27 March 2025

OFNC statement: GOS voucher values in England to be frozen for 2025/26

Each year the Department of Health and Social Care (DHSC) independently sets optical voucher values, dental charges and prescription charges for the coming year. DHSC has confirmed that Ministers have decided to freeze all NHS optical voucher values for 2025/26.

OFNC Chair Paul Carroll said: "This is a further squeeze on primary eye care, this time on patients. Contractors will continue to do all they can to support patients but it is a false economy which will impact most on children and vulnerable adults and lead over time to more NHS repairs and replacements."

Note for Editors
NHS optical vouchers (like other patient benefits/changes) are set by the government without consultation with the sector.

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.