PCA(O)2025(05) issued 19 August 2025
Key points include: We encourage all members to review the PCA in full for the detailed information. Members can view this here.
Scotland leads on eye care access and trust – but challenges remain
Scotland has once again shown leadership in eye care, with the latest Public Perceptions Research from the General Optical Council (GOC) highlighting strong public confidence in the profession and a …
Community Eyecare Guidelines – Continued Access
Following feedback from Scottish Government and Health Board Optometric Advisors, it has been agreed with Scottish Government that access to the Community Eyecare Guidelines (CEG) will continue, and the existing …
Scottish Government provides intrim solution for delayed GOS specialist supplementary service
Scottish Government have sent a letter to the sector advising of a delay to the launch of the new GOS Specialist Supplementary (GOS SS) Service (attached). Optometry Scotland have issued …
Optometry Scotland welcomes ASDA Opticians as its newest corporate member
Optometry Scotland (OS), the representative body for optical professionals, has welcomed Asda Opticians to its network, adding 17 branches to Optometry Scotland’s portfolio. The addition of Asda Opticians takes Optometry …
GOC approves SPOKE Specialist Qualifications Project 3 output
The General Optical Council (GOC) has approved the third specialist qualifications output of the Sector Partnership for Optical Knowledge and Education (SPOKE), entitled Enhancing the scope of practice in optical …
Joint primary care letter sent raising concerns regarding the impact of the Employers’ National Insurance increase on the sustainability of NHS services
OS have written a letter to the Health, Social Care and Sports Committee. This letter highlights the collective concerns regarding the impact of the Employers’ National Insurance increase on the …
Investing in eye care services could bring £98m net benefits for the NHS per year, new findings show
Investment directed into primary eye care has the potential to deliver £98m1 in net benefits for the NHS and help the government fulfil its objectives set out in the Darzi …
GOC consultation on business regulation
The Association of Optometrists (AOP) seeks members’ views on the General Optical Council’s (GOC) consultation on its new model for business regulation. The GOC asserts that the current system of …
Position Statement: Employers’ National Insurance Increase
Optometry Scotland is committed to representing our members’ interests, especially when facing new challenges like the recent increase in Employers’ National Insurance contributions. We recognise the financial strain this places …