Business Practice

If an optometry practice is to be successful, i.e. to deliver to its patients the high quality, modern services they need at a time and place convenient to them, it must be profitable. Optometric practice is constantly developing, requiring optometrists who wish to maintain the highest standards to invest regularly in training and new technology. This investment is considerable: New technology does not come cheap. It is undeniably the case that the NHS sight test fee does not permit this level of investment and, in effect, holds back the optometrist from improving the level of care that he or she is able to offer patients.

The AOP's document 'Developing your practice beyond GOS', which is available at the end of this page, is intended to be used by optometrists who wish to offer their patients a greater range of services to meet their individual needs. It describes a means of extending the range of clinical services offered to patients profitably and to introduce these enhanced services to colleagues, practice staff and patients.

By following the suggestions you will be able to expand the range of services your practice offers; you will be able to provide patients with the care they need, that they will value and be happy to pay for; and you will be able to provide private enhanced services in your practice while complying fully with the terms of your GOS contract.

There is no question that you are legally within your rights to offer private enhanced services for supplementary fees. Optometrists will have differing professional opinions about which procedures should be included in an NHS sight test and which should not. The Department of Health has confirmed to the AOP that PCTs cannot specify the procedures to be included or equipment to be used in an NHS sight test; these are matters for the professional judgement of the optometrist dealing with patients’ clinical needs on a case-by-case basis. PCTs can and should insist that NHS sight tests comply with the Opticians Act 1989 and the GOS Contracts Regulations 2008. See Sight Tests and Private Enhanced Services on page 3 for guidance to help you decide what you wish to include and, more importantly, what lies outside the sight test and can therefore be charged for as a private enhanced service.

Should you be faced with a patient or PCT who is dissatisfied with your policy and your explanations, do not hesitate to contact the AOP for support and advice.