Where next for GOS?

An urgent review of GOS has been called for after a white paper identified optometrists need only perform the most basic of eye tests to comply with NHS sight test requirements set by NHS England.

The white paper, shared with Optician by author and independent optometrist Simon Browning, spelt out how GOS has not been reviewed for 26 years, when it did not take into account the increased skills of the modern optometrist despite strong arguments to take them into account.

While the paper, The Future of General Ophthalmic Services, did not find this very basic level of eye care acceptable, it called for optical professionals to comply with NHS England’s wishes. Indeed, it also warned of efforts by NHS England late last year to withdraw fees deemed to have been inappropriately paid.