NIHR Clinical Research Network (CRN): North East & North Cumbria (NENC) Opportunity
25 January 2024
An exciting opportunity to help develop research opportunities in Primary Care Optometry across the Northeast and North Cumbria has become available. You’d be working as part of a team alongside the Yorkshire and Humber Optometry representative who is already in post. The LOCs also anticipate that your role will involve keeping the LOCs informed to help disseminate relevant information to the wider network.
The mission of NIHR Clinical Research Network (CRN) is to improve the health & well-being of the nation through research. There are 15 across England and 2 fall within the North East &Yorkshire.
Traditionally research is hospital-based: this narrows the demographics of subjects & the wider community can be unaware. The aspiration is to have a more community focus, making involvement in research more accessible and convenient.
The NIHR CRN NENC is pleased to offer the opportunity to apply for the Community Optometry Research Champion role.
The Community Optometry Research Champion will work with the Ophthalmology and Primary Care Specialty Groups to drive the agenda for Optical research within the community across NENC. The role will also require working closely with the National Ophthalmology Specialty Group and champions from other regions to drive the national agenda.
Please let us know if you want more information regarding the role.
Expressions of interest in the form of a CV and a brief supporting statement should be submitted to Rachel Arkle (rachel.arkle@nhs.net) no later than 5pm on Monday 29th January 2024.
Please note an email confirming the successful receipt of expressions of interest will be sent.
Informal interviews will be held with the Specialty Group Lead and Research Delivery Manager for Ophthalmology.
Durham LOC Latest News
County Durham Sensory Support Team
Did you know Durham County Council have a sensory support team for people with vision (and hearing) impairment? Further information is available via the “Patients” section of the website.
9 November 2024
September Committee Meeting Update
We had a really thought provoking committee meeting last night (23rd September) with lots of discussion regarding changes that could be happening with referral processes in our area. We are here to be the voice of our members (that’s you if you are GOS performer/contractor in our area) and would sincerely welcome more input from …
Continue reading “September Committee Meeting Update”
24 September 2024
Diabetic Eye Screening (DES) Service Update
Some updated points on the DES Service following our AGM: R0 patients will now be on 2 year recall with DES R2/R3/M1 cases found in practice to be referred to Diabetic Clinic at HES (not DES) DES will include OCT from approx October 2024 Queries following an eye test of a diabetic patient (eg image/scan …
Continue reading “Diabetic Eye Screening (DES) Service Update”
13 June 2024
Notice of Durham LOC AGM
Notification of Annual General Meeting The Annual General Meeting (AGM) of Durham LOC will be held on Wednesday 15th May 2024 at Ramside Hall Hotel (Durham) at 6.00pm. In addition to the AGM, we will be providing CPD via peer review. The Agenda for the AGM, Chair’s report, Treasurer’s report and registration details will follow …
Continue reading “Notice of Durham LOC AGM”
28 March 2024
Information on Glaucoma Referrals
We have been contacted by the ICB regarding missing information from referrals for suspected glaucoma. Please make sure your referrals include relevant information, specifically: 1. If the patient has a family history of glaucoma, please record this on the referral letter. 2. If the patient has been referred previously querying glaucoma, please record …
Continue reading “Information on Glaucoma Referrals”
7 March 2024
Important Statement Regarding EeRS
Please see the following statement from Durham LOC regarding the proposed rollout of an Electronic Referral System (EeRS) in our area. We urge all Optometrists to read this statement in full before proceeding to sign up to EeRS. Thank you. Durham LOC statement on electronic referral system
28 February 2024
Season’s Greetings
Durham LOC would like to wish all our members a very Happy Christmas and a healthy and prosperous New Year. Thank you to all our local contractors and performers for all you do for Optometry in the North East. We will be enjoying the festive season with our families and friends, so please be patient …
Continue reading “Season’s Greetings”
24 December 2023
Important Message Regarding Cataract Referrals in County Durham
The following message is sent on behalf of your regional LOCs (Durham LOC, NTWLOC, Tees LOC, North Cumbria LOC). Following discussions with our Integrated Care Board (which is responsible for commissioned NHS services in our area), we are clarifying the position around cataract referrals. ALL cataract referrals in our region must route via …
Continue reading “Important Message Regarding Cataract Referrals in County Durham”
11 September 2023
All Cataract Referrals are via GP
A reminder that all cataract referrals need to go via the GP. In Durham area all cataract referrals need to be seen in the Pre-Op Cataract Service which then sends the referral via Opera to the GP practice. If you do not provide this service, please sign up! Otherwise, you will have to refer your …
Continue reading “All Cataract Referrals are via GP”
26 August 2023
Understanding Your LOC
Did you know that LOCSU have a course available on their website entitled “A Beginner’s Guide to LOC’s”? This course is available to all eye care practitioners and runs through the basics of what an LOC is, and what work in the LOC involves. It’s available via the members area of the LOCSU website. It’s …
Continue reading “Understanding Your LOC”
20 July 2023