The content on this page relates to that set out in circular PCA(O)2026(03), which advises of time-limited grant funding being made available by the Scottish Government to support community optometry practices in possessing a portable slit lamp for use in the provision of General Ophthalmic Services in domiciliary settings (i.e. the place where a patient normally resides). This grant is being paid under section 1A of the National Health Service (Scotland) Act 1978.
Applicants should ensure they have fully read and understood the content of circular PCA(O)2026(03) before proceeding to submit any grant claim to NHS National Services Scotland (NSS) - in particular:
- the qualifying criteria set out in paragraph 16 of the circular, and
- the claim submission process set out in paragraphs 18-19 of the circular.
As set out in qualifying criteria B under paragraph 16 of the circular, the portable slit lamp in respect of which a grant claim is made must have been BOTH ordered between 1 April 2025 to 31 March 2026 inclusive AND the practice must be in possession of the equipment by 31 March 2026 at the latest. No claims will be accepted where the practice takes possession of the equipment after 31 March 2026. Practices placing a new portable slit lamp order on the basis of this circular are therefore doing so at their own financial risk, and are strongly advised to check with the supplier first regarding order fulfilment and delivery times prior to placing an order.
Please ensure you use the correct claim form, depending on the practice type - if in any doubt about which one to use, check with the practice owner in the first instance and if still in doubt please email the Scottish Government at eyecare@gov.scot.
Claim Forms Links:
* “Practice premises” and “mobile practices” take the meaning as defined under Regulation 2 of the National Health Service (General Ophthalmic Services) (Scotland) Regulations 2006.
Completed claim forms must be emailed to NSS via nss.psdgospslg@nhs.scot along with a relevant receipted invoice(s).