Costco loses GOS appeal

Wholesale retailer Costco could be forced to reconsider how it provides general ophthalmic services (GOS) after it lost an appeal against the refusal of its application to join the list of Milton Keynes PCT.

'Costco is considering its options in the light of last Tuesday's High Court decision,' said Costco's director Nick Deeks. Milton Keynes PCT declined to comment on the outcome of the appeal.

The judgement could have further implications for Costco, which has been providing GOS in the UK since 1994. Costco has practices on the ophthalmic lists of 16 other PCTs. A spokesperson from West Hertfordshire PCT, where Costco provides GOS from its Watford warehouse, said: 'We have looked carefully at the decision of the Appeals Authority and will discuss with Costco the implications and interpretation of Regulation 13. Following this discussion a decision will be made on how we move forward.'