NHS sight test fees in England are expected to be frozen at 2015-16 levels for another year, the Government has indicated. The decision prompted comments of disappointment among the Optical Fees Negotiating Committee (OFNC).
Grants for continuing education & training (CET) and those to train pre-registration optometrists will rise by 1% as will voucher values. Mike George, Chair of the OFNC said: 'This is a heavy and extremely disappointing blow to a profession that has always supported and embraced reform and modernisation.'
Ann Blackmore, OFNC Secretary echoed his comments saying: 'It is frustrating that, despite our repeated explanations over several years that the fee covers the cost of the sight test and is not simply pay-related, the Government persists in erroneously connecting the fee to increasing optometrist recruitment. There is no way we can advise the profession to accept such an offer which is clearly not in the best interests of patients.' She added that experience lead her to believe it would be imposed anyway.
The changes are expected to come into effect on Monday 4 April.
