Letter from PCSE – NHSE move to Online
21 July 2020
20.07.20
Dear colleagues
Changes to GOS claims
We are writing to inform you about an upcoming change in GOS claims forms. With practices now moving to submitting GOS claims online, the current paper GOS forms will cease on 30 September 2020. New style paper forms, designed for use if online claims are not possible, will be in operation from 1 October 2020.
What is the electronic GOS payments system?
A new online system for submitting GOS claims was launched in October 2019 by Primary Care Support England (PCSE) and NHS England & Improvement. This system was designed to replace the 18 million paper forms that move around the country each year, making the process of submitting claims easier for optical practices, improving cashflow and reporting for all, and establishing a clear environmental benefit at the same time.
Making claims during COVID-19
We recognise that optical practices are focused on adjusting to the new demands placed on them by COVID-19. Electronic submission maximises safety for staff involved, we ask that practices move to the online claims system as a priority.
Additional safety measures have also been put in place, such as enabling ‘COVID-19’ to be entered in the patient signature box for claims submitted during the crisis, removing the need for patient contact.
How to move to online claims:
- – If you are part of large chain, please contact your head office to understand their rollout plans
- – If you use a PMS system please speak to your provider directly to understand how to switch to online submissions. If your PMS provider is not yet ready you can use PCSE Online free of charge in the interim.
- – If you do not use a PMS then you can use PCSE Online. To get set up simply email pcse.user-registration@nhs.net to get started.
Practices of all types and sizes have since moved over to the online claims system. PCSE has been working closely with Practice Management Software (PMS) providers to assist with their software updates, and directly with practices to support roll outs across the country. Feedback to date has been that the system is intuitive to use, easy to adapt to and provides more clarity on status and payments than paper forms.
To ensure that practices are supported every step of the way to move to the online system by 30 September, we have streamlined the registration process. PCSE has also produced resources to support practices with user registration, getting set up and making claims.
We thank you for your continued support during these times and the changes you are making to maintain eye care provision for your patients. Should you have any questions relating to the information provided in this letter, please contact the PCSE team directly at pcse.optomengagement@nhs.net.
Kind regards
NHS England & NHS Improvement Optical Services Commissioning
NHS England and NHS Improvement
Berkshire LOC Latest News
Invitation to Participate in Glaucoma and MECS OSCEs
Invitation to Participate in Glaucoma and MECS OSCEs Hampshire LOC is pleased to invite optometrists based in Berkshire to participate in the upcoming Glaucoma and MECS OSCEs, taking place on Wednesday 30 April. Participation is free of charge. Event Details: 📍 Boots, 3–5 The Hundred, Romsey, SO51 8GD 🕕 From 18:00 hrs Further information will be provided by WOPEC …
Continue reading “Invitation to Participate in Glaucoma and MECS OSCEs”
15 April 2025
New NHS funded services for East Berkshire patients
Frimley ICB (East Berkshire, Surrey Heath and North East Hampshire and Farnham Service) funded services launch event We are delighted to announce that Frimley ICB has awarded a further one-year contract to continue delivering the following services: Glaucoma Repeat Readings Service (IOP only) Enhanced Cataract Referral Service Direct Wet AMD referral Service (N.B referrals on …
Continue reading “New NHS funded services for East Berkshire patients”
9 April 2025
OFNC Statement: GOS Voucher Values in England to be Frozen for 2025/26
Each year the Department of Health and Social Care (DHSC) independently sets optical voucher values, dental charges and prescription charges for the coming year. DHSC has confirmed that Ministers have decided to freeze all NHS optical voucher values for 2025/26. OFNC Chair Paul Carroll said: “This is a further squeeze on primary eye care, this …
Continue reading “OFNC Statement: GOS Voucher Values in England to be Frozen for 2025/26”
28 March 2025
Sapphire Eye Care – Monkey Island CPD event
Sapphire Eye Care – CPD Event When: Monday 28th April 2025 Time: from 6:30pm Host: Sapphire Eye Care – Mr Vaughan Tanner and Ms Heather Baldwin Topic: Dry and Wet AMD – A comprehensive overview; OCT, diagnosis and the latest treatments Red Eyes, Eyelid lumps and bumps Register in advance for this event, please e-mail: …
Continue reading “Sapphire Eye Care – Monkey Island CPD event”
26 March 2025
SpaMedica CPD Event – 30th of April
SpaMedica Wokingham CPD Event Join us for a CPD evening at our SpaMedica Wokingham Date and time Wednesday, April 30 · 6 – 8:30pm Location SpaMedica, Fishponds Road, Wokingham, RG41 2QJ Understanding the management of complications after Cataract surgery Presented by: Rakesh Shah. Regional Optometrist Lead. 3 CPD Points Available: SpaMedica is registered with …
Continue reading “SpaMedica CPD Event – 30th of April”
24 March 2025
PCSE Service Update
PCSE service update Dear Colleague, We wanted to provide you with an update in PCSE’s services following this weekends IT upgrade. Outbound emails Currently we are unable to process any outbound email, password resets, verification links and case updates due to a technical issue. We are working with our third party providers as a matter of urgency …
Continue reading “PCSE Service Update”
10 March 2025
Berkshire LOC Education Event: 2nd of April 5:30pm – 9:00pm
Join us on Wednesday, 2nd of April, at Reading Rugby Club for this unmissable event! Hear about the optical developments in Berkshire from LOC Chair, Sean Caskey, and then earn 6 CPD points from the following sessions: Session 1: Sore Eyes – What Shall I Do? CPD type: Provider-led Peer Review CPD Points: 3 Interactive …
Continue reading “Berkshire LOC Education Event: 2nd of April 5:30pm – 9:00pm”
2 March 2025
HES Voucher Claims
From 1st April 2025, practices will have 6 months from the date the glasses are supplied by the optical practice to make a claim for HES voucher payment, please see the update below from the Royal Berkshire NHS Foundation Trust:
21 February 2025
New language/interpretation service provider details
FAO all primary care staff: New language/interpretation service provider details From the 1st of April 2025 Dals will provide a new, unified interpretation service across Buckinghamshire, Oxfordshire and Berkshire West to all: GP practices; Dental practices; Pharmacies; and Optometrists. All previous interpretation services operating across BOB will cease on the 31st of March …
Continue reading “New language/interpretation service provider details”
18 February 2025
PSPA Neuro-Orthoptics in Progressive Supranuclear Palsy (PSP) – 25th of March
Welcome to the 2025 PSPA Neuro-Orthoptics in Progressive Supranuclear Palsy (PSP) event! The UK charity, PSPA, is hosting a free online masterclass on 25 March 2025 to help ophthalmic professionals understand Progressive Supranuclear Palsy (PSP) and how it affects the eyes. PSP is a rare neurological condition that significantly affects various ophthalmic functions. Despite eye …
Continue reading “PSPA Neuro-Orthoptics in Progressive Supranuclear Palsy (PSP) – 25th of March”
13 February 2025