Professional Matters Optometry & Dispensing
Reassurances about GOS in England from DHSC
Reassurances about GOS in England from DHSC
The OFNC has received written reassurance from the DHSC that nothing in the health bill currently before Parliament will change arrangements for GOS in England.
The DHSC has written:
“The Bill does not change the national framework within which Primary Ophthalmic Services are delivered. NHS sight testing services will continue to operate within a national regulatory and contractual framework, with contract terms set in regulations and fees set nationally through Directions. Contractors will continue to hold contracts with ICBs as they do now. The Bill will not affect patient eligibility for NHS sight tests. Patients will also continue to access services in the same way.”
ICBs have been holding GOS contracts, rather than NHS England, since 2023 (just as PCTs did before NHS England was established). The Bill now completes that transfer as NHS England will no longer exist once the Bill becomes law.
