Practitioners warned over GOSregulations

Practitioners were being told to urgently check their future eligibility to provide GOS and claim sight test fees this week. Under forthcoming changes to ophthalmic list regulations optometrists and dispensing opticians will need to address the complex alterations, say professional representatives. For OOs the current ophthalmic list will be split into two; for DOs who claim GOS fees for sight tests, they need either to become an ophthalmic body corporate or enter a legal agreement with other optical professionals. In either case the advice is to check your status and act if necessary. Last minute efforts to extend the timetable of change, which could begin as early as November 30, were being made yesterday by optical delegates meeting with officials from the Department of Health. However, it is likely that any delay will be brief. Earlier this week, the optical bodies Ð the AOP, ABDO and FODO Ð attempted to head off further confusion in the profession by publishing detailed advice, as there has been a lack of clarification and easy-to-use information so far. A warning for corporate bodies was publicised last month (News, October 29). The professional bodies have summed up their advice in two documents, Guidance for optometrists and Guidance for dispensing opticians and dispensing companies. But they warn that the new regulations are complex. These guidance notes, which include methods to join the new lists and tips on how to make the appropriate arrangements, are available from optician by email (see page 8). Bob Hughes, executive director of FODO, said: 'It's very complicated Ð and it's a disgraceful imposition on the profession by the DoH. 'They have tried to update the ophthalmic list and have done so in a ham-fisted way, not realising that opticians are different from dentists. They have done it with no regard to the service provided and no regard to the problems created for service providers.' He said the AOP, ABDO and FODO would continue negotiating the timetable on Thursday, but added that the new system would remain. Another key point, he said, was that professionals must read carefully the new guidance (see page 8). There will be further advice about mobile practices.