Support unit is backed by 82 per cent of LOCs

Among the disclosures in the Local Optical Committee Support Unit’s (LOCSU) annual report were the number of local optical committees (LOCs) from which it is now receiving contributions and its business plan for the coming year.

Seventy of a total of 85 LOCs (82 per cent), one of which is moribund, and regional optical committees (ROCs) currently contribute to LOCSU. The unit revealed that a further eight have elected to join, although one LOC has since decided to withdraw. However, its members continue to call the support unit for advice and to access opportunities according to LOCSU.

With its services funded by LOCs and ROCs on the basis of a 0.5 per cent statutory levy on GOS payments, LOCSU reported income of £728,223 in 2009 compared to £427,208 in 2008. Its total outgoings amounted to £638,423, with the largest expenditure on recruitment costs and payments to staff and consultants amounting to £269,469, leaving a surplus after tax of £97,044.

LOCSU said its business plan for 2010 was focused on five interrelated programmes. These are uniting the optical sector, speaking with one voice at national level, expanding eye care services in the community, excellence in local representation and making efficient use of resources for maximum benefit.

The unit’s principal objectives for the coming year include the establishment of an accessible national baseline of enhanced services and to provide hands-on support to LOCs in developing tender documents, contracts and winning services.

It also intends to roll out its enhanced services project for 2010, respond to LOC requests and queries within 24 working hours and alert LOCs/ROCs to all local tendering opportunities. LOCSU also pledged to agree targets for further expansion if the LOCs wished and agree a national model contract for enhanced services.

It was also revealed that LOCSU had employed a management consultancy firm to manage its subscription processes. Much of 2008/9 ‘had to be spent supporting LOCs in establishing and collecting the levy payments’ which it stated was not an effective use of resources given the small number of staff at its headquarters.