Health minister to attend as a headline speaker at NOC 2016

Health minister, Alistair Burt, is to attend this year’s National Optical Conference as a headline speaker.

The Minister for Community and Social Care who is responsible for all primary care, including ophthalmic services – will be speaking at the flagship optical event, taking place 10-11 November 2016 at the Hilton Birmingham Metropole.

Announcing the news, LOCSU MD, Katrina Venerus, said: “Mr Burt outlined his intention to work more closely with the Optical Confederation and LOCSU following our first meeting at the Department of Health in December. It reflects a sustained effort by LOCSU and others to show what optics can do to reduce ophthalmology pressures and deliver reformed health care for the benefit of patients, the NHS and the taxpayer. We hope that the Minister’s attendance at NOC also signals a growing recognition through our Breakthrough Strategy that the optical sector has its sleeves rolled up and ready to deliver on behalf of the NHS in primary care, which Mr Burt is responsible for. We are delighted that the health minister has agreed to come and speak directly to LOCs at the NOC. Since his first meeting with sector leaders, Mr Burt has been true to his word and engaged more closely with the optical sector.”

Bookings are now open for the NOC via this link and LOCs receive one free place. In addition to an address by the Minister of State, the conference will include leading speakers from the NHS, ophthalmology and the optical sector.