Spring Newsletter 2026
Posted on 20 March 2026
Spring is finally here — which means longer days, slightly warmer weather, and the annual ritual of discovering that the thing you meant to sort out six months ago still hasn’t been done.
For many practices, that might be upgrading ageing PCs before Windows 10 support disappears completely, reviewing software features you’re not fully using, or preparing for upcoming regulatory changes like Making Tax Digital.
In this newsletter we’ve highlighted a few useful reminders, some recent software improvements, and a couple of tools that could make life easier in your practice over the coming months.
100% Optical 2026
It was great to see so many familiar faces at 100% Optical earlier this year.
The show is always a great opportunity for us to catch up with existing users, discuss ideas, and demonstrate some of the latest developments within Optisoft.
If you spoke with us at the show and would like to follow up on anything we discussed, please feel free to get in touch.
Windows 10 End of Life – Time to Plan Your Upgrade
Microsoft officially ended support for Windows 10 on 14 October 2025.
Devices can still receive security updates until October 2026 if they are enrolled in Microsoft’s Extended Security Updates (ESU) programme. However, this only provides security patches and does not include full support, new features or long-term compatibility guarantees.
For practices handling sensitive patient information, relying on unsupported operating systems can create several potential risks:
• GDPR & NHS Compliance issues
• Increased exposure to security vulnerabilities
• Possible compliance or insurance concerns
• Reduced compatibility with newer software and hardware
Another factor to consider is that many older PCs do not meet the hardware requirements needed to upgrade to Windows 11, meaning replacement systems may be required over the next 12–18 months.
To make this as easy as possible, our support desk can quickly check your existing PCs and confirm whether they are suitable for upgrading to Windows 11 or whether replacement systems may be required.
If new hardware is required, we can also recommend suitable replacement PCs and supply Windows-11-ready business systems pre-configured for Optisoft.NET. Both new & refurbished PCs at a reduced cost are available from Optisoft.
Simply contact the support desk and we will be happy to check your systems for you.
Making Tax Digital – What Practices Need to Know
The UK government continues to expand Making Tax Digital (MTD).
The next phase — Making Tax Digital for Income Tax — will be introduced in stages:
From April 2026 – income over £50,000
From April 2027 – income over £30,000
This will affect many independent optometry practices operating as sole traders or partnerships.
The new system will require:
• Digital record keeping
• Regular submissions to HMRC
• Compatible accounting software
Optisoft.NET already includes digital links to Sage and Xero accounting software within the Cash module, at no additional cost.
This allows financial data to be transferred directly to your accounting software, reducing manual entry, cutting accountancy costs and helping streamline your accounting workflow.
Optisoft is not accounting software, so we recommend speaking with your accountant about your specific obligations.
If you would like more information about the Sage or Xero integrations within Optisoft, please let us know.
New Module – Direct Debits for Practice Payment Plans
We are pleased to introduce our Direct Debits module, designed to help practices manage recurring payments and patient payment plans more efficiently.
The module integrates directly with GoCardless™.
Practices can either:
• Connect an existing GoCardless account
• Or create a new GoCardless account during setup
Once configured, the module allows practices to:
• Collect payments automatically each month
• Manage practice membership plans
• Spread the cost of spectacles or treatments
• Reduce administrative workload
This can help improve cash flow while giving patients a convenient way to pay.
If you would like more information about the Direct Debits module, please contact us.
Key Software Updates – Optisoft.NET
Our latest Optisoft.NET release includes several improvements designed to make everyday tasks quicker and easier.
Recent updates include:
Email & SMS
Spell checker added to SMS editor screens.
Clinical Records
The date of the active visit is now displayed at the top of the screen.
Spectacles
Red visual indicator when a selected frame item is out of stock.
Direct Debits
Wizard to import existing GoCardless schedules.
Stock
Ability to mass import stock levels from an external file.
Appointments
Audiology appointment images added.
Templates
Staff member merge codes now available.
We have also included a number of fixes and performance improvements across Online Booking, reporting, templates, email attachments and stock management.
You can read all the improvements and bug fixes in the Release Notes.
Simple Ways to Increase Patient Bookings
Many practices already have powerful tools within Optisoft that can help increase bookings and improve patient engagement.
Here are a few simple ideas that can make a real difference.
Online Appointments
Allow patients to book appointments 24 hours a day via your website.
SMS Recalls
SMS reminders provide a quick and effective way to encourage patients to arrange their next eye examination.
Email & SMS Campaigns
Targeted emails & text messages can promote services, seasonal reminders and special offers.
Contact Lens Reminders
Automated reminders help ensure contact lens patients reorder on time.
If you would like help activating or using any of these features, our team would be happy to assist.
Still Using Optisoft Enterprise?
If you are currently using Optisoft Enterprise, now may be a good time to consider upgrading to Optisoft.NET.
Optisoft.NET is where all ongoing development and new features are focused, and it includes a number of improvements over the original Enterprise platform, including:
• A modern interface
• Improved reporting and workflows
• Integrated eGOS
• SMS Recalls
• Continued development and new functionality
To make the transition easier, Enterprise users can upgrade and pay the same monthly DD amount for the first 12 months.
If you would like to discuss upgrading, please get in touch.
Would You Like Us to Review Your Setup?
Many practices have features within Optisoft that they may not be using fully.
If you would like us to review your current setup, we would be happy to arrange a short online session to:
• Review the modules you are using
• Suggest ways to improve workflows
• Highlight useful features you may not be using
There is no obligation — it’s simply an opportunity to help you get the most from your system.
New features on the horizon
Direct Debits Module – Phase 2 is now underway to provide links to the Cash module and product fulfilment.
Loyalty Lab Integration – Providing users access to the benefits of using the Loyalty Lab programe.
Community Hub
If you haven’t already, make sure you register on the Community Hub for all the free resources only available to Optisoft users.
eLearning videos, wikipedias, user forum & consumable shop are all available.
Still not registered? Sign up now.
As always, if you have any queries, please don’t hesitate to get in touch:
Sales: 0333 002 0495 | Support: 0345 230 3450 | Email: info@optisoft.co.uk
