OFNC update: GOS fee negotiations and funding for electronic referral service

The national negotiating body for eye care in England has provided an update on General Ophthalmic Service (GOS) fee negotiations and funding for the electronic referral service (ERS).

A statement from the Optometric Fees Negotiating Committee (OFNC) noted that in October members of the committee met with the minister responsible for eye care, James Frith MP.

“Both sides were very open about the challenges we faced, and the survey data contractors provided was extremely helpful in backing up our arguments,” the OFNC highlighted.

Information collected through a survey of GOS contractors earlier in the year will be presented to a Task and Finish group, which is preparing a report for ministerial review.

“All the information you provided about financial pressures, the unfunded work you are delivering through and around the sight test for the benefit of patients and the NHS and the extra work and costs involved in ERS has been fed directly into the work,” the OFNC noted.

Providing an update on funding of ERS, the OFNC statement detailed how the NHS England central team has currently paused regional visits to promote ERS while issues of funding are resolved.

“However, we understand that some regional teams and ICBs are continuing to arrange meetings with LOCs to press them on implementation of various local and commercial models,” the OFNC stated.

“LOCs and contractors are reminded that any work associated with this is not currently funded within the GOS fee of £24.13 or elsewhere,” the OFNC added.

The negotiating body confirmed that the CPD claims window will only open once GOS negotiations have concluded.

“We remain engaged with DHSC officials and the new minister and will keep you informed of progress,” the OFNC shared.