GOS fee rise proposed in Scotland

Chair of Optometry Scotland, Eilidh Thomson

Optometry Scotland (OS) has accepted the Scottish government’s proposed four per cent uplift to General Ophthalmic Services (GOS), the Community Glaucoma Service and the pre-registration trainee optometrist supervisor grant for 2025-26.

GOS fees represent the funding allocated to optometrists for performing NHS eye exams, a core primary health service.

The uplift, which follows recommendations from the Doctors and Dentists Pay Review Body, aligns with increases offered to other primary care providers, including general practices and dentistry. The increase represents the fifth consecutive annual uplift and will be effective from later in 2025 with payments backdated to April 2025, applying to all GOS services including domiciliary visits.

Eilidh Thomson, OS chair, said: “We welcome the proposed increase and are encouraged by the Scottish government’s continued recognition of the vital role optometry plays in primary care, especially amid the current financial pressures facing Scotland’s health system. The four per cent uplift reflects a continued commitment to our sector, and we are pleased to see equity with other primary care contractors, in line with what our members have advocated for.

“While this increase is appreciated, further support will be essential if the profession is to continue shifting the balance of care away from hospitals and toward accessible, community-based services,” continued Eilidh. “With rising costs for practices, brought about through National Insurance and National Minimum Wage increases, financial burdens on the profession remain a concern. Scotland is a world leader in universal eyecare, and we can only continue to deliver more if we are resourced to do so.”

OS reiterated its thanks to members for their ongoing support, including their participation in MSP practice visits and wider lobbying efforts. The membership body has seen increased GOS fees year on year since 2021 – resulting in an increase of almost 25 per cent in five years.

Commenting on the news, Max Halford, ABDO clinical and policy director, said: “It’s genuinely encouraging to see the Scottish government’s recognition of the vital work carried out by primary care optical practices, reflected in the fee increase announced on 28 July.

“Patients in Scotland continue to benefit from high-quality care delivered by their local practices, supported by Scottish government funding and the tireless efforts of colleagues across Optometry Scotland. Sadly, the contrast with England cannot go unnoticed, where negotiations around the General Ophthalmic Services fee remain unresolved – and patients continue to face a postcode lottery of eyecare.”