Optometrists in Scotland secure 3% rise for eye examinations delivered under NHS contract 

Optometrists in Scotland secure 3% rise for eye examinations delivered under NHS contract

The Association of Optometrists (AOP) has welcomed a fee increase paid to optometry practices delivering NHS-funded eye examinations in Scotland.

The fees, paid by the Scottish Government to those carrying out examinations under the General Ophthalmic Services (GOS) contract, will increase 3% as of next week.

The increase will also be backdated to include all GOS examinations undertaken from 1 April 2021.

AOP Councillor, Kevin Wallace said: “Scotland set itself apart with a new delivery model for eye care where all eye examinations, which include a sight test and eye health check, are free for patients. We’re pleased to see that this vital health provision has the recognition it deserves with an increase in funding.”

Mr Wallace continued: “I’d like to thank the dedicated team at Optometry Scotland who have campaigned hard to secure sustainable funding that will help ensure everyone in Scotland can access high quality eye care, as well as acknowledge the support of the Scottish Government which clearly sees the vital importance of this service in a healthier nation.”

Scotland is the only UK nation that offers NHS-funded eye examinations that are free to patients as a universal provision – introduced in 2006.