Fees increase in Northern Ireland

GOS sight test fees in Northern Ireland will be raised by 4.5%, with the increase backdated to April 1, 2022, the Department of Health has confirmed.

Alongside the uplift in fees for sight tests and domiciliary visits, there was a 4.5% increase to continuing education and training allowances payable to optometrists and ophthalmic medical professionals for training undertaken in the year to December 31, 2022.

A 2% increase in optical vouchers was also slated, but the Department of Health said this would be complicated by the lack of a functioning assembly and the absence of a minister.