A guiding light on GOS claims

Some of the recent cases leading to allegations of NHS fraud have come about because of misinterpretation of the complex wording in the legislation relating to the eye examination. It is therefore a boost to see all of the rules on NHS sight tests summarised in an easy-to-read format. That said, it is a tall order to solve every problem in the complex world of claims, vouchers and elegibility at one sitting. When practitioners have made their way through this comprehensive 36-page document, they may find themselves still no clearer on a number of historically 'grey' areas of concern. Take, for example, the practitioner's responsibility to ascertain that an application for an NHS eye examination is genuine and the need for prior authorisation of spectacle repairs for adults. Here the booklet appears to fall short of giving practical guidance. Following the letter of the law in the former example could place the practitioner in the very difficult position of having to verify patient eligibility - in particular when he or she is not 'satisfied' with the application and the patient refuses to provide other than verbal proof. Nonetheless, the profession as a whole should welcome guidance that, in the main, facilitates a clearer understanding of making claims to local health authorities. It is to be hoped that the health authority officers who process the claims also take heed of the document.