Scottish Optometrists Welcome Proposed 6% Fee Increase for NHS Eye Exams – Scottish Business News

Optometry Scotland, the representative body for optical professionals, has today welcomed the Scottish Government’s proposal of a 6% increase in General Ophthalmic Services (GOS) fees. Optometry Scotland will now consult with their membership on the proposed fee uplift.

GOS fees represent the funding allocated to optometrists for performing NHS eye exams, a core primary health service. The proposed uplift is to be backdated to 1 April 2024, and all exams undertaken from this date will be paid at the new rate (including domiciliary visiting fees).

The proposed increase is the fourth consecutive annual increase since 2021 and is in alignment with recommendations made by the Doctors and Dentists Pay Review Body (DDRB). General Dental Services (GDS) and General Medical Services (GMS) fees for dentists and GPs are also set to benefit from the uplift. 

Following an EGM on Wednesday afternoon, Eilidh Thomson succeeds Julie Mosgrove as chair of Optometry Scotland. A licensed IP optometrist, Thomson began her career at Black and Lizars in 2008 and has served as vice-chair of Optometry Scotland since 2022.

Thomson takes the helm of the Scottish industry body representing the voices of almost 400 optical practices across the country. Joined by newly appointed vice-chair Richard Spruce, Optometry Scotland will continue to focus on strategic priorities, which include leading the Service Enhancement agenda, particularly around anterior eye and low vision schemes and work in collaboration with Scottish Government, Universities, NHS Education for Scotland (NES) and other stakeholders to integrate undergraduate reforms underway across the sector.

Eilidh Thomson, chair of Optometry Scotland, said: “We welcome the proposed fee increase and feel incredibly encouraged by the Scottish Government’s re-iterated commitment to supporting community health services, despite notable financial constraints. By ensuring universal access to NHS funded eye exams, we can continue to offer preventative care which ultimately reduces the burden on our precious NHS resources.

“I want to express my sincere gratitude to Julie, whose unwavering passion for our profession and strong leadership have been instrumental in securing four consecutive GOS fee increases, a key objective of our organisation.”

Departing chair, Julie Mosgrove, added: “It has been an incredible honour to serve as chair of Optometry Scotland for the past 2 years. I am immensely proud of what we have achieved as a team, particularly securing consecutive GOS fee increases for the sector.

“I look forward to continuing to support the organisation under new leadership, confident that OS will keep driving positive change for the profession and our communities in Scotland.”

The membership body has a successful track record of lobbying the Scottish Government and is currently chairing a short-life working group researching the need for enhanced technology in community eyecare. Findings of this will be presented to relevant officials later this year.