Wales contract negotiation sees 5% uplift for standard sight test

An uplift in Wales General Ophthalmic Services (WGOS) fees has been announced following the conclusion of negotiations between the Welsh Government, NHS Wales, and Optometry Wales.

WGOS1 fees will increase by 5% while WGOS2 fees will increase 1.75%. There will be a 10% increase in the fee for Low Vision Service Wales follow-up assessments provided through WGOS3. A full schedule of the new fees can be viewed online.

Confirmation of the fees will be issued to contractors in Wales in November, with payments backdated to 1 April 2025.

Other aspects of practice covered by contract negotiations include an agreement in principle on a longer-term aim of linking WGOS to the NHS Wales app, and a requirement for practices to have a ‘practice development plan’ from 1 April 2026.

Optometry Wales chief executive, Judy Misra, highlighted that the outcome of negotiations helps to ensure NHS eye care services can be provided closer to home by highly skilled optometrists and dispensing opticians.

“The negotiated fees and additional support will empower community optometrists and dispensing opticians to operate at the top of their license, ensuring that Wales remains a leader in clinical service delivery and continues to drive reform within the UK whilst reducing hospital waiting lists and improving access to services,” she emphasised.

Cabinet Secretary for Health and Social Care, Jeremy Miles MS, shared that the investment of £3 million “represents a significant investment in the future of optometry.”

“Optometry in Wales continues to lead the UK in clinical reform, with practitioners empowered to work at the top of their licence. Our approach is rooted in prudent healthcare principles and reflects a patient-centred ethos that ensures timely, effective, and equitable care,” he emphasised.