LOCs progress on eye services

Most local optical committees (LOCs) now have at least one community eye service in place – with 500 schemes now rolled out across the UK.

In its latest annual report, collective body LOCSU said regional momentum was growing for the services, which include cataract, glaucoma and low vision clinics.

Fifty-six per cent of LOCs had at least one community service commissioned. LOCSU also reported that 40 out of 78 LOCs were now covered by a regional company, and a total of 63 LOCs were now promoting the single provider model to attract services.

LOCSU managing director Katrina Venerus said: ‘We are seeing a clear trend from both clinical commissioning groups [CCGs] and LOCs attracted to the benefits of the company model. LOCs are drawn to its efficiency as it eases the administrative burden and allows practices of all sizes to participate in pathways. Similarly, hard-pressed CCGs understand the benefits of administering one contract but still offering patients a wide choice of practices for eye health services.’