Nine in 10 GOS contractors delay recruiting new staff as practice costs rise

The Optometric Fees Negotiating Committee (OFNC) has provided a summary of responses from a survey of 3516 General Ophthalmic Service (GOS) contractors as part of its latest update.

The national negotiating body for eye care in England highlighted that the survey was undertaken to explore unfunded work performed by GOS contractors to support the NHS.

“The very high response rate demonstrates the level of pressure across the system and the strength of contractors’ concerns,” the OFNC update highlighted.

The survey found that 78% of respondents would be likely to phase out additional unfunded GOS work if GOS fees continue to fall below inflation, while 72% of respondents said they would be unable to take on further unfunded initiatives – including the NHS e-Referral service.

More than nine in 10 practices (92%) reported delaying recruiting staff due to practice costs rising faster than inflation.

The OFNC highlighted that nearly all practices were carrying out large amounts of additional unfunded work as part of the GOS sight test on a good will basis – including work that reduces unnecessary referrals.

The full results of the survey have been shared on a confidential basis with ministers and the Department of Health and Social Care (DHSC). The OFNC confirmed that the full results of the survey will be published once negotiations have concluded.

CPD, the NHS e-Referral service and ministerial changes

The OFNC noted in its latest update that the claim window for continuing professional development payments for 2025–2026 will open for a period of 12 weeks once wider GOS contract negotiations have concluded.

“A further update will be issued when the window opens, but for now no action is required,” the OFNC stated.

The negotiating body shared that the NHS England central team has paused regional visits to promote e-Referral service implementation.

However, some regional teams and integrated care boards are continuing to arrange meetings with local optical committees on the topic.

Regarding the recent change in political leadership, the OFNC highlighted that the precise allocation of portfolios among the new ministerial team at the DHSC is not yet known.

“As soon as responsibilities are confirmed, OFNC will write to the appropriate minister about GOS fees, e-Referral service funding and the work already underway,” the OFNC stated.