Can I claim a GOS 1 alongside a Post-Op cataract assessment?

7 December 2022

A post cataract assessment is a stand alone consultation, which is completely separate from a sight test but can be performed alongside a sight test (GOS or private) if indicated. A post cat is stand alone.

A post cataract assessment is not, as defined by the law, a sight test and no prescription should be issued to the patient.

If the patient wishes for a copy of their prescription following their post-cataract assessment a sight test must be carried out alongside (but officially separately from) the post-cataract assessment.

This does not mean duplicate tests must be completed, but does mean the patient and practitioner must be clear that two processes are being completed. The practitioner must ensure the patient understands this.

For the majority of cataract patients who have had a cataract operation, a GOS sight test will be appropriate in light of the patient having noticed a change in their vision and usually a requiring new spectacles as well as being over 60.

If the patient is not GOS eligible, or does not wish to have a sight test performed one should not be completed as standard when performing a post cataract assessment.

For the avoidance of doubt, a patient must consent to a sight test separately to consenting to a post cataract assessment and if they do not consent to the sight test, this must not be performed.

In such an occurrence the post cataract assessment is completed and the patient has their next sight test in a practice of their choosing. At their convenience. They would not receive any copy of prescription / outcome report from the post cataract assessment.