NHS outlines GOS service changes

NHS England announced changes to General Ophthalmic Services (GOS) regulations, set to come into effect between November 2023, and January 2024, subject to parliamentary processes. 

Amendments were outlined in a letter to GOS contract holders on July 3, which stated a contractual requirement to move to an electronic payment claims system for all contractors.  

Claim periods of sight test forms (for GOS 1, 5 and 6 forms) will be reduced from six months to three months to enable more timely data and prompt payments for contractors. 

While, GOS contract termination due to death will be extended from seven days to 28 days, the need to collect data on GOS contract applicants’ sex has been removed and it confirmed that alternative addresses may continue to be used on GOS forms to access services.