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?
• checking your patient qualifies for a GOS 4 voucher
• getting pre-authorisation for your GOS 4 voucher request 

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

• 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.
  2. Send the completed template to paos@nhs.net.
  3. 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
  4. We’ll get back in touch with you once we’ve reviewed your GOS 4 voucher claim.