The first constitution of an LOC was in 1969. The Local Optometric Committee (LOC) is a statutory body established to represent performers and contractors working in the area providing General Ophthalmic Services (GOS). The area it covers is co-terminus with that of Kingston and Richmond & Twickenham Primary Care Trusts (PCTs). The Constitution can be accessed on this site which details the Committee’s objectives, proceedings and record of meetings and election process of members and officers
(i) General Optical Services (GOS)
To oversee the management of GOS and any changes that is introduced for improvement to eyecare services
(ii) Enhanced Services
To promote the role of community optometry in enhancing eye care services and making more effective use of primary and secondary care resources. The LOC is very clear that if optometrists in the community are commissioned to undertake such additional responsibilities, this must be properly funded. GOS only funds an NHS sight test.
As a committee we sit on the perimeter of the organization but as providers of a service we are set right in the heart of the community we serve.
The concerns we have of the future changes are
Not to loose the history of knowledge
Being aware of the appropriate point of contact in both PCTs
To recognize that we can play a part in development of services for provision of eyecare.
As a profession we have often been the first step to diagnosis, but the referral processes in place have caused undue delay and as primary care providers we are at the gateway of patients care and access and our ability to promote awareness and prevention of disease should be recognized by our input to the following:-
Reduce hospital lists
Provide continuing care by named optometrist
Local access for patients (less travel)
Seamless patient care across primary and secondary services
Improve collaboration between health professionals
All Local Representative Committees collect a Statutory Levy. Our levy is received from the Primary Care Trusts via Primary Care Support Services (PCSS) derived from each NHS eye examination conducted.
The levy is calculated by the number of exams conducted over the previous year and averaged. Then, deducted proportionally from all optical practices within in Kingston and Richmond & Twickenham PCTs’ geographical area.