OFNC Update to Contractors and LOCs

7 August 2026

Dear Contractors and LOCs

I am writing on behalf of OFNC to update you on national developments concerning GOS funding, eRS implementation and related negotiations.

Contractor Survey

First, thank you for the information provided for the OFNC contractor survey in June. The very high response rate demonstrates the level of pressure across the system and the strength of contractors’ concerns about the additional unfunded work they undertake for the benefit of the NHS.

The detailed survey results have been shared confidentially with ministers, the DHSC and the Task and Finish Group and we will publish the analysis in full once this year’s negotiations have concluded. Thank you again for your overwhelming support and for taking the time to respond.

Task and Finish Group

The Task and Finish Group on Optometry Workload and Referral Reform was set up by Minister Kinnock following our meeting with him on 14 May.  In addition to the DHSC and NHS England officials and OFNC, the group includes the National Clinical Director for Ophthalmology, the College of Optometrists and two ICB commissioners.

The Group first met on 29 June to agree its terms of reference, followed by a meeting on 13 July to consider the OFNC report based on the contractor survey. We have since submitted further information, drawn from the contractor survey data, to clarify points raised at the second meeting.

CPD Claims and Window

We issued an update on 17 July regarding CPD payments in respect of 2025/26. To recap, the claims window will open for 12 weeks once wider negotiations have concluded. A further update will be issued when the window opens, but for now no action is required.

Change of Minister  

Minister Kinnock was appointed Secretary of State for Wales on 20 July.  The precise allocation of portfolios amongst the new ministerial team at the DHSC is not yet known.  As soon as responsibilities are confirmed, OFNC will write to the appropriate minister about GOS fees, eRS funding and the work already underway. In the meantime, senior officials have reassured OFNC that the Task and Finish Group’s work will continue as planned.

eRS

Our understanding is that the NHS England central team has currently paused regional visits to promote eRS implementation until the national work is completed.  However, some regional teams and ICBs are continuing to arrange meetings with LOCs following the DHSC announcement on 8 June.

OFNC and LOCSU members are available to support LOCs at these meetings if that would be helpful. Please contact OFNC or LOCSU using the details below.

OFNC: OFNC@fodo.com

LOCSU: info@locsu.co.uk

PMS Providers

OFNC has also met with the sector PMS providers.  Following the financial losses they incurred as a result of the previous eERS initiative, they share contractors’ concerns about eRS, including the implementation timetable and funding.

Next Steps

We are awaiting further feedback from the DHSC on the Task and Finish Group’s work. We will then engage with the responsible minister and officials on GOS fees, eRS funding and the next stage of national work.

We will keep you all updated.

Dr Peter Hampson

Chair OFNC