What Has LOCSU Done for You in 2022–23?
LOCSU’s purpose is to support Local Optical Committees to fulfil their statutory function well, so that GOS contractors and performers can deliver NHS eye care effectively in their area. Our vision is to make it easier for LOCs to function and maximise opportunities to improve primary eye care in their areas.
We seek to achieve our purpose and vision in a variety of ways, including:
- Informing LOCs on key developments in the NHS, interpreting NHS strategy, and ensuring LOCs receive the information they need to act effectively
- Consulting on, developing and promoting new clinical eye care pathways
- Creating case studies promoting best practice delivery of pathways
- Devising and delivering accessible training and development programmes independently and in partnership with e.g. WOPEC
- Creating community through events such as the NOC and building professional networks for optical professionals across the country
As we pursue these activities, we strive to be professional, transparent, supportive, proactive, inclusive, collaborative and approachable.
Influencing and Leadership
LOCSU seeks to support LOCs to build productive, collaborative relationships with stakeholders across the healthcare sector. Our core team and Optical Leads have built a strong network of influence through contributing to key initiatives such as Optometry First.
Our Clinical Director, Zoe Richmond, has continued her work as NHSE NECRTP Optometry Lead this year, ensuring that the LOC perspective and capabilities in primary eye care are front and centre during the evolution of healthcare provision in England.
During 2022–23, LOCSU representatives have undertaken 1116 meetings with LOCs and other key stakeholders from across the healthcare spectrum. We contributed to eight national consultations, including the GOC’s call for evidence on the Opticians Act.
LOCSU works to keep LOCs updated on the progress of NHS transformation. This year, we created an explanatory video covering the changes that are in progress through the transition from CCGs to integrated care systems (ICSs).
Watch
Watch: Watch: A Guide to Recent NHS Reforms for LOCs
LOCSU has produced a short video that looks at what the NHS reforms will mean for Local Optical Committees (LOCs). The video deals with the integrated care system transformation and transition and what it will mean for LOCs. Big changes are happening and more than ever before LOCs are at the forefront. During this period of change LOCSU is committed to providing support to our local optical communities and the video is the start of several initiatives and events offering opportunities to share ideas and best practice.
The video was produced by BAFTA-nominated Creative Connection Animation Studio who are specialists in communicating complex messages within the health and social care sector. At just over four minutes its duration is designed to be easily understandable with memorable takeaways for LOCs and their local sectors. We hope you find it useful.
Pathways and Case Studies
During 2022–23 LOCSU has launched two new pathways, the Integrated Dry Eye Disease (DED) Pathway and Naevus Referral Filtering and Monitoring pathway. We have also refreshed our Low Vision Pathway.
A survey undertaken in autumn 2022 showed that 98% of place-based commissioners have commissioned at least one of LOCSU’s core pathways from primary eye care. Within that figure, 63% have more than one core pathway in place.
Once pathways are launched, it is important that successful roll outs are documented and shared throughout the LOC community. LOCSU collates evidence of effective roll outs and creates case studies. In 2022–23, LOCSU has produced seven case studies covering clinical pathways, as well as highlighting other LOC initiatives such as Leeds LOC’s focus on improving access to primary eye care for the deaf community and the success of the Children’s Vision service in Gloucestershire.
The consistent development and review of robust clinical pathways, and the collation of implementation success through case studies, provide LOCs with invaluable tools to facilitate conversations with commissioners in their local area. The overarching aim is to expand clinical services available through primary eye care providers on the high street to make a difference for local people. Throughout the year, 445 extended services were accessible to patients through local optical practices.
Learning and Development
LOCSU is focused on helping LOCs identify and nurture talent, helping LOC members derive maximum value and fulfilment from participating in their LOC. We also seek to help LOCs develop a strong pipeline of candidates to take on leadership roles within the sector.
During 2022–23, LOCSU has delivered eight learning and development sessions equating to 677 CPD points. The community is demonstrating good leadership progression, with several course participants taking on broader roles and responsibilities in the sector following the completion of LOCSU courses.
We are also working to make our learning and development and other knowledge-sharing activities as accessible as possible, utilising a number of channels and communication methods such as webinars and podcasts, and developing bite-sized CPD options.
Networking, Community-Building and Knowledge-Sharing
LOCSU seeks to create opportunities for LOC members to build relationships with colleagues throughout England and facilitate knowledge transfer. The National Optical Conference is LOCSU’s flagship event and 2022 saw the sector gather at the Queens Hotel in Leeds.
“It was really energetic, speakers ‘punchy’ and edgy which I loved, and it felt really collaborative.”
NOC 2022 Attendee
LOCSU drew on its relationships with leading voices from across the industry to provide a distinguished panel of speakers, including Louisa Wickham, the recently appointed National Clinical Director for Eye Care.
LOCs were strongly encouraged to send multiple delegates to the event, with the result that there were many first-time attendees, who got a great deal of value from the event.
