PPV, Paeds at Watford, CVI Webinar, Healthwatch Research, Glaucoma at SpaMedicaFODO News

29 January 2026

We have 6 items for you today:

1. Post Payment Verification(PPV)
   
   We are aware of an increase in Post Payment Verification (PPV) audits being received by practices. 

   If your practice is subject to a PPV audit, you must be able to explain and justify every claim they query. NHS Business Services Authority (NHSBSA) advise that the key aspects of their analysis are:

   • evidence a sight test took place
   • a sight test was within the minimum intervals agreed in the Memorandum of Understanding
   • the clinical reason for the sight test was recorded, and corresponding early retest code included in the GOS form, if the patient was seen at a shorter interval that the minimum interval
   • reason patient gives for not being able to leave home, for domiciliary tests
   • a change in prescription was clinically significant or, if a small change, adequately explained
   • additional supplements (complex lenses, prisms, tints, small glasses, special facial characteristics) claimed were clinically justified
   • evidence that the glasses/lenses have been issued
   • reason for the repair or replacement was recorded for GOS4 claims
   • evidence that, where an adult GOS 4 voucher has been issued, this was pre-authorised by NHSBSA (not applicable to children)
   • forms were signed at the appropriate stage in the patient journey

   NHSBSA’s information on PPV can be found HERE. 

   As advised by the AOP and FODO, the memorandum of understanding that forms the basis of these intervals states:  “The GOS regulations require practitioners to satisfy themselves that a sight test is clinically necessary. Therefore, the intervals given are not to be read as applying automatically to all patients in a category.“

   Your clinical notes MUST make the reason for an early test clear, the code must correspond with the notes from the most recent and/or previous test in order to justify the early recall.

   It is best practice to make sure that the reason for any shorter recalls you are advising is clear on the record, so that the Optometrist conducting the next test can be sure of the reason for the early recall and code it, in the knowledge there is evidence of the need. 

   Further guidance on PPV and sight test intervals can be found on the following links:
   https://www.fodo.com/downloads/managed/Guidance/Making%20accurate%20claims/MACE_Guide_V1.1.pdf

   https://www.england.nhs.uk/wp-content/uploads/2018/07/B0830_i_Eye-Health-Policy-Book_v4_031121.pdf

   https://www.college-optometrists.org/clinical-guidance/guidance/knowledge,-skills-and-performance/the-routine-eye-examination#Frequencyofeyeexaminations

   Further information and advice on PPV is available from the Sector Bodies:
   ABDO mhalford@abdo.org.uk
   AOP    regulation@aop.org.uk
   FODO membership@fodo.com 

   You are also welcome to contact us (admin@HertsLOC.org.uk) in the event of you receiving a PPV check and we will do our best to signpost you to any assistance you may need and support you.

2. Paediatric Consultant at West Hertfordshire Teaching Hospitals Trust (Watford)
   Herts and West Essex ICB advise:

   “Dear Colleagues,

   I would like to share the below positive update regarding paediatric service at WHHT.

   WHHT has recruited to a consultant ophthalmologist in paediatrics. This also means that the Trust will be able to support with paediatric surgery within the region if there is a capacity constraint elsewhere.”

   All referrals (other than emergencies) for under 16 years of age should be referred as normal to the GP, who will refer on accordingly using the NHS e-referral service (eRS).

   For patients with GPs in South and West Herts who are 16 years and over, please use the EyeV portal.

3. Cerebral Vision Impairment Webinar (CVI).
   Optometrist Cirta Tooth is running a Webinar on CVI, on Wednesday 18th March, starting at 8pm. We are advised that CPD points have been applied for, we would recommend confirming points availability before the event if this is important to you. Further information and a link to register can be downloaded HERE and at her website, HERE.
4. Healthwatch Pharmacy Survey for Patients
   
   Healthwatch Hertfordshire advise:

   “Healthwatch are seeking feedback from residents on their experiences of using community pharmacies across Hertfordshire and West Essex

   We are reaching out to ask you to support an important piece of research being carried out by Healthwatch Hertfordshire and Healthwatch Essex on behalf of Hertfordshire and West Essex Integrated Care Board (ICB).

   The research aims to understand how people use their local community pharmacies and how services may be improved. We know that community pharmacies play a vital role in providing convenient access to high-quality healthcare and we want to ensure they continue to meet the needs of our local communities.

   To help with this research we are asking local optometrists and dentists to display the slide, HERE, on any patient facing screens, to encourage those waiting for their appointment to take part in the survey.

   For more information on this research please visit  Beyond Prescriptions: Experiences of Community Pharmacies in Hertfordshire or contact : research@healthwatchhertfordshire.co.uk 

   Thank you for helping us improve access to health and care for everyone.” 
    

5. SpaMedica Now Accepting NHS Referrals for Glaucoma
   SpaMedica advise that they are now accepting NHS Glaucoma referrals in Watford & Luton, offering SLT (and MIGS for NHS patients when combined with cataract surgery).

   As usual, patients with GPs in South and West Herts should refer via the EyeV portal, where SpaMedica should be one of the five choices the system offers the patient.

   For patients with GPs in East and North, direct referrals can be made where full NHS patient choice guidance has been followed, otherwise please refer via GP.

   Further information can be found on their flyer, HERE.

   All other existing providers, including the local Trusts, remain available also.

6. FODO News
   Is HERE including Sector responds to study predicting steep rise in glaucoma cases, GOC consults on overhaul of CPD system and Free webinar on cybercrime in primary care.

Kind regards

Herts LOC