LOCSU launches LOC awareness drive

The Local Optical Committee Support Unit (LOCSU) has launched a PR drive to raise awareness of local optical committees (LOCs) and the benefits of more eyecare practitioners getting involved.

The #YourLOC: Expanding Primary Eyecare campaign will feature case studies, Q&As and a podcast, explaining more about what LOCs do and the benefits of joining them.

Campaign materials will be available on the LOCSU website from Monday 23 November. Digital campaign assets are available now.

Richard Whittington, LOCSU CEO, said: “With the opportunities presented by the National Outpatient Transformation Programme, there has never been a better time for practitioners to get involved in their local LOC committees to help expand primary eyecare services. Broader involvement will really benefit the sector, and LOC committee roles provide interesting career development opportunities for practitioners.”

What do LOCs do?

There are 75 LOCs in England, representing the optical profession on all local general ophthalmic services matters and playing a key role in the design, commissioning and delivery of primary eyecare services.

LOCs are pivotal to delivering the NHS long-term plan and there is real momentum around the opportunity to deliver a broader range of extended eyecare services in primary care, through the NHS National Outpatient Transformation Programme.

Why get involved?

LOCs around the country need the skills and experience of practitioners to maximise this opportunity. Any practitioner can get involved regardless of their role, and LOCs are keen to hear from dispensing opticians, contact lens opticians and optometrists as well as practice owners.

There is a wide range of activities to get involved in, from commissioning negotiations to communications and no experience is necessary. Work is shared between LOC members and is flexible to fit around existing work commitments, with support on hand from LOC colleagues as well as from the LOCSU LOC Induction Programme.

How to get involved

Practitioners interested in getting involved should contact their LOC. Contact details are available from optical practices or LOC Online, which contains links to individual LOC sites.

Alternatively, contact LOCSU direct on social media using #YourLOC or by emailing info@locsu.co.uk