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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.

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

Georgina Gordon, Head of Unit

Tel: 020 7202 8151

Email: georginagordon@locsu.co.uk

Richard Carswell, Acting Head of Unit

Tel: 020 7207 2193

Email: RichardCarswell@locsu.co.uk