Question: I am interested in joining my local optical committee (LOC), but am not sure what’s involved or how to go about it?
Answer: Held at regular intervals throughout the year, LOC meetings are open to all and so a dispensing optician (DO) can attend as a ‘guest’ – even if they are not a member. I attended LOC meetings for almost a year before becoming a member. During my time as an ‘observer’, I learnt how the meetings were organised, came to understand the topics arising on the agenda, and got to know the current members and what their LOC roles were.
The first thing I would do is contact your LOC’s secretary to ask for the details of the next meeting and request permission to attend as a guest. Very occasionally, there may be matters on an LOC meeting agenda that are private, or not yet in the public domain. This would mean guests stepping out of the meeting for a few minutes whilst this is being discussed. Of course, guests are not able to take part in any voting but can listen to debates.
The agenda for an LOC meeting will vary but may include discussions and updates about any new referral pathways being proposed, or changes to the method of communication between optical practices and others involved in patient care. They may discuss issues with local waiting lists and provision of sight testing in their area; it’s often a very broad range of subjects covered that changes at each meeting.
LOC members will have various roles and there will be time for members to update the committee on what they may have been following up on since the last committee meeting. These roles are determined and assigned by the committee and can differ from LOC to LOC depending on what is relevant to their local area. I am one of the CPD leads on my LOC.
All LOC websites should detail how to contact the secretary or administrator. If you can’t find this information, contact your ABDO regional lead for help. LOC websites also have information about how to join the LOC mailing list. It is good to join this list even if you decide not to attend meetings or become a member. LOCs send out notifications, usually via email, about relevant items such as local pathway and referral changes and CPD events.
LOC websites vary in content but it is worth browsing through the one you are considering joining as they will showcase what the committee is involved in – and often list its members. You may be also be able to access the minutes of previous meetings.
You can continue to attend LOC meetings as an observer or you may wish to join as a member. Members are voted onto their LOC during the LOC’s annual general meeting (AGM). Applications open at least a month before the AGM. The process for announcing nominations and voting may vary in different areas, so check this with your LOC. It may be done prior to, or at, the AGM, online or in person.
Elected members serve for three years. All contractors and performers in that area are invited to attend LOC AGMs and so your practice should be informed about this meeting. You do not have to own a business as a contractor or have an NHS performers number to attend or to be part of your LOC; either you can stand for election or, as a DO, the LOC may co-opt you onto its committee.
Join your LOC’s mailing list to ensure you are directly informed of the AGM. LOCs must have a minimum of six elected members, usually with a chair, vice chair, treasurer and secretary, in addition to other members. A typical LOC has between eight and 15 members. At the present time, a consultation is being undertaken by the LOC Support Unit to look at the LOC constitution, which sets the rules for all LOCs across England.
Find a link to the LOC in your area at www.loc-online.co.uk
Amy Seaman FBDO CL was the first dispensing optician to be appointed as a director of the Central LOC Fund in March 2024, covering the North East region. ABDO regional lead for the North and Midlands, Amy is a member of Sheffield LOC, is a minor eye conditions services accredited contact lens optician, an ABDO examiner and former lecturer. Email aseaman@abdo.org.uk
This article first appeared in the May issue of Dispensing Optics. The situation in Wales will be covered by Abi Crutcher in the July/August issue in our new series by ABDO’s regional leads.
Do you have a question on a topic that’s relevant to everyday practice? Send your Q&As to the editor at ncollinson@abdo.org.uk