Please click here to see revised guidelines from Maidstone and Tunbridge Wells NHS Trust about referring to the Orthoptic Department.  

The NHS Business Services Authority (NHSBSA) now undertakes Post Payment Verification of General Ophthalmic Services (GOS) claims on behalf of NHS England.

To assist GOS contractors and performers claim the appropriate fees for GOS in England, the NHSBSA will be delivering a GOC approved interactive CPD presentation. The CPD presentation will be free of charge and will be delivered online, across various dates and times in the months of September and October 2022.

The CPD presentation (C-102790) provides 1 interactive GOC point under the Leadership and Accountability domain. It is pre-approved and not a self-directed learning point. Everyone is welcome to attend, however, The CPD point is only available for Optometrists.

The content of the CPD presentation will cover the appropriate use of recall codes, together with specific clinical examples on how the frequency of sight test recalls should be applied for different types of GOS patients.

If you would like to book a place on one of these events please visit

https://www.nhsbsa.nhs.uk/provider-assurance-ophthalmic-services

Remote refraction reminder
 
A clinical pathway using remote refraction as a separate process to an eye health examination is not permissible as part of a GOS sight test. Section 26 of the Opticians Act 1989 clearly states that the performer has a duty to carry out an eye health examination as part of a sight test, and to provide a written statement that states that the sight test has been carried out in accordance with the regulations. The Opticians Act also makes it clear that the patient shall not be required to purchase an optical appliance as a condition of having a sight test. 
 
GOS contractors found to be deviating from the definition of a sight test as set out in section 26 of the Opticians Act 1989 will be in breach of their GOS contract. 
 
Please note this only concerns provision under a GOS contract.

Please note that the National Booking Service in England is now open to healthcare workers. This means that optical teams in England can start to book their vaccination: Book or manage a coronavirus (COVID-19) vaccination – NHS (www.nhs.uk)

Practitioners should note that at the moment there is no formalised policy for a change in referral process to the hospital eye service

Please click here for information on the new resources on vision impairment & falls by the National Falls Prevention Coordination Group (NFPCG).

Please click here for information on the new online system to access free PPE

Please click HERE to view the update from OFNC regarding the Optometric Fees.