Safeguarding Scottish eye care services

Optometry Scotland was at a hugely transitional stage after securing a fee increase of the Scottish general ophthalmic services (GOS) contract last year, according to chair Julie Mosgrove.

The membership body secured the first fee increase of the Scottish GOS contract since it was introduced in 2006.

Mosgrove told Optician: ‘Last year proved to be a hugely pivotal moment for Optometry Scotland. With the country returning to a sense of normality after two years of disruption to care services brought on by the pandemic, 2022 saw most of us able to find our footing again.

‘Optometry practices were able to steadily bring their patients back up to date with recalls missed, and whereas other care providers were hit by backlogs and large waiting lists, the optical industry in Scotland was largely prepared to meet requirements with capacity ready to meet demand.’