OFNC update on delays: 2025/26 fees, pre-reg and CPD grants

Primary eye care providers have been in touch to ask for updates on fees and when they can claim CPD grants.

Since the last update on 20 March, OFNC has been in discussions with NHS England about the data it was using to propose 2025/26 fees. The OFNC had significant concerns about this data, and the process was delayed while further analysis was undertaken.

GOS fees and grants (CPD and pre-reg) are all part of the same regulations, and none can be brought into effect until the process is concluded, and legal directions (covering all elements) are made.

Recently NHS England has confirmed it has completed its work and written to the Department of Health and Social Care (DHSC) with its recommendations. Once we receive a response from DHSC we will update the sector with more detail. There will be no delay in the making of the directions (which are cleared with us) at our end.

It has been agreed that any increase in fees will be backdated to April 2025. At the same time the CPD claims window in respect of 2024/25 will be opened and we can assure you CPD grant.

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Note for Editors

The Optometric Fees Negotiating Committee (OFNC) is the national negotiating body for eye care in England with the Westminster Parliament, the Department of Health and Social Care and NHS England. It comprises the leaders of the UK representative bodies: ABDO, AOP, FODO and BMA (for OMPs) and works in partnerships with the College of Optometrists and the General Optical Councils will be paid.