Local Information

NHS South East Region Information – here

NHS South East Region complaints are to be handled by Frimley ICB. Please see the letter for information including contact details – here

NHS Dry Eye Management Hampshire and Isle of Wight (Feb 2023) – here

Hampshire and Isle of Wight Smoking Cessation Website – here

Smokefree Hampshire Printable Poster and QR Code – here

GOS enquiries and also queries about eligibility should be directed to the South East Optometry Commissioning Hub via email – frimleyicb.southeastoptometry@nhs.net

Local Safeguarding Team

Introductory letter from HIOW safeguarding team – here

Local safeguarding contacts – here

Self assessment safeguarding benchmarking audit – here

ECLOs

Eye Care Liaison Officers (ECLO) provide both emotional support and practical advice and information to anybody who is affected by sight loss.

Queen Alexandra Hospital

Full ECLO service is currently offered by the RNIB until a new Portsmouth ECLO is put in place

RNIB can be contacted via email – rnib.locumreferrals@nhs.net
or, phone 0300 373 9033

University Southampton General

There is not currently an ECLO at Southampton

If you know of anyone having substantial difficulties managing with their sight loss, hearing loss or both, anyone can make a direct referral to Hampshire County Council

Visit their website – here
or, phone 0300 555 1386

Southampton sensory team website – here

Communication Support/Translation Services

For non-spoken language services (BSL, lip speakers, deafblind communicators etc) use Deaf Action in the first instance – here
or, Lipspeaker UK – here

For spoken language translations, Language Line provides all spoken language services across HIOW since December 2023. In order to use Language Line, optometrists will need to hold an NHS GOS contract and each GOS contractor site will be assigned a unique “Client ID”. Client IDs are currently being rolled out based on local needs. If you haven’t yet been provided with a Client ID, please email – hiowicb-hsi.hantsplaceprimarycare@nhs.net

To book a translation appointment with Language Line,  dial 0800 313 4000, choose Option 1, type your Client ID, speak the language required, then retype your Client ID. Ideally appointments should be booked at least 48 hours in advance.

A useful “point to your language” guide can be found – here