News

The final draft of the new Primary Ophthalmic Services and GOS Contracts Regulations was due to be published as Optician went to press. The contract comes into force on August 1.

Optician understands that optical bodies ABDO, AOP and FODO had rigorously resisted attempts by the DoH to introduce a large number of new requirements that had been developed for the new contracts for professions.

Here is a summary of some of the arrangements expected in the new model contract:

● A provision for the new contracts to be either ordinary contracts or NHS contracts. NHS contracts offer contractors access to NHS resolution procedure in case of disputes

● It will become mandatory for practitioners to be satisfied their staff are suitably qualified and competent

● The optical bodies resisted introducing clinical governance into GOS. However, the contract includes basic hygiene requirements

● NHS contractors must comply with NHS complaints procedures

● For the first time the contract will give practitioners a right to issue a 'late payment notice' to PCTs. If the PCT fails to respond, contractors will be able to refer the matter to the NHS dispute resolution

● A student who can provide a letter stating acceptance on a course has eligibility for a GOS sight test during the vacation.

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