NHS eye examinations are provided to patients in Scotland under General Ophthalmic Services (GOS) arrangements. Under section 26 of the National Health Service (Scotland) Act 1978, as amended, each Health Board in Scotland has a duty to make arrangements with specified individuals (optometrists and ophthalmic medical practitioners) and body corporates regarding GOS provision in the relevant Health Board's area.
The main legislation for GOS in Scotland is the National Health Service (General Ophthalmic Services) (Scotland) Regulations 2006, as amended.
Under GOS in Scotland, there are two types of eye examinations: primary eye examinations and supplementary eye examinations. Further guidance is also available on the first port of call responsibility that community optometrists have under GOS.
Frequently Asked Questions - Changes made to GOS on 1 August 2025 and 19 January 2026
A 'Frequently Asked Questions' document has been produced to support practitioners following the changes made to GOS in Scotland on 1 August 2025 and 19 January 2026 that were communicated in circulars PCA(O)2025(04), PCA(O)2025(08) and PCA(O)2026(01) respectively.
Clinical conditions guidance - GOS payment claim form
A guidance document has also been produced to support practitioners in completing the 'Clinical Conditions' options on the GOS payment claim form.