24-04-2008 Back to news index
New regulations issued from the Department of Health see an end to the ‘grandfathering’ arrangement.
Previously ‘Grandfathering’ was set up as an arrangement where any practice owned by a person who is not registered with the GOC must work through a ‘grandfather’ – someone who is registered and is listed through the PCT as a contractor. Owners of businesses which currently operate under a 'grandfathering' agreement will no longer need to do so.
This change in regulations will significantly benefit Dispensing Opticians who own or plan to acquire an ophthalmic business as they will now be able to deal directly with the PCT’s to offer NHS eye tests.
The new arrangements are due to come into force on 1st July 2008.