NHS (General Ophthalmic Services) (Scotland) Amendment Regulations 2025: BRIA
This business and regulatory impact assessment (BRIA) outlines the impact of new regulations enabling independent prescribing optometrists and ophthalmic medical practitioners to manage complex anterior eye conditions in the community. The changes aim to reduce hospital pressures, improve patient access, and support sustainable care.
Section 4: Additional implementation considerations
Enforcement / compliance
The legal framework for GOS-SS will be set out in the 2006 Regulations via amendments made by the SSI. In addition, the Statement will set out the arrangements for remuneration under GOS-SS. The Scottish Government will also issue operational guidance through PCA circulars and will make other adjustments as considered appropriate.
The payment mechanism for GOS-SS facilitates a valuable stream of data which can be used to support the review of the service by the Scottish Government and Health Boards.
Practices will be expected to adhere to service delivery standards, with support provided to ensure understanding and implementation. Where non-compliance is identified, a supportive approach will be taken. This will prioritise guidance and improvement over punitive measures, in line with broader public service monitoring principles.
UK, EU and International Regulatory Alignment and Obligations
Internal Market/ Intra-UK Trade
The policy does not affect the internal market or trade within the UK and also has no impact on international trade.
EU Alignment consideration
The policy has no impact on: the Scottish Government’s commitment to maintain and advance the high standards that Scotland shares with the EU; access to EU markets for people, goods, and services; or any implications for EU alignment associated with the United Kingdom Internal Market Act 2020 or Common Framework agreements.
Legal Aid
There are no Legal Aid implications.
Digital impact
The new business forms referred to below will be made available, completed and submitted digitally. Information on which optometry practices are providing GOS-SS will be made available on the NHS Inform website. Patients will be able to be managed both in person and using remote facilities.
Business forms
New forms will be introduced as part of the implementation of GOS-SS, including: service application and withdrawal forms; a form to submit payment claims to NSS; intra-referral forms to be used when a patient is being referred from an optometrist/OMP following a GOS eye examination to an IP optometrist / OMP for management under GOS-SS arrangements.
Relevant stakeholders have been consulted on the content of these forms and the process by which they will be submitted.
Contact
Email: eyecare@gov.scot