Scotland gets new listings

Scotland's new listing arrangements mean that the ophthalmic list maintained by each NHS Board will be split into two parts from this month.

Part one will list optometrists and OMPs who undertake to provide GOS from their own practices or who are regularly employed or who undertake domiciliary visits. Part two will list those who assist with GOS provision, for example peripatetic locums. 

A spokesman for Optometry Scotland said: 'A circular is being sent out by Health Boards to optometrists on their current list. If you are not listed you should contact your Health Board as soon as possible and ask for a listing application.

'All optometrists who provide GOS services in Scotland after  April 1 2006 must be listed by  June 30 2006. Optometrists and OMPs wishing to join a Board's ophthalmic list will need to provide more information than was previously the case in support of a formal application for inclusion on either part of a Board's ophthalmic list.'

He added that locum optometrists in Scotland must be listed with the Health Board in which the services are being provided and employers must ensure locums are listed before they commence work.

Detailed guidance on the new rules are given in the NHS Circular 2006PCA(O)5, which can be accessed at the website for information on NHSScotland (www.show.scot.nhs.uk).