Optical voucher rules tightened

Optical bodies and the British Medical Association (BMA) have negotiated changes in regulations governing the redemption of optical vouchers to ensure that non-registered contractors who redeem vouchers are subject to the same scrutiny as those who are registered.

Until now, only registered GOS providers were required to undergo post payment verification (PPV) by a primary care trusts (PCTs).

However, under new regulations agreed between the Department of Health (DoH) and the AOP, ABDO, BMA and FODO, any person or any body redeeming optical vouchers can be required by the PCT to provide evidence in the form of records that the claim is valid. Moreover, the PCT has the power to blacklist any supplier from redeeming vouchers in future, if it finds evidence that the claims do not match the records or that the supplier is otherwise unsuitable.