1 Join your Local Optical Committee
Local Optical Committees (LOCs) are recognised by the NHS as the representative organisation for optometrists and dispensing opticians delivering ophthalmic services such as sight tests and other eye health services. LOCs make the case to NHS commissioners to show how optical practices can deliver cost-effective services in a convenient location for patients. This is supported by Locsu through the network of local commissioning leads as well as through the central Locsu team.
2 Be active in your LOC meetings
The most effective LOCs consist of people with a range of skills and backgrounds. A mix of optometrists and dispensing opticians, from multiples and independents and from practices of all sizes. LOCs represent primary care optics and they need people with business acumen as much as clinical knowledge. From treasurers to communication officers, the LOC has a variety of crucial roles to fill for it to function effectively and flourish. Locsu has just produced a video aimed at newly qualified staff to show the benefits of joining the LOC, even as pre-reg students. www.locsu.co.uk/locs/resources.
3 Get yourself qualified
There are now almost 700 extended primary care services in place. Search Locsu’s new service directory to see the pathways in your local area. If you want to deliver Mecs and other extended services, as well as prepare for community monitoring, it is important you are suitably qualified. LOCs offer training through Locsu and in partnership with Wopec for the full range of community pathways. www.locsu.co.uk/commissioning/locsu-service-directory.
4 Get to know your local NHS
We know that the NHS is under severe pressure and that it is only likely to increase with an ageing population. The Hospital Eye Service is running at capacity and patients are missing follow-up appointments. Alongside this, we know that half of glaucoma, 90% of post-cataract and 80% of Mecs patients can be managed in optical practices by appropriately qualified professionals. This can ease pressure on hospital services.
Get to know your local NHS, its health and commissioning landscape, its pressures and opportunities. Visit NHS England for a list of CCGs and information on recent commissioning plans, such as the introduction of Accountable Care Organisations.
5 Find out about your Primary Eyecare Company
The Primary Eyecare Company model was established by Locsu as a contracting vehicle for LOCs. There are now around 10 PECs across England covering most LOCs. PECs are best placed to deliver extended services at a large population scale. They have the infrastructure to deliver the requirements of the NHS contract and allow optical practices of any size to participate. Find out via your LOC how it works, what eye health services it provides and how you can be part of that delivery.
6 Sign up to Locsu
Follow us on social media and sign up for our newsletters to keep up to date. We have a comprehensive learning and development programme tailored for new LOC members through to optical leadership skills, plus mentoring courses for the more experienced. Locsu also organises the National Optical Conference programme which contains a series of hands-on workshops offering practical skills for LOC members.
7 Visit Locsu
Locsu’s new website has a host of information, policies, guidance and learning for LOC members. For more information, visit Locsu’s website to find your LOC, services in your local area, use our handy jargon buster and for the very latest on NHS commissioning of eye care services.