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 Surrey Primary Care Trusts (PCT). 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
The LOC has helped to organise and establish enhanced services within the area, such as direct cataract referral cataract for all practices in Surrey.
Primary Acute Eyecare Referral Scheme (PEARS) and Management of the Stable Glaucoma patient are currently awarded to some practices in previous PCT area. This has not been extended since the merge of 5 PCTS to one large Surrey PCT. The Loc continue to have discussions with PCT to extend these schemes surrey wide
The LOC is committed 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.
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 Surrey PCT’ geographical area.