Important LOC and GOS Contractor Update on National Negotiations Concerning GOS and eRS Funding
11 November 2026
Dear Contractors and LOCs,
I am writing on behalf of OFNC, as promised, to keep you up-to-date with the national negotiations concerning GOS and eRS funding.
Meeting with Minister Frith MP
On 14 October we had our first meeting with the new minister for primary eye care, James Frith MP, who has replaced Stephen Kinnock. Although no progress was expected at an introductory meeting, both sides were very open about the challenges we faced, and the survey data contractors provided was extremely helpful in backing up our arguments – thank you all again for your help by responding to the survey.
The Minister offered to meet us again in late November/early December for further discussions when the Task and Finish Group, set up by Minister Kinnock, has reported.
Task and Finish Group
As you know all the information you provided about financial pressures, the unfunded work you are delivering through and around the sight test for the benefit of patients and the NHS and the extra work and costs involved in eRS (snapshot here) has been fed directly into the work of the ministerial Task and Finish Group set up to examine these issues. The Group has had several meetings, and its report is near finalisation. The report will go to ministers and will include all the data you have submitted.
Chancellor’s Budget
The new Chancellor’s Budget, which might have affected health spend, was delivered on 28 October. In the event, it was a ‘breathing space’ budget with big decisions about major public services being postponed until the government’s Spending Review next year, so this does not affect our aims or strategy.
eRS
Thank you for supporting the present position on eRS implementation. The NHS England central team has currently paused regional visits to promote eRS until the national work is completed.
However, we understand that some regional teams and ICBs are continuing to arrange meetings with LOCs to press them on implementation of various local and commercial models. LOCs and contractors are reminded that any work associated with this is not currently funded within the GOS fee of £24.13 or elsewhere, and that NHS funded eRS training is no substitute for proper funding for eRS implementation, ongoing operations, upgrades or training backfill.
CPD Claims and Window
As we have previously advised (17 July), the 12-week CPD claims window can only be opened once the entirety of GOS negotiations have been concluded as all the elements are related. We know how frustrating this is but do ask colleagues to bear with us while we try to work our way through what are complex and delicate negotiations.
Regional Optical Conferences
Meanwhile members of OFNC are attending all the LOCSU regional optical conferences (ROCs) currently taking place, to update LOCs face-to-face and to seek views and input into the current sector negotiations and strategy.
Anyone in the sector can also send in feedback and comments directly to the OFNC members via ofnc@fodo.com.
Next Steps
We remain engaged with DHSC officials and the new Minister and will keep you informed of progress.
Dr Peter Hampson
Chair OFNC