Sight test fee freeze confirmed for 2017-2018

The Government has today confirmed a freeze in NHS sight test fees in England for the second year in succession.

Optical vouchers for patients on low incomes and children who need spectacles, have also been frozen. Grants for CET and pre-registration optometrist training will increase by just 1%.

Optician initially reported the news on March 17 and understood that the Government had initially pushed for a 6% reduction in the fee. Cuts were anticipated for 2018, Optician understands.

Mike George, chair of the Optometric Fees Negotiating Committee (OFNC) said the group was extremely disappointed with the Government’s decision.

‘We appreciate the financial challenges facing the NHS and we understand that all parts of the health sector need to play their part in addressing that challenge. But there is no way we can advise the profession to accept such an offer which is clearly not in their long-term interests and more importantly is not in the best interests of patients,’ said George.