This webpage is currently under development and further content will be added in due course.
This page provides information on primary eye examinations provided under General Ophthalmic Services (GOS) arrangements in Scotland, under the following headings:
- What is a primary eye examination
- How often can a primary eye examination be undertaken
- Primary eye examination fees
All references below to the "Statement" are to the determination made by Scottish Ministers in exercise of powers conferred by sections 28A and 28B of the National Health Service (Scotland) Act 1978 and regulation 17 of the National Health Services (General Ophthalmic Services) (Scotland) Regulations 2006 ("GOS Regulations"), after consultation with such organisations as appear to them to be representative of contractors providing GOS. The current version of the Statement can be found on the Legislation page of this website.
What is a primary eye examination
Under regulation 2 of the GOS Regulations, a:
- primary eye examination means "a general eye health check which includes a sight test, an internal and external examination of the eye as well as other tests and procedures appropriate to the needs of the patient";
- sight test means "a refraction to measure and correct the refractive error of the eyes by means of an optical appliance".
Appendix C of the Statement provides further information on the tests and procedures relevant to a primary eye examination.
How often can a primary eye examination be undertaken
In accordance with regulation 22A of the GOS Regulations, a primary eye examination must not be carried out more frequently than the frequency set out in Table A of Appendix B of the Statement, except in the circumstances (and using the relevant reason code) set out in Table B of that Appendix.
Where an eye examination is carried out more frequently than permitted as a condition of remuneration by the Statement, it must be undertaken as a supplementary eye examination.
The fees payable to GOS contractors for undertaking primary eye examinations are set out in Appendix A of the Statement.