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Birmingham Local Optical Committee (BLOC) is the official organisation representing optometrists, dispensing opticians and optical contractors within the NHS in Birmingham. It provides advice to the NHS England Birmingham, Solihull and the Black Country (BSBC) Area Team, to optometrists and optical contractors in the area and to the Clinical Care Groups in Birmingham.

In recent years the LOC has also taken on the role of organising and managing, in conjunction with the Clinical Care Groups (CCGs), and previously with the Primary Care Trusts (PCTs), optometry enhanced care pathways in the area, as well as the associated training and accreditation.

BLOC is also happy to assist member contractors regarding the extent and role of Clinical Governance within optometry.

BLOC is in close contact with the other Local Optical Committees within the BSBC area and is a constituent member of the BSBC Regional Optical Committee together with Dudley, Sandwell, Solihull, Walsall and Wolverhampton Local Optical Committees.

In order to further promote the adoption of enhanced optometry services within the BSBC area the Regional Optical Committee has set up a not for profit limited company – Primary Eye Care (Heart of West Midlands) Ltd – which now, assisted by LOCSU (the Local Optical Committee Support Unit) aims to move optometry enhanced services forwards in the area.