Special Facial Characteristics GOS supplement – includes Tomato and MiraFlex range
12 October 2024
If you have had a GOS claim for a SFC supplement refused by the RBHT because the frame dispensed was not custom made, ie. from the “Tomato” or “MiraFlex” range, please be aware that you are able to challenge this under the SGS additional guidance, details below:
Small Glasses Supplement
Additional guidance
NHS England and NHS Improvement
Small Glasses Supplement(SGS) – Additional guidance.
In April 2016 the Optical Charges and Payments Regulations were amended to allow the Special Facial Characteristics (SFC) supplement (Link to the guidance is below) to be claimed by GOS contractors in Primary Care. The supplement is payable where a frame has to be custom made, or specially adapted.
Following consultation, it has also been agreed that frames which have been designed with appropriate modifications should also attract the Special Facial Characteristics supplement Examples of these types of frames include, but are not limited to, “Tomato glasses” and “MiraFlex”.
Where the Special Facial Characteristics supplement is being applied, there must be a clinical need for the specialist frames.
In order to ensure equity, these frames should be available via the Small Glasses Supplement (SGS). For this to happen the current requirement for SGS must also be met and the specialist frame must be provided for clinical need rather than choice. The SGS guidance should be consulted for qualifying criteria.
Special Facial Characteristics Guidance link (see item 6)
Any queries regarding this revised guidance should be directed to
Berkshire LOC Latest News
VISIO Health Inaugural Launch & Optometry and GP Education event
VISIO Health, in partnership with ZEISS, is hosting its inaugural educational meeting alongside its official launch, focusing on holistic care for Ophthalmology, Dermatology, Aesthetics, and Wellbeing. The event will feature interactive workshops that include diagnostic imaging interpretation, case-based discussions on treatment options across various specialties, and hands-on experience. Accredited with 15 CPD points, this …
Continue reading “VISIO Health Inaugural Launch & Optometry and GP Education event”
7 October 2024
Optician is delighted to announce the return of its CPD certified conference on Sustainability – October 1st & 2nd of October
Eyes on Sustainability is a ground-breaking multi-channel initiative that combines live conferences and focused monthly editorial content. Eyes on Sustainability 2024 (#EOS24), is CPD certified and will take place on October 2nd at Brighton i360 and will provide a launchpad for retail optics to reduce its impact on the planet while meeting current and future …
20 September 2024
CUES CPD Event: 23rd September 2024 7PM – 9PM
Primary Eyecare are excited to announce an upcoming CPD webinar on CUES, “The CUES conundrum: solving the urgent eyecare solution” Monday 23rd September, 7PM-9PM 2 back-to-back lectures with 2 interactive CPD points in total! 7PM – 8PM = CUES pathway and protocols 8PM – 9PM = CUES referrals from the red tab …
Continue reading “CUES CPD Event: 23rd September 2024 7PM – 9PM”
6 September 2024
Coopervision Myopia Management CPD Events
CooperVision are running some in person Myopia Management CPD events throughout a selection of evenings in September and October, offering 7 CPD points in total. Link to register: 2024 myopia management tour (crowdcomms.com)
6 September 2024
GOS Enquiries
Dear colleagues, Please can you email any GOS queries relating to enquiries/eligibility to the South East Optometry Commissioning Hub rather than contacting the ICB: frimleyicb.southeastoptometry@nhs.net Kind regards, Pharmacy and Optometry South East Commissioning Hub
28 August 2024
Aston Postgraduate Courses and CPD Events – Deadline approaching
The deadline for our postgraduate courses with an October start is fast approaching – 23rd August 2024. If you are interested in taking that first step beyond undergraduate training, or are looking for continued career progression links to our courses can be found below: MSc Advanced Clinical Practice in Ocular Health – 3 year …
Continue reading “Aston Postgraduate Courses and CPD Events – Deadline approaching”
8 August 2024
National Eye Health Week – Monday 23rd – Sunday the 29th September
WHAT CAN YOU DO? If you are a high street optician Display our National Eye Health Week leaflets and posters. Hold a competition for local children to design a poster promoting eye health. Ask patients coming for a sight test about their family and friends. Offer your services as an expert to event organisers and really …
Continue reading “National Eye Health Week – Monday 23rd – Sunday the 29th September”
25 July 2024
CHEC – Virtual CPD Event 7th of August
CHEC are holding a ‘suitable for all’ virtual CPD event on the evening of Wednesday August 7th on MS Teams. Please see the details below:
21 July 2024
CANCELLED – Focus on Glaucoma Evening Seminar
Sadly, the Focus on Glaucoma Evening Seminar, hosted by Frimley Health NHS Foundation Trust has now been cancelled. Date: 15th of July Time: 6:00pm – 8:00pm Venue: Post Graduate Education Centre, Ground Floor, Frimley Park Hospital. Please contact lorraine.north@nhs.net for further information.
10 July 2024
WOPEC MECS Assessment Oxfordshire LOC
DATE: Sunday 11th of August, 2024 VENUE: SpaMedica Oxford Don’t miss the opportunity to become an accredited MECS performer. This is a gentle reminder to book your space now. Oxfordshire LOC will be fully funding a number of spaces on a “first come first serve” basis. To be eligible you must be working in …
Continue reading “WOPEC MECS Assessment Oxfordshire LOC”
28 June 2024