Supplementary Eye Examinations

This webpage is currently under development and further content will be added in due course.  

This page provides information on supplementary eye examinations provided under General Ophthalmic Services (GOS) arrangements in Scotland, under the following headings:

All references 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 supplementary eye examination

Under regulation 2 of the GOS Regulations, a supplementary eye examination means an eye health check which is either carried out:

  • after a primary eye examination for a particular reason which has arisen during the primary eye examination; or
  • in circumstances set out in regulation 22A(2) of the GOS Regulations, where the eye examination is carried out more frequently than permitted as a condition of remuneration by the Statement

and includes the tests and procedures appropriate to the clinical needs of the patient. Appendix D of the Statement provides further information on the tests and procedures relevant to a supplementary eye examination.

Table B of Appendix D of the Statement lists the reason codes to be used in accordance with the carrying out of a supplementary eye examination, and further supporting information on some of these reason codes can be found further below. 

 

Supplementary eye examination fees

The fees payable to GOS contractors for undertaking supplementary eye examinations are set out in Appendix A of the Statement.

 

2.9 Reason Code – Cataract Referral Advice and Counselling

This code is to be used when providing advice and counselling to a patient (in person or using remote facilities) following an eye examination which has resulted in the patient being considered for referral. This may include providing prognosis or counselling and preparation for consent for cataract surgery, including risk factors.

An Aide Memoire Form has been developed by NHS Scotland to support community optometrists when referring a patient to secondary care for cataract surgery, and can be used to structure the 2.9 Reason Code supplementary eye examination appointment (‘Cataract Referral Advice and Counselling’). Ideally, the patient will already have received an information leaflet about cataract surgery prior to this appointment.

Note: It is not mandatory to use this form, as practitioners may have alternative ways of recording their discussion with the patient and any advice given. However, the College of Optometrists Guidance for Professional Practice on keeping full and accurate records should be noted.