Menu

Second pairs for children and adults – application process

17 August 2021

 

Patients are not automatically entitled to a spare pair of spectacles of the same prescription under GOS, but permission may be sought from the NHS England Regional Local Team (RLT) to supply a second pair in “exceptional circumstances” by submitting a second pair application form.

Second pairs should not be provided “just in case” where there is no evidence of need. This guidance therefore explains what are normally considered as “exceptional circumstances” for these purposes.

Second pairs for children

Applications for second pairs will normally be approved if: A child is aged seven or under and the prescription falls into the GOS 3 band B or above and there is a history of spectacle loss or breakage (two or more repairs in six months)

or

A child is aged over seven or is a “looked after child” and they have a further illness that causes the frequent breakage/loss, the prescription falls into the GOS 3 band B or above, there is a history of spectacle loss or breakage (two or more repairs in six months) and there is evidence to suggest that the patient’s education or quality of life is likely to be affected if they are without their spectacles.

Second pairs may also be approved with discretion for children of any age if:

The prescription falls into the GOS 3 band, is in voucher A (those children with high A values may still be at risk) and a clinical adviser has reviewed the case and is satisfied that the application meets the necessary criteria.

Second pairs for adult

It is rare that a request will be made for an adult to have a second pair. However, where an application is made the criteria for approval will be similar to that for older children.

All applications for second pair or non-tolerance vouchers must be sent to your NHS England local team using the standard national templates.

1. Complete the second pair voucher application form

2. Submit the completed form to your NHS England local team

3. The local team will normally notify you of their decision in one week

4. Once you have received a decision from NHS England, you must retain a copy of the application form for your records for post payment verification purposes

5. If the application has been approved, you should submit a GOS3 to PCSE.

Download a copy of the application form here

Reference:  

Berkshire LOC Latest News

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 …

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: …

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 …

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 …

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 …

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 …

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 …

13 February 2025

Frimley Foundation Trust Post-Cataract Service: Important Reminders

    Thank you to all practices and practitioners who continue to provide this service, ensuring that patients can benefit from post-operative care close to home.   Could we please remind all practices, clinicians and staff involved in booking patients of the following important points:   Please do not transfer a post-cataract patient episode to …

5 February 2025

Join Chris Tarrant for an unforgettable quiz night, supporting Berkshire Vision

Get ready for an evening of fun, laughter, and life-changing impact! We’re thrilled to invite you to our Charity Quiz Night, hosted by the legendary Chris Tarrant, on Thursday, 3rd April, at 7:30 PM at BrewDog Reading. This is more than just a quiz – it’s a chance to come together and enjoy a fantastic …

17 January 2025

LOCSU Latest news

LOCSU Levy Reduction Commencing 1 April 2025

LOCSU is delighted to announce the reduction of the LOCSU levy from 0.5% to 0.4%.

31 March 2025