Agreement has been reached with Optometry Scotland on the composition and fee for undertaking the eye examination, which will be available to all by 2007.
Deputy Health Minister Lewis Macdonald MSP gave details of the new eyecare delivery plans in a statement in the Scottish Parliament today (26th October 2005), fulfilling the Scottish Executive’s pledge to introduce “free eye checks for all by 2007”. After discussions with OS over many months this pledge has been transformed into a comprehensive reform of eyecare in Scotland, producing a service which is second to none around the world.
Speaking after the Minister’s statement, OS Chairman Hal Rollason said: “This new contract represents the most significant change in legislation concerning the provision of eyecare in Scotland in the last 60 years, and places Optometry firmly within the NHS as the principal provider of eyecare. It will be the launch pad for a world-leading service in Scotland. Tying in with other developments over the next 2-3 years, Scotland will be at the forefront of working towards the Vision 2020 statement of eliminating avoidable blindness by 2020."
“Hand in hand with the new contract, OS has negotiated and agreed a new fee structure consisting of a fee for a primary eye examination, which would cover most patient contacts, and a fee for a supplementary examination which may be needed in around 20% of cases where repeat or additional procedures may be required. I’m pleased to be able to report that we have agreed that, from April 2006, the new primary examination will attract a fee of £28.50 and the supplementary examination one of £18. These will rise from April 2007 to £36 and £21 respectively, with a further but yet to be agreed increase from April 2008. In addition, we have secured a one-off equipment grant of £8,000 per practice which will be paid to assist optometrists provide the new service.”
Mr Rollason continued: “A few years go this achievement would have been unthinkable, but close cooperation between all the optical bodies in Scotland and a tireless and enthusiastic OS team have made the dream a reality. As Chairman I have to thank everyone in Optometry Scotland and the UK national bodies for their help and support.”
“When the new contract comes into operation it is then up to the profession to respond by acting both professionally and ethically, raising the standard of what we do, providing a more comprehensive service, to match the significant fee increase commitment from the Scottish Executive Health Department and the NHS. The SEHD has recognised the commitment of Optometrists to the NHS, and has addressed the issue of low NHS fees for the increasingly sophisticated service that Optometry provides. This is a good deal for the patient, the NHS and for hospital waiting times. I also hope that, when optometrists sign up to the new contract, they will also sign up to a one per cent levy to help us continue with our work. This is just the beginning.”
Through enabling legislation in the Smoking, Health and Social Care (Scotland) Bill, Optometry Scotland has formulated a New NHS Eye Examination. It has the following key benefits;
The New Eye examination differs from the old GOS Eye Test by not requiring mandatory refraction, but provides a health assessment of the eyes that may lead to refraction, other procedures, repeat procedures, care pathways for sight threatening conditions, or other referral as appropriate for each and every patient, for each and every visit.
Initially there will be an expected upper limit of 20 NHS examinations per normal working day. This will be kept under review particularly regarding how the Supplementary examination is used.
Anyone, whether they have red eyes, painful eyes, flashes and floaters, or just needs new spectacles, will be able to access the new NHS at their local Optometry practice. The old GOS Sight Test will be consigned to history.
Optometry Scotland is a Scottish National Body with representation from the main associations for optometrists and dispensing opticians in Scotland. Every Area Optometric Committee in Scotland is also represented. The reason for their formation was to present a united voice to the Scottish Executive Health Department (SEHD), politicians, media and other stakeholders.
The Optometry Scotland website can be found by clicking on the following link
http://www.optometryscotland.org.uk
