Therapists:
Back to TherapistsOrthoptic and Optometry Network
When our customers need to see an orthoptist or optometrist, we offer them a choice from our specialist network. If you'd like to join the network, find out more about the benefits it could bring to your practice and the recognition criteria below:
What we offer you
Bupa recognition can help you build and promote your practice. The benefits include:
- access to a large share of the health insurance market
- raising your profile through your personal page on Finder, our online directory of Bupa recognised healthcare professionals and healthcare services, which is used by our customers, GPs and the public and receives 110,000 visits a week
- access to our Providers Online website and other online resources to make running your private practice simple and straightforward
Entry criteria
Each therapist in a practice needs to be recognised individually. To become Bupa recognised, orthoptists and optometrists need to:- hold accreditation with the following professional bodies:
- Orthoptists – Health and Care Professions Council (HCPC) and British and Irish Orthoptic Society (BIOS)
- Optometry – General Optical Council (GOC) and the College of Optometrists
- have at least five years’ post qualification experience in full time practice
- have a clean record with the regulatory body. If you’ve previously undergone hearings or investigations we will need further information to process your application (please see the additional information section below which explains what we need to consider your application)
- have current indemnity insurance up to the amount advised by your professional or regulatory body, and attach a copy of your insurance certificate to your application have an enhanced Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS) certificate (UK, Wales and Channel Islands) and have the appropriate child or adult barring list check relevant to the patients to be treated. An AccessNI enhanced certificate or an AccessNI basic if self employed (Northern Ireland), or a Disclosure Scotland enhanced disclosure or Protecting Vulnerable Groups (PVG) (Scotland) record check that was completed within the three years before applying for Bupa recognition
- have an enhanced Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS) certificate (UK, Wales and Channel Islands) and have the appropriate child or adult barring list check relevant to the patients to be treated. An AccessNI enhanced certificate or an AccessNI basic if self-employed (Northern Ireland), or a Disclosure Scotland enhanced disclosure or Protecting Vulnerable Groups (PVG) (Scotland) record check that was completed within the three years before applying for Bupa recognition
- submit all invoices to Bupa online for eligible treatment for our customers, receive payment from Bupa via BACs, and not send invoices to our customers. You’ll also need to supply photographic proof of identity. The proof of identity form (PDF, 0.1MB) explains which documents you can use.
Additional information:
- if you’ve previously undergone investigations or hearings with any of your professional bodies please attach a copy of any correspondence with them about the investigation in step two.
- if you’ve told us about any declarations, convictions or previous suspensions please attach a copy of investigation case notes and a covering letter explaining the circumstances in step two.
Before you apply
You can apply for Bupa recognition online in three simple steps which should take less than an hour, depending on the complexity of your practice.
Before you apply, take a look at our Questions and Answers page where you can find more information about becoming Bupa recognised.
Please review the terms and conditions
If you apply for Bupa recognition, we’ll take it that you agree to the terms and conditions for joining the Bupa Orthoptic or Optometry Network (PDF, 543KB).
Confidentiality Guidelines
We’ll only use the information you submit to us as part of this process for the purposes of this application, and in our ongoing relationship in the event that you become Bupa recognised.
We’ve indicated in the application form which information may be shared with Bupa customers on a Bupa website and through other media.
You have the opportunity to give your permission for this as you complete the application form.
Gather the documents you need
You’ll find it easier to complete your application if you have the following information to hand:
your professional qualifications
name and address of your therapy room(s)
a copy of your enhanced DBS certificate, AccessNI enhanced certificate, Access NI Basic if self employed or Disclosure Scotland enhanced disclosure or Protecting Vulnerable Groups (PVG) record check
a copy of your current indemnity insurance certificate
your photographic proof of identity and completed Proof of Identity form
Apply online
We’ll send you an on screen message to confirm we’ve received your completed application. Once we’ve received your application and supporting documents, we’ll process them. We aim get back to you within five working days, but in busy periods it may take longer.
Your recognition begins on the day you’re added to Bupa’s list of recognised therapists, so please don’t start treating Bupa customers until you’ve received our email confirming that your application is complete. We’re unable to fund any services provided to Bupa patients before that.
