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 5: Next steps and implementation
Recommendations / preferred options
Subject to the SSI completing its Parliamentary passage and its provisions coming into effect on 1 January 2026, Scottish Ministers plan to issue a revised Statement to fully implement GOS-SS on 19 January 2026.
Implementation considerations / plan
The Scottish Government will work with key stakeholders including NSS and Health Boards to support the rollout of GOS-SS.
Guidance will be shared in advance to the community optometry sector in order that they understand the requirements of the new service prior to making a decision on whether they wish to apply to the relevant Health Board to enter into arrangements for GOS-SS provision. Relevant guidance will also be provided to Health Boards to support them in determining whether to enter into such arrangements.
No international notification requirements apply. Enforcement of GOS-SS will commence on 19 January 2026.
Post implementation review
Once GOS-SS is fully implemented, Scottish Government officials will monitor its effectiveness by analysing data from a range of sources, including data captured from payment claims submitted to NSS by practices providing GOS-SS and HES waiting times data. Officials will also gather qualitative feedback from stakeholders to understand any operational issues or areas for improvement.
This approach ensures that the policy remains responsive and evidence-based, with a clear commitment to improving eye care services whilst maintaining transparency and accountability throughout the process.
The Scottish Government intends to review the impact of these changes with reference to both the community optometry sector and HES departments.
Declaration
I have read the Business and Regulatory Impact Assessment and I am satisfied that it represents a fair and reasonable view of the expected costs, benefits and impact of the policy, and that these have been taken into account when making the policy decision. I am satisfied that the business impact has been assessed with the support of businesses in Scotland.
I am also satisfied that officials have considered the impact on consumers as required by the Consumer Scotland Act 2020 in completion of the Consumer Duty section of this BRIA.
Signed: Jenni Minto, Minister for Public Health and Women’s Health
Date: 04/11/2025
Minister's name: Jenni Minto MSP
Minister's title: Minister for Public Health and Women’s Health
Scottish Government contact point: eyecare@gov.scot
Contact
Email: eyecare@gov.scot