We are delighted to share with members that the Scottish Government has today announced a 6% increase in GOS fees and national enhanced community eyecare services - currently the Community Glaucoma Service.  In addition, the increase will also be applied to Continuing Professional Development (CPD) allowances by 6%, for CPD undertaken by optometrists and ophthalmic medical practitioners in 2022; and the pre-registration trainee optometrist supervisor grant, for trainees taken on by a supervisor on or after 1 April 2023.

This year’s award comes following extensive consultation with Scottish Government on behalf of members and is a further increase from the 4.5% uplift agreed in 2022.   The increase is in alignment with recommendations which will also see current GDS fees for dentists also uplifted by 6%.  

Julie Mosgrove, chair of Optometry Scotland, commented: “We welcome these increases and thank the Scottish Government for such commitment to recognising our sector’s ongoing efforts in delivering the best possible standard of community eyecare for the people of Scotland following a particularly challenging few years.  

“Increasing the GOS fee ultimately improves the accessibility of free eye examinations across the country, allowing for the most vulnerable groups within Scottish society to have equal access to world renowned standards of primary healthcare. These examinations also contribute to early detection of health issues, which can provide a real advantage to securing effective and appropriate treatment within the community,” she added.  

As your representative body, we are committed to campaigning for the betterment of optometry across Scotland. Should you have any queries regarding these updates, please do not hesitate to reach out. 

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