Scottish Government announces proposed 6% GOS fee increase

The Scottish Government has announced a proposed 6% increase in General Ophthalmic Services (GOS) fees for optometrists performing NHS eye exams in Scotland, Optometry Scotland has highlighted.

If agreed, the increase would be backdated to 1 April 2024 and all NHS eye exams carried out from this point would be paid at the new rate. This includes domiciliary visiting fees.

Optometry Scotland will now consult with its membership on the proposed fee uplift. 

If accepted, the announcement from the Scottish Government will mark the fourth annual increase in GOS since 2021.

The proposal has been welcomed by the newly appointed chair of Optometry Scotland, Eilidh Thomson, who said: “We welcome the proposed fee increase and feel incredibly encouraged by the Scottish Government’s reiterated commitment to supporting community health services, despite notable financial constraints.”

Thomson, an independent prescribing optometrist, commented: “By ensuring universal access to NHS funded eye exams, we can continue to offer preventative care which ultimately reduces the burden on our precious NHS resources.”

The proposed uplift is aligned with recommendations made by the Doctors and Dentists Pay Review Body, which also sees rises to General Dental Services and General Medical Services fees.

This story was updated on 27 September.