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Pre-authorising your GOS 4 vouchers 

Information from the NHS Business Services Authority

Pre-authorising your GOS 4 vouchers  

Did you know we process all GOS 4 pre-authorisation requests to repair or replace patient’s glasses? Read on to find out more information, including how to contact us for authorisation.

In this article, we’ll cover:

What is a GOS 4 voucher?

Under GOS (General Ophthalmic Services) Regulations (Optical Payments and Charges Regulations 2013), patients who qualify can receive a repair or replacement voucher (GOS 4) if they lose or damage their glasses.

Under 16s qualify for repair and replacements without any pre-authorisation, but adults only qualify if a medical exemption/condition has led to the loss or breakage of the glasses.

Our Provider Assurance Ophthalmic Services team can support you with your GOS 4 voucher request for patients aged 16 or over. To claim for a GOS 4 voucher, you must:

  • check the patient qualifies for a GOS 4voucher
We’re unable to authorise payments retrospectively for glasses which have already been replaced or repaired.

We’re unable to accept a GOS 4 voucher request from a patient. You must contact us on your patient’s behalf.

  • contact us to get a pre-authorisation code before repairing or replacing the patient’s glasses

    Checking your patient qualifies for a GOS 4 voucher

    You should only contact us to get pre-authorisation for a GOS 4 voucher if your patient:

    • has lost or damaged their glasses as a direct result of a medical exemption or condition
    • is aged 16 or over
    • is in receipt of a particular benefit

    Under 16s qualify for repair and replacements without any pre-authorisation.

    Patients aged 16 to 17 and in support of local care do not need pre-authorisation for a GOS 4 voucher.

    Getting pre-authorisation for your GOS 4 voucher

    1. If you think your patient is eligible for a GOS 4 voucher, you’ll need to download and complete the GOS 4 pre-authorisation request template on our website.
    1. Send the completed template to paos@nhs.net.
    1. We’ll assess your GOS 4 voucher request in consultation with our clinical advisors. To assess your claim, we’ll review if the GOS 4 template states:
      – if the patient’s glasses have been lost or broken
      – if the glasses were lost or broken as a direct result of the patient’s medical exemption/condition
      – if the medical exemption/condition has a direct link to the loss or breakage of the patient’s glasses
    1. We’ll get back in touch with you once we’ve reviewed your GOS 4 voucher claim.
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