OFNC urges all contractors in England to take part in new survey to assess unfunded GOS workload
1 June 2026
OFNC is asking all contractors in England to respond to this confidential survey by close on 22 June 2026.
The aim is to systematically gather evidence about unfunded activity linked to GOS delivery and related work in addition to other cost pressures which can be discussed with ministers and senior officials as part of the current year’s fees round, before the summer break.
No submitted material will be shared other than in an aggregate and non-identifiable statistical format.
OFNC Chair Dr Peter Hampson said: “We are calling on all contractors in England to help us explain to ministers and senior officials how much unfunded NHS work we do within and around the sight test on a ‘good will’ basis, work that arguably keeps the whole NHS eye care pyramid functioning.
This is important because GOS contract holders are regularly telling us privately that continued below inflation increases to GOS fees and grants is seriously threatening their ability to continue offering what they currently do pro bono and that additional unfunded work can no longer be taken for granted.
If goodwill is withdrawn over whatever timescales because of the financial pressures on practices, this will unfortunately result in significant pressure on GPs and hospital colleagues and set back delivery of the NHS 10-Year Health Plan eye care aims.”
It is important that contractors complete this survey by 22 June 2026.
This will provide OFNC with the best possible evidence to represent the profession.
If you are a contractor and would like to discuss this further, including goodwill and sight testing regulations, please contact your membership body directly.
- ABDO policy@abdo.org.uk
- AOP policy@aop.org.uk
- FODO policy@fodo.com
Note for Editors
The Optometric Fees Negotiating Committee (OFNC) is the national negotiating body for eye care in England with the Westminster Parliament, the Department of Health and Social Care and NHS England. It comprises the leaders of the UK representative bodies: ABDO, AOP, FODO and BMA (for OMPs) and works in partnerships with the College of Optometrists and the General Optical Council.