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Durham LOC Latest News

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

NIHR Clinical Research Network (CRN): North East & North Cumbria (NENC) Opportunity

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 …

25 January 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 …

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 …

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 …

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 …

20 July 2023

Pre-Cataract Assessment Provider Choice

Please can all Optoms referring a patient for cataract surgery via Opera remember to type in the provider the patient wishes to be referred to in the comments box. This is essential as the as all the referrals go via the GP and need to be processed correctly to avoid an incorrect provider being chosen. …

4 July 2023

Diabetic Eye Screening Programme

If you or your patient has missed their diabetic retinal screening (and wants to reschedule their appointment) or wishes to change venue, please can the patient contact the Diabetic Eye Screening Programme directly (ie do not contact the GP to rearrange screening appointments).   Please see attached contact details below.  

29 June 2023

Are you interested in delivering the Learning Disabilities Pathway?

Primary Eyecare are actively looking for more optoms in our area to deliver their learning disabilities pathway. They would like to invite anyone eligible who is interested to attend a virtual online event (CPD accredited) taking place at 7pm to 8pm on Thursday 22 June to coincide with National Learning Disabilities Week (20 to 25 …

21 June 2023

Do you use the ECLO Services?

We have added up to date information under both the “Professionals” and “Patients” sections with contact details and a brief description of services for our local ECLOs. This service can be used for patients newly diagnosed with sight loss, but also may benefit patients who have been living with sight loss for a while. The …

18 May 2023

LOCSU Latest News

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

GOC Meets All PSA Standards of Good Regulation for Third Year

The Professional Standards Authority for Health and Social Care has published its review of the General Optical Council’s performance in 2023-24.

12 March 2025

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