As required by the regulations, you should only carry out a sight test if you think it clinically necessary. You should ensure that the reason for the test is clearly shown on the patient's record.
The structure of the GOS 1, 5 and 6 forms is such that you are expected to determine when the patient last had a sight test and to enter that date on the form.
You are free to exercise your clinical judgement to determine how frequently a patient needs a sight test and to determine when to issue a changed prescription. However, the NHS has specified (in a Memorandum of Understanding with the profession) the minimum intervals between sight tests expected for different categories of patients. In the event of testing a patient's sight at a shorter interval than that specified by the NHS, you must put the appropriate numerical code on the GOS 1 or 6 form, in order to indicate the reason for the earlier sight test. You might be challenged by a PCT (or LHBs in Wales) to justify your clinical decision. Nevertheless, PCTs (LHBs) will pay all bona fide claims. Such claims (like other claims) may be subject to post-payment verification.
While you have complete freedom to exercise your clinical judgement in individual cases, it is not appropriate to apply a blanket recall interval to all patients within a category. PCTs have the discretion to ask you to justify each decision. Over-frequent GOS sight testing could cause the PCT (LHB) to question whether you should remain on the list. When you intend to recall a patient at less than a two-year interval, it is advisable to note the reason in the patient’s record.
A patient, who has a sight test when he/she is already fifteen, would not normally expect to have a sight test a year later, unless there was a clinical reason to do so.
