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Please note: LOCSU's new website for all advice and information relating to Local and Regional Optical Committees and local eye enhanced services is now live.   The advice and information areas on this site will be archived shortly.  

All the individual Local and Regional Committee websites will remain here, on these pages at www.loc-net.org.uk

The LOC Support Unit provides quality, practical support to Local and Regional Optical Committees (LOCs/ROCs) in England and Wales to help them to develop, negotiate and implement local objectives in respect of primary ophthalmic services. It is a key interface between the optical, representative bodies and the LOCs/ROCs, facilitating robust lines of communication between the national organisations and the grass roots of the professions. Improving the degree and level of communications will help  LOCs/ROCs to be more effective in expanding the role of optometry locally.

The Unit is  run by a Board of Directors, with representation from LOCs/ROCs, ABDO, AOP and FODO; in addition, an observer from the College of Optometrists attends all Board meetings.

The LOC Support Unit's website, in addition to being a source of information and advice, also provides a facility for LOCs/ROCs to establish and maintain their own, bespoke websites. Practitioners can access the website of their LOC/ROC, through the portal of the Unit's website to learn who their local LOC/ROC officials are, what enhanced services are operating in the area - in fact, whatever information and guidance that their LOC/ROC makes available to them. This is part of the Unit's overall package of support for those LOCs/ROCs who support it financially. It is an effective way of helping LOCs/ROCs to improve communications with local practitioners, ensuring that they reach as wide a constituency as possible, including Primary Care Trusts, Local Health Boards and other relevant NHS bodies.

  
The LOC Support Unit has produced a number of documents which LOCs/ROCs can use to help them function more effectively. These documents range from business support  e.g. assistance to create a business plan, through to expert advice on how to make the case for the introduction of an enhanced service locally.

Click on LOCSU Advice & Information  to the left of your screen, to access  the topics you are interested in.  If you want to access the individual websites of the LOCs/ROCs who are linking their websites via the LOCSU, click on the LOCs/ROCs listed to the left of this page.

  

LOCSU also has a secure web area only available to LOCSU-approved personnel. The website contains all current LOCSU information, including confidential items such as secure briefings, clinical pathways and secure forums. To register to access this area, please complete this short form.

  
Please contact LOCSU if you need advice or assistance. We are here to help you.

Richard Carswell, Acting Head of Unit

Email: RichardCarswell@locsu.co.uk

Katrina Venerus, Director of Operations & Commissioning

Email:   katrinavenerus@locsu.co.uk