Calling all opticians – look at this!

A special roadshow will be held in Edinburgh on Monday offering Edinburgh optometrists vital support.

The event will bring the city’s eyecare experts up to speed on new regulatory changes.

The free-to-attend event – targeted at ophthalmic teams delivering General Ophthalmic Services (GOS) in NHS Scotland – will take place at the Hilton Grosvenor in Grosvenor Street on Monday 19 November 2018.

Organised by Optometry Scotland, the roadshow is touring the country between 31 October and 26 November.

Landmark GOS legislation was approved by the Scottish Government in 2006, revolutionising how community eyecare is delivered by making better use of community-based optometry resource and shifting the balance of care away from GPs, A&E, pharmacy, and hospital eye clinics.

The roadshows have been organised in answer to a range of recent developments and changes, to support ophthalmic teams in their understanding of:

  • Community Eyecare Services Review Implementation
  • Amendments to the 2006 GOS Regulations
  • Changes that became applicable to primary and supplementary eye examinations from 1 October
  • Payment Verification Arrangements for 2018/19

The sessions will also focus on raising awareness of current developments at Practitioner Services including the introduction of eOphthalmic and eSchedules. Participants will be guided through relevant changes and given information to help manage the submission of GOS claims more effectively.

Headshot Samantha Watson
Samantha Watson Chair of Optometry Scotland

Samantha Watson, Chair of Optometry Scotland, said: “It’s vital that Edinburgh’s ophthalmic teams are well supported In the effective delivery of GOS, including a strong understanding of fresh amendments to the original 2006 regulations, payment verification arrangements, eOpthalmic, and more.

“In particular, Optometry Scotland is keen to ensure that the revised GOS Statement meets its aim of allowing for greater professional judgement when carrying out eye examinations and delivering a more needs-led, patient-centred approach to GOS.

“Our Edinburgh event will raise awareness and enhance understanding, while also providing bespoke information to individual practices.

“The roadshow is free, but spaces are limited so we recommend registering early to ensure a place, with two CET points available to those attending.”

Attendees are invited to register their interest in the event by clicking here.