Reform of the GOS fee is not something the Association of Independent Optometrists and Dispensing Opticians has given up on.
This is not about trying to effect any change that might put the national fee structure at risk (and potentially increasing dependency on CCGs for sight test funding as a direct or indirect result). It is about appropriate use of taxpayer money.
Simply put, AIO believes taxpayer’s money should not be used to fund ‘free’ eye tests. Our proposal, which we have presented to the Department of Health and Social Care, is that optical outlets should not be able to claim a GOS fee for any eye examination or sight test that exceeds any fee advertised or offered to the public by that outlet or associated group.
This reform could be implemented by a simple change to the GOS1 claim form by including the statement ‘No claims can be made for GOS sight tests for sums greater than the contractor’s lowest advertised sight test price’.
AIO fully understands that any such change would need to be discussed in the negotiating body for GOS fees – the Optical Services Negotiating Committee and therefore AIO is calling on all optical representatives on that committee to give due consideration to this proposal. The quid pro quo should be that the funds saved by implementing such a measure are added proportionally to the GOS fee across the board. To those who will say ‘it can’t be done’ – our message is clear: ‘why don’t you try?’
AIO is not trying to outlaw ‘free’ sight tests – simply to stop these being subsidised by taxpayers.