LOCSU works on new LOC company model

Stormy times in a changing NHS have been weathered in the past 12 months according to the Local Optical Committee Support Unit which published its annual report last week.

The Unit reported very high levels of requests for support, 400 in a single quarter, as LOCs get to grips with the new NHS commissioning processes which come into effect next April.

LOCSU chairman Alan Tinger said there were opportunities for optometry to influence the new Clinical Commissioning Groups (CCGs) and change the way services were delivered. 'Our efforts to raise the profile of the sector have borne fruit - with a number of firsts - from the first ever specialist leadership course for the optical sector to the first Atlas of Optical Variation which shows the success of LOCs in getting enhanced services off the ground,' he said.