The Optometric Fees Negotiating Committee (OFNC) has today (14 November) issued an update for eyecare professionals on the delayed announcement of General Ophthalmic Services (GOS) fees for 2025/26 – and when CPD grants can be claimed.
The OFNC stated: “Since the last update on 20 March, OFNC has been in discussions with NHS England about the data it was using to propose 2025/26 fees. The OFNC had significant concerns about this data, and the process was delayed while further analysis was undertaken.
“GOS fees and grants – CPD and pre-reg – are all part of the same regulations, and none can be brought into effect until the process is concluded, and legal directions (covering all elements) are made.
“Recently, NHS England has confirmed it has completed its work and written to the Department of Health and Social Care [DHSC] with its recommendations. Once we receive a response from DHSC, we will update the sector with more detail. There will be no delay in the making of the directions (which are cleared with us) at our end.
“It has been agreed that any increase in fees will be backdated to April 2025. At the same time, the CPD claims window in respect of 2024/25 will be opened and we can assure you CPD grants will be paid.”
The OFNC is the recognised negotiating body for GOS fees and grants for community optometry. ABDO is a member of the OFNC alongside the Association of Optometrists, the British Medical Association and FODO – the Association for Eyecare Providers.