The number of optical practices delivering care close to patient’s homes as part of the LOC company model has doubled, according to a new report published by the Local Optical Committee Support Unit (Locsu).
The figure for practices delivering services in the community has increased to 552, with 109 rolled out since April 2015. Primary Eyecare Companies set up by LOCs now deliver 133 of these services.
As a result of the increase, annual service revenue has risen to £8.5 million and hospital eye service capacity problems have been eased.
Locsu managing director Katrina Venerus said: ‘The increase in the number of services and level of patient activity and increased revenue for community practices is real progress.
‘The annual report shows increases in both MECS and step-down care, two of our key targets outlined in the breakthrough strategy. With our new expanded commissioning team now embedded and starting to deliver, we are clearly out of the blocks in driving the scale and pace of community eye health services.’