Children and the HES

Specialist optometrist at Russells Hall Nicky Ferguson has produced a hospital perspective on referral and management of children’s vision:

CHILDREN-AND-THE-HOSPITAL-EYE-SERVICE update August 21

The LOC feel it is very worthwhile having this information to inform our judgement and decision making. We must stress that this document doesn’t amount to a local protocol.

Any optometrist who wants to look after their amblyopes/squints can still do so. They are still free to use their evidence based clinical judgement informed by guidance elsewhere. There is also no requirement under GOS to perform cycloplegic refraction before referring every child.

We are still free to see young children for sight tests even with a local screening service with a robust design operating. Our profession’s guidance indicates we should be encouraging parents to bring their children for eye tests as soon as possible.

We hope it gives practitioners the confidence to prescribe for children prior to referring. It should also help decide at what level of hyperopia to prescribe where there is reduced vision, as well as what constitutes reduced vision.  The guidance also includes contact details for Nicky, so feel free to contact her with any queries.

Applying for a second pair

Children are not automatically entitled to a spare pair of spectacles of the same prescription under GOS.

It is very important that you should therefore never under any circumstances submit a GOS 3 form (voucher) and a GOS 4 form (repair and replacement voucher) at the same time in respect of the same patient in order to provide a spare appliance. Many practices have faced enforcement action for this behaviour.

However, permission may be sought from the NHS England to supply a Second Pair for a child in “exceptional circumstances”

Full details of the circumstances under which you can apply can be found here

The form you need to complete is here

NB when emailing the form you MUST use an NHSmail account as is contains patient indefinable data. Do NOT use a personal/business email address. If you do not have an NHSmail account, see here how to apply for one.

Email the completed form to ENGLAND.Optometrycontractswm@nhs.net

Young Children’s Dispensing  and Special Needs in Dudley Area

Any practice that performs GOS sight tests is obliged to see children.

Some practices however will also stock specialist frames such as “Miraflex” (though there are issues with supply to the UK of Miraflex frames).

Others specialise in seeing children with special needs or have additional equipment or greater experience in this area.

The LOC maintains a list below of those practices that have indicated particular provision for these services, which is available below. Russells Hall also make use of this list.

Children and special needs Feb 2024

If you wish to be added to this list please contact us with the following:

Your practice name and address
If you stock Miraflex or Equivalent?
If you feel confident to see children with special needs?