General ophthalmic services contracts: introductory
189.Provision for general ophthalmic services contracts is set out in section 28WA.
190.Subsections (1), (2) and (3) allow Primary Care Trusts to enter into contracts under which primary ophthalmic services are provided, specify that these contracts are to be called “general ophthalmic services contracts” and allow general ophthalmic services contracts to make provision in relation to services to be provided, remuneration and any other matters.
191.Subsection (4) specifies that services provided under a general ophthalmic services contract may include services which are not primary ophthalmic services and services provided outside of a Primary Care Trust’s own area. This provision allows for Primary Care Trusts working in partnership with other Primary Care Trusts to provide a service.
192.Subsection (5) defines “contractor” in relation to a general ophthalmic services contract as any person who enters into a general ophthalmic services contract with the Primary Care Trust. A “contractor” can be either an individual or a corporate body.