View from: ABDO

A subject that is extremely concerning of all those working in practice is the way NHS England has been treating optical practices and in turn undervaluing the importance of eye health care. Despite the efforts of OFNC and regular meetings, NHS England has continuously dithered over the agreement of payment for GOS services.

I speak regularly with ABDO head of policy and public affairs, Debbie McGill and hear the frustration when OFNC has presented a realistic support fee structure to NHS England to keep practices afloat during this time, and they have taken so long to make decisions. After many weeks of negotiation, a support payment was confirmed for practices who were open offering essential and urgent eye care during lockdown with the average GOS payment provided. This was great, we had support but July’s support was only confirmed and advised in July and what happens thereafter?