Management of GOS budget shifts to PCTs

On April 1, responsibility for the General Ophthalmic Services (GOS) budget will be devolved to local primary care trusts (PCTs).

The devolution, announced in December's 2010 NHS Operating Framework, will not affect regulations governing patient entitlements to NHS sight tests and vouchers, contractors' access to PCT ophthalmic performers lists, or the terms of service for contractors and ophthalmic performers.

Similarly, no change is required in the process for the submission of payment claims by contractors.

Although PCTs will manage the financing of GOS services within their overall resource and cash limits, contractors will not be subject to any quotas or limits on the number of patients they may see. The sight testing service including processing sight test and voucher payment claims, will also continue to be governed by national regulations which PCTs administer locally. Fees for eye examinations will continue to be negotiated nationally, while voucher values and entitlements will also continue to be set nationally.