During the Covid 19 pandemic we are working with LOCSU, Primary Eyecare Services Limited, all the London Local Optical Committees, NHS England and Clinical Commissioning Groups to implement the Covid Urgent and Emergency Service (CUES) for the benefit of the public delivered by optometrists in practice.
LATEST NEWS
Joint statement guidance for primary eye care services in England 13th July 2021
COVID-19 EXEMPTION FOR PATIENT SIGNATURES EXTENDED
The DHSC has confirmed that the temporary measure whereby NHS GOS contractors state ‘COVID-19’ instead of requiring patient signatures on forms has now been extended until 30 June 2021.
This measure was originally implemented as a COVID infection prevention control measure by removing the need for patients to handle pens in optical practices.
OFNC STATEMENT CONFIRMS GOS SIGHT TEST FEES INCREASE
The Department of Health and Social Care (DHSC) has said it will increase GOS sight test fees by 1.9% from April 2021. The GOS CET allowances and pre-registration supervision grants will also rise by the same percentage. The fees for GOS sight tests in England were last increased in April 2015 by 1%. For more information see OFNC statement on GOS fees 2021-22 final 210321 (002)GOS fees 2020 21 letter.
LATERAL FLOW TESTS
NHS England are keen to encourage all patient facing staff to undertake lateral flow tests on a regular basis to help reduce the spread of infection. (22/01/2021)
Lateral flow tests can be ordered here:
https://pcse.england.nhs.uk/news/2020/december/ordering-your-covid-19-lateral-flow-antigen-self-testing-kits/