The National Health Service (Primary Ophthalmic Services and Optical Payments) (Miscellaneous Amendments) Regulations 2014

• Citation: S.I. 2014/418
• Sections: 5

Section 1 Citation, commencement and interpretation

(1) These Regulations may be cited as the National Health Service (Primary Ophthalmic Services and Optical Payments) (Miscellaneous Amendments) Regulations 2014 and come into force on 1st April 2014.

(2) In these Regulations, “the 2013 Regulations ” means the National Health Service (Optical Charges and Payments) Regulations 2013 .

Section 2 Amendments to the Primary Ophthalmic Services Regulations 2008

In regulation 3 of the Primary Ophthalmic Services Regulations 2008 (sight tests – eligibility), in paragraph (3)(a), for “the Secretary of State”, at both places, substitute “the Board”.

Section 3 Amendment to the General Ophthalmic Services Contracts Regulation 2008

In regulation 16 of the General Ophthalmic Services Contracts Regulations 2008 (fees, charges and financial interests of the contractor)—

(a) in paragraph (6), after “Any such claim”, insert “may be submitted electronically or on paper and”; and

(b) for paragraph (7), substitute—

(7) A signatory or counter-signatory is to sign any electronic claim or paper claim in digital ink or in ink with his initials or forename and with his surname in his own handwriting and not by means of a stamp or reproduced image.

Section 4 Uprating of the value of the vouchers provided under the 2013 Regulations

(1) The 2013 Regulations are amended as follows.

(2) In regulation 20 (redemption value of voucher for replacement or repair)—

(a) in paragraph (1)(b), for “£54.70” substitute “£55.80”; and

(b) in paragraph (3), for “£14.10” substitute “£14.40”.

(3) In Schedule 1 (voucher letter codes and face values – supply and replacement), in column (3) of the table (face value of voucher), for each amount specified in column (1) of the table below substitute the new amount specified in relation to it in column (2) of the table below—

(1) Old amount

(2) New amount

(4) In Schedule 2 (prisms, tints, photochromic lenses, small and special glasses and complex appliances)—

(a) in paragraph 1(1)(a), for “£12.20” substitute “£12.40”;

(b) in paragraph 1(1)(b), for “£14.70” substitute “£15.00”;

(c) in paragraph 1(1)(c), for “£4.10” substitute “£4.20”;

(d) in paragraph 1(1)(d), for “£4.60” substitute “£4.70”;

(e) in paragraph 1(1)(e), for “£61.80”, “£54.75” and “£29.60” substitute “£63.00”, “£55.80” and “£30.20” respectively;

(f) in paragraph 1(1)(f)—

(i) in sub-paragraph (i), for “£61.80” substitute “£63.00”,

(ii) in sub-paragraph (ii), for £54.75” substitute “£55.80”, and

(iii) in sub-paragraph (iii), for “£29.60” substitute “£30.20”;

(g) in paragraph 2(a), for “£14.10” substitute “£14.40”; and

(h) in paragraph 2(b), for “£35.90” substitute “£36.60”.

(5) In Schedule 3 (voucher values – repair), for the table substitute the following table—

(1) Nature of repair

(2) Letter of codes – values

Section 5 Transitional provision relating to the uprating of the value of the vouchers provided under the 2013 Regulations

Where a voucher is accepted, presented or used pursuant to regulation 12 (use of vouchers for supply of optical appliances), regulation 18 (use of vouchers for replacement or repair) or regulation 20 (redemption value of vouchers for replacement or repair) of the 2013 Regulations before 1st April 2014, Schedules 1, 2 and 3 of the 2013 Regulations have effect in relation to that acceptance, presentation or use as if regulation 4 had not come into force.