Technical Requirements: HSCNI Network / BSO Optometry Portal
To successfully establish a connection to the HSCNI Network / Optometry Portal, your device (PC / Laptop / Tablet) must fulfil three requirements; these are outlined below:
1. Windows-based Operating System
The device must be a Windows-based operating system with all available security releases / patches installed (via Windows Updates).
The currently supported Operating Systems are:
- Windows 10
- Windows 11
Please contact your own IT support for more information in relation to unsupported Operating Systems.
2. Web Browser
Microsoft Edge is the only officially supported browser.
- Microsoft officially retired Internet Explorer on 15-June-22.
- A follow-up security patch was released on 14-February-23 that permanently disabled the browser.
- All other 3rd party browsers (Google Chrome, Mozilla Firefox etc.) are currently unsupported.
- The functionality of any Portal-based application may be affected should any be used.
Note: This only applies to independent practices, the larger corporate organisations utilise a different connectivity method with unique requirements.
3. Antivirus Program
An Antivirus program that has been approved by OPSWAT for use with the BSO F5 connectivity software. A list of all currently supported Antivirus packages can be found by clicking HERE (Updated: October 2024). Note: This may download a file to your default downloads location.
The antivirus package must:
- Be fully updated with the latest available virus definitions.
- Have real-time protection enabled / active.
Additional Software Requirements
Clinical Communications Gateway (CCG) eReferral Installer
Users are advised to contact the FPS eBusiness Team in respect of downloading and installing of CCG Installer application software.
- Telephone: (028) 9536 0333 – Choose Option 1, then Option 4
- Email: eBusiness@hscni.net