GOS Matters:
Processing GOS Vouchers:
Making Accurate Claims is a useful resource for processing all types of GOS forms:
Pre -Authorization of GOS 4:
All adult GOS 4 vouchers need to be pre-authorized and must be approved by NHSBA prior to the service being provided. Once the contractor request has been approved they will be issued with a unique code and this should be recorded on the GOS 4 voucher and submitted to PCSE for payment. Children under 16 years are eligible for unlimited repairs and no pre-authorization is required.
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Small Frame Supplements:
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Second Pairs:
Patients are not automatically entitled to a spare pair of spectacles of the same prescription under GOS, but permission may be sought from the NHS England Regional Team to supply a second pair in “exceptional circumstances” by submitting a second pair application form.
Examples for children would include a child aged seven years or under and the prescription falls into GOS 3 band B or above and there is a history of spectacle breakage, or the child is over seven years but also has further illness that results in frequent breakages.
It is very rare for an adult second pair request. Applications for second pair or non tolerance vouchers must be sent to the local area NHS team, where the non tolerance has been present since supply and the cause of the problem has been shown to be due to the prescription and not the type of appliance. You will receive the decision within a week and a copy of the application should be retained for PPV purposes.
Record Keeping:
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GOS 18 Referrals:
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Encrypted Emails:
Accessing+Encrypted+Emails+Guide
NHS Mail:
NHS Email is available to all GOS Ophthalmic Contractors and their Optometrists and Dispensing Opticians where there are 10 or few sites. This rule unfortunately means currently some will not be eligible to access an NHS email account.
Where an NHS email account has been able to be set up this allows for safe and secure exchange of patients or sensitive information with other healthcare and social care professionals. However, emails are only secure if the recipient and sender are both NHS email accounts. Applications for NHS mail require certain security and data protections are in place to meet their standard. (See Data Security and protection Toolkit). On successfully signing up to NHS email each organization will have a shared mailbox with up to three user accounts.
It is essential to maintain your NHS email account, those with no activity for 60 days will be deleted.
NHS England » Signing up for NHSmail
GOS Contracts:
GOS contracts are managed by NHSBA, this includes GOS contract applications/variations/terminations, as well as annual GOS complaints, adult GOS4 pre-authorization, NHS mail applications and GOS post payment verification (PPV).
NHSBA website: Provider Assurance Ophthalmic | NHSBSA
Email: pao@nhsba.nhs.net
GOS Contract Management | NHSBSA
Post-payment verification (PPV) | NHSBSA
Quality in Optometry:
The optometric professional bodies and LOC encourage practices to undertake clinical governance which is good professional practice. There are several toolkits available through the Quality in Optometry website from level 1 to 3. Level 1 for contract monitoring, level 2 for enhanced service provision and level 3 for advanced clinical governance for those who wish to use it.
Website: Quality in Optometry – Welcome
Infection Control:
Cleaning and disinfecting hard surfaces April 2025 FINAL
Data Security Toolkit:
Data Security and Protection Toolkit
GOS Payments:
GOS payments are processed through PSCE Online. PCSS: Login
CPD Grants:
Continuing Professional development (CPD) is a requirement for Optometrists and Dispensing Opticians to ensure that skills are kept up to date and to allow for new skills to be developed, in order to provide safe practice and protect patients.
The CPD cycle runs for 3 years, the current cycle 1st January 2025 to 31st December 2027.
Optometrists and Ophthalmic Medical Practitioners who perform GOS services are allowed to claim a grant for the CPD they have undertaken on an annual basis.
This allowance is to compensate for time taken to undertake the CPD and not the costs of the CPD or travel costs.
You are eligible to claim if you have been on the Ophthalmic list for at least 6 months, have maintained your GOC registration, have performed appropriate services under NHS contracts and have undertaken CPD activity.
The current claim year will apply to the CPD undertaken from 1st January to 31st December the previous year.
Claims must be submitted through PCSE Online, this is typically arranged through your employer, both contractors and performers need to be registered with PCSE Online. For locums this can be arranged through a practice you have supplied GOS services for.
PSCE Online: 0333 014 2884
Ophthalmic Payments – How to make CET Claims using PCSE Online