Optometry Scotland backs proposals for enhanced services

Optometry Scotland expressed its support for the Scottish Government’s proposal for the General Ophthalmic Services Specialist Supplementary (GOS SS) service in enabling independent prescriber (IP) optometrists to take on an expanded clinical role. 

Complex anterior eye conditions would be managed in community optometry settings, while intra-referral between optometrists would enable non-IP optometrists to refer patients to IP colleagues, with all exams undertaken within the GOS SS service paid at an enhanced rate, effective from August 2025. 

Eilidh Thomson, chair of Optometry Scotland said: ‘By reducing unnecessary hospital referrals and keeping more patients within the community, GOS SS supports NHS Scotland’s strategy to shift the balance of care, ensuring timely, accessible and expert-led eye care for all.’