The Optometric Fees Negotiating Committee (OFNC) is asking all contractors in England to respond to a confidential new survey to assess unfunded GOS workload – by the closing date of 22 June 2026.
The aim of the survey, said the organisation, was to “systematically gather evidence about unfunded activity linked to GOS delivery and related work – in addition to other cost pressures which can be discussed with ministers and senior officials as part of the current year’s fees round, before the summer break”.
The OFNC also stated that no submitted material would be shared – “other than in an aggregate and non-identifiable statistical format”.
OFNC chair, Dr Peter Hampson, said: “We are calling on all contractors in England to help us explain to ministers and senior officials how much unfunded NHS work we do within and around the sight test on a ‘good will’ basis, work that arguably keeps the whole NHS eyecare pyramid functioning.
“This is important because GOS contract holders are regularly telling us privately that continued below inflation increases to GOS fees and grants is seriously threatening their ability to continue offering what they currently do pro bono, and that additional unfunded work can no longer be taken for granted.
“If goodwill is withdrawn over whatever timescales because of the financial pressures on practices, this will unfortunately result in significant pressure on GPs and hospital colleagues and set back delivery of the NHS 10-Year Health Plan eyecare aims,” Dr Hampson added.
Contractors are asked to complete the survey by 22 June 2026 – as this would “provide OFNC with the best possible evidence to represent the profession”.
Any contractors who would like to discuss the matter further, including goodwill and sight testing regulations, are asked to contact their membership body directly by emailing either: