Foreword from
Dr Joy Tweed

Chair, LOCSU

As the recently appointed Chair of LOCSU, I am honoured to introduce this review of the organisation’s activities during the period from April 2021 to March 2022.

Its contents reflect the continuing pandemic recovery, alongside recognition of the considerable work in progress to ensure the Primary Eye Care community is well-positioned to navigate the NHS transition period.

Indeed, the rapid rollout and remarkable achievement of the COVID-19 Urgent Eyecare Service (CUES) has formed a strong foundation and springboard on which we are building through deep engagement with the key stakeholders in the sector. In Recovery and Transformation, we look at the outcomes of LOCSU’s work with the National Eye Care Recovery and Transformation Programme (NECRTP) as we seek to influence the future of Primary Eye Care Delivery and ensure that the exceptional skills and resources within our community are fully utilised to benefit patients and meet the ambitions of the NHS Long Term Plan in the Emerging Healthcare Landscape.

Optometry First represents a central pillar of our approach. It is designed to extend the scope of services delivered in primary care, simultaneously lifting the outpatient burden on hospital eye departments and providing a truly patient-centric service closer to home.

This review also includes a look back at the Training and Development programme delivered and facilitated by LOCSU over the reporting period. Innovations this year include the peer discussion sessions, which offered new channels for knowledge-sharing around best practice applications of LOCSU clinical pathways. Similarly, the Treasurers’ Forums allowed occupants of this vital LOC post to share their experiences and offer support to peers. Alongside the continuing success of the LOC induction course, the Leadership Programme and the continuing professional development courses delivered with WOPEC, these peer sessions contribute to the continuous improvement of skills and networks in our community. These are critical to the future of eye care delivery.

Equally important is the recognition of best practices and innovation on the ground. Over the past year, LOCSU has collated and published a wide range of case studies that showcase the skills and achievements of LOCs around the country. When we succeed in delivering exceptional patient care, it is only right that we celebrate this, while also sharing how it came about so others can take inspiration.

This report also looks at the governance landscape. Strong governance sits at the heart of healthcare, underpinning trust while facilitating effective delivery. LOCSU works to ensure that LOCs and the stakeholders they represent can meet governance requirements and that LOCs operate consistently as they engage with the larger stakeholder groups inherent in Integrated Care Systems.

I am looking forward to meeting many of you at the National Optical Conference in October. My aim is to support you to capitalise on all the opportunities we have coming our way, so that we can make this sector the best it can possibly be. We know that there is much work to do, but I am confident that we are ready for change. This annual review shows that we have strong foundations on which to build, and I look forward to exploring the future with you all.