Optometry Scotland (OS), the representative body for optical professionals, has confirmed its acceptance of the Scottish Government’s proposed 6% increase in General Ophthalmic Services (GOS) fees.
GOS fees represent the funding allocated to optometrists for performing NHS eye exams, a core primary health service.
It has now been confirmed that the uplift will be effective from 1 December 2024 and all exams undertaken from this date will be paid at the new rate (including domiciliary visiting fees).
This represents 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.
Eilidh Thomson, chair of Optometry Scotland, said: “Our members were overwhelmingly in favour of accepting the proposed fee increase, and feel encouraged by the Scottish Government’s re-iterated commitment to supporting community health services, despite notable financial constraints.
“This increase will allow us to continue offering universal access to NHS funded eye exams, which ultimately reduces the burden on our precious NHS resources.
The membership body has a successful track record of lobbying the Scottish Government, having increased the GOS fees year on year since 2021.
This has resulted in an increase of almost 20% in three years. It is hoped in future negotiations that the organisation will secure an uplift in the Continuing Professional Development (CPD) grant provided to optometrists, on behalf of its members.
