The Association for Independent Optometrists and Dispensing Opticians (AIO) has written to the chief executive of Capita and to the Secretary of State in respect of the late payment of NHS fees to optical practices.
It said late payments were widespread and had ‘been enduring for many months now’.
AIO chairman Peter Warren said: ‘It is an absolute disgrace that a corporation the size of Capita is sitting on Government funds and not making timely payment of NHS fees to optical practices. If this was a temporary phenomenon it would be one thing, but it has been going on for months now. Small Independent practices cannot afford to carry the financial burden for government because Capita can’t do its job properly.’
The letter to Capita asked for an urgent explanation for delays and a clear timeline for resolution, while health secretary Jeremy Hunt was asked what the government was doing to put pressure on Capita to resolve the difficulties.
Legislation dictated that Government contracts will be paid within thirty days, the AIO stated.
A Capita spokesperson said: "We are closely monitoring our operation while the new services are embedding and have arrangements in place to respond and address users’ feedback. We are working closely with NHS England and proactively engaging key stakeholders, including LOCSU, so we can continue to refine and improve the service."