Scottish optometrists to receive 4.5% uplift in sight test fee

Scottish optometrists will receive a 4.5% increase in the fee paid for NHS-funded sight tests for 2022–2023.

It is the second year that optometrists in Scotland have received an uplift in the sight test fee, following a 3% increase for 2021–2022.

Public health minister, Maree Todd, said that the increase recognises the “vital work” of the optometry sector and the services that optometrists provide.

“I’d like to take this opportunity to thank all community optometry practice staff for the high quality services they provide to the people of Scotland,” she said.

Optometry Scotland chair, Julie Mosgrove, highlighted that the number of sight tests completed in Scotland has increased each year since 2006.

“Despite this increase in service delivery, the eye examination fee has remained the same for 12 years, and so in recent years we have campaigned for it to be reviewed on a regular basis,” she highlighted.

“Optometry Scotland continues to work very closely with the Scottish Government to demonstrate the value of community optometry, including the fact it helps to relieve the pressure on the NHS by managing many eye health conditions in the community,” Mosgrove said.

Discussions are ongoing between Optometry Scotland and the Scottish Government to establish an optometry-specific remuneration review process for 2023–2024 and beyond.