Summer Newsletter
Posted on 29 June 2026
Summer has arrived and, if experience tells us anything, many practices will soon be seeing a steady stream of patients who are heading on holiday tomorrow and have only just noticed their glasses are scratched, bent or mysteriously missing.
Whilst you’ve been busy helping them out, we’ve been busy developing new features, improving existing ones and exploring new technologies designed to make life a little easier for independent opticians.
In this edition we’ll cover Microsoft’s Windows 10 deadline, our new Direct Debits module, developments in electronic referrals, an update on Scottish eGOS and a first look at the future of Optisoft.
Windows 10 Support Ends This October
Is Your Practice Ready?
Microsoft will officially end support for Windows 10 on 14th October 2026 following the final 12-month extension period.
After this date, Windows 10 devices will no longer receive security updates, bug fixes or technical support. Whilst your computers won’t suddenly stop working, continuing to use an unsupported operating system can increase security risks and potentially create compliance concerns for your practice.
Many PCs can be upgraded to Windows 11 free of charge, whilst older machines may need replacing altogether. We recommend reviewing your systems during the summer and planning any upgrades well before the October deadline.
If you’re unsure whether your computers are compatible with Windows 11, our Support Team will be happy to advise.
Optisoft Direct Debits
Spend Less Time Chasing Payments
Managing recurring payments can often involve unnecessary administration, manual processing and the occasional awkward conversation when a payment is missed.
Our new Direct Debits module, powered by GoCardless and fully integrated within Optisoft, provides a simple and reliable way to automate payment collection directly from within your practice management system.
Whether you’re operating an Eyecare Plan, Contact Lens Scheme or another recurring payment arrangement, Direct Debits can help improve cash flow whilst reducing the time spent managing payments manually.
Add Direct Debits to your existing system and try it FREE for 6 months with no commitment. We’ll set everything up for you and provide some online training too.
Request Direct Debits – FREE for 6 months
Scottish eGOS Update
Continuing Progress
We’re pleased to confirm that Scottish GOS1 electronic submissions have been available and working within Optisoft for a while now.
Development work on the remaining Scottish eGOS forms is also complete and we are currently awaiting NHS Scotland test slots before final certification and release can take place.
We know many Scottish practices have been eagerly awaiting further progress and we’d like to thank users for their patience whilst the final stages of testing are completed.
We’ll continue to keep Scottish users updated as soon as further information becomes available.
Electronic Referrals Just Got Smarter
EeRS & ReferAI
Optisoft already integrates with the NHS Electronic Eyecare Referral System (EeRS), allowing patient demographic information to be transferred directly into NHS referral portals across England and Wales whilst reducing duplicate data entry.
Building on this foundation, we’re pleased to announce the upcoming integration of ReferAI from Optimed, which will be available in the next Optisoft release.
ReferAI uses artificial intelligence to analyse information already recorded within the patient’s clinical record and generate a professionally structured referral letter draft within seconds.
Clinicians remain fully in control, with the ability to review and amend the referral before submission, helping reduce administration whilst maintaining full clinical oversight.
The integration will be available in the next Optisoft.NET release.
Online Appointments Continue To Grow
Let Patients Book While You Sleep
More practices than ever are now using Optisoft Online Appointments, with usage continuing to grow as patients increasingly expect the convenience of booking online.
Patients can book appointments directly through your website 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, whilst remaining fully integrated with your Optisoft diary.
Many practices now receive a significant proportion of their bookings outside normal opening hours, helping reduce pressure on reception teams whilst improving convenience for patients.
If you’re not already using Online Appointments, try the live demo below.
Like what you see? let us set up Online Appointments for your practice matching your website design and try it FREE for 6 months with no commitment.
Request Online Appointments – FREE for 6 months
Heading to Independents Day?
Come and Say Hello
If you’re attending Independents Day 2026, be sure to stop by and say hello.
Des will be on hand throughout the event to demonstrate the latest developments in Optisoft, discuss upcoming features and answer any questions you may have.
We look forward to seeing both familiar faces and first-time visitors at what continues to be one of the most valuable events in the independent optical calendar.
📍 National Motorcycle Museum, Birmingham | 🗓 5th-6th July 2026
Performance Improvements Across Optisoft.NET
Faster, Smoother And More Reliable
Whilst new features often attract the headlines, a significant amount of development time is spent improving performance, stability and usability throughout the system.
Recent updates have delivered improvements across multiple areas of Optisoft, including dispensing performance, supplier maintenance, OptiPost (DocMail) integration and overall system responsiveness.
We’ve also addressed a number of user-reported issues across Patients, Clinical Records, Stock, Email and Templates to ensure Optisoft remains fast, stable and reliable for busy practices.
Many of these improvements happen behind the scenes, but together they help deliver a better day-to-day experience for all users.
Making Tax Digital Reminder
Preparing For The Changes
Making Tax Digital requirements are now being introduced for self-employed individuals and landlords with qualifying income over £50,000.
For practices using the Optisoft Cash module, integration with both Sage and Xero is included at no additional cost, helping simplify bookkeeping and support digital accounting requirements.
If you’re unsure how Making Tax Digital may affect your business, we recommend speaking with your accountant or tax adviser.
Introducing Optisoft.WEB
A Glimpse Into The Future
Development continues across all areas of Optisoft as we focus on delivering practical solutions that help independent practices save time, reduce administration and improve efficiency.
One of our most exciting projects is Optisoft.WEB, a next-generation web-based platform being developed to work alongside Optisoft.NET and expand how users can access and interact with the system.
Development is still at an early stage, but we’re already exploring new ways for users to personalise their workspace and work seamlessly across a wider range of devices.
Since 1989, Optisoft has evolved alongside the independent optical sector. More than 35 years later, we’re continuing to invest in innovation, new technologies and the next generation of Optisoft.
