There are many GOS forms in existence, which the optical assistant (OA) may come into contact with. In this article, we will look at some of these forms, which apply to England and Wales. There are some minor differences between the forms used in Scotland and Northern Ireland.
To begin, the GOS 1 is the form that will have to be completed if a patient is entitled to a GOS-funded eye examination. The OA is usually the person a patient will approach to ask if they are entitled to an NHS eye examination, and so it is important the OA is aware of the following entitled groups:
• Patients aged 60 and over
• Patients under 16
• Patients under 19 and in full-time education
• Patients diagnosed with diabetes or with glaucoma, including patients who have been advised by an ophthalmologist that they are at risk of glaucoma
• Patients who are aged 40 or over with a close family relative who has glaucoma (a parent, brother, sister or a child of a diagnosed patient)
• Patients registered severely sight impaired, or sight impaired
• Those who need complex lenses (powers over 10.00D or prism-controlled bifocals)
• Patients on an income-based benefit, such as universal credit
• Those named on a valid HC2 certificate
• A prisoner on leave from prison
GOS 2 is the NHS copy of the patient’s prescription, and this should be given to all patients following completing of the NHS test.
GOS 3 is the NHS voucher towards the cost of spectacles or contact lenses. Not all patients entitled to a GOS1 are entitled to a GOS3, and the patients who are eligible for a voucher include under 16s, patients on an income-based benefit, those in receipt of pension credit guarantee credit, prisoners on leave from prison, and those named on an HC2 certificate. Partial help may be available if named on an HC3 certificate.
GOS 4 is the form for help towards the cost to repair or replace spectacles. This is available to under 16s, and so it is important to note that a patient over 16 and under 19 may have been entitled to a GOS3, but not a GOS4, although anyone eligible for a GOS3 and not due an eye examination may apply to the local health authority for a GOS4, and this may be awarded in certain circumstances.
GOS 5 is for help towards the cost of a private eye examination. If a patient has paid for a private eye exam, then completes an HC1 form which results in help towards NHS costs, a GOS 5 can be completed to claim back the NHS eye examination fee.
GOS 6 This form allows for the application of a mobile GOS funded eye examination and this is completed when a domiciliary visit is carried out for patients who are entitled to an NHS eye examination.
HC1 is a form the patient can complete to see if they are eligible for help towards NHS costs.
HC2 is the form that will be returned to the patient after they have applied for an HC1, with the assessment that they are entitled to help for NHS costs.
HC3 is the form that will be returned to the patient after they have applied for an HC1, with the assessment that they may be entitled to partial help towards NHS costs. It may be that the assessment means that the NHS costs are lower than the entitlement towards help, which means the patient will not receive any help towards the costs.
Note that paper forms will cease to be in use from January 2024 and information on the eGOS system can be found here.
In next month’s article, we will look at the interval allowed between NHS funded eye examinations, including exceptions, in the UK.
Sue Deal FBDO R is a practising dispensing optician, ABDO College examiner, senior tutor and supervisor for dispensing opticians. She is also a practice visitor and external moderator for ABDO. She was recently awarded the ABDO Medal of Excellence for her outstanding services to the profession.