now undertaken in Bucks and MK (formerly Bucks only) by NHS Business Services Authority (NHSBSA): Annual GOS complaints Adult GOS4 pre-authorisation GOS post payment verification (PPV) NHS mail applications GOS contract applications / variations / terminations Visit the NHSBSA website for more information. Contact NHSBSA at nhsbsa.paos@nhs.net

12 June 2021

Send secure emails without an NHS Mail account

The form used to apply for NHS Mail addresses has changed. It now contains options for locum performers and performers working in multiples to apply for an ‘Egress’ account, which allows someone to send emails and documents (eg referrals) securely to nhs.net mail addresses, using a non-nhs.net address.  ‘Egress’ is a free of charge, web-based …

23 May 2021

LOCSU Latest News

OFNC Responds to the Government’s Second Phase of the Spending Review

OFNC calls for an additional £350m of funding for NHS primary eye care.

19 February 2025

OFNC Join the Primary Care Professions in Co-Hosting Parliamentary Event

OFNC met with MPs at the Future of Primary Care event held on 28 January.

4 February 2025

NOC25: Save the Date

This spring, the National Optical Conference (NOC) is back and will take place at the Hilton Birmingham Metropole on Sunday 18 and Monday 19 May 2025.

3 February 2025

New UK Eye Care Data Hub Predicts Higher Prevalence of Eye Disease and Eye Care Workforce

Eye disease is a major contributor to national health service backlogs, and the number of cases is set to significantly increase with an ageing population.

27 January 2025

Learn about upcoming committee meetings and CET events

Learn about upcoming committee meetings and CET events

Follow us on social media