SEL Minor Eye Care Services Including Ophthalmology Triage

Description

Contract for ophthalmology triage and optometry services within South East London covering a range of minor eye care conditions and post operative cataracts follow up. This contract will be awarded to an existing provider (Primary Ophthalmic Solutions) following the direct award process C. The approximate life time value of the contract is £14,917,000.00 (3 years with an option to extend for 2 more years. Contract start date: 01 January 2025 Contract end date 31 December 2029 Lot 1: The services include the Minor Eye Care Service (MECS) and the Optometrist Triage Service. These are provided under a Single Provider Contract model, which allows the ICB to use Primary Ophthalmic Solutions Limited to work with all optical practices in the area without having to manage individual contracts. The aim of the Service is to manage as many patients as possible in the primary eye care setting and avoid unnecessary referrals to acute hospital services; thus ensuring patients access timely and appropriate care in their local community. The Optometrist Triage Service ensures that all ophthalmology referrals are triaged and directed to the most appropriate setting, increasing utilisation of the community service (MECS) and reducing demand and pressure on secondary care. The Optometrist Triage Service also offers advice and guidance to GPs to support management of patients in primary care. The MECS provides a timely and effective assessment of the needs of a patient presenting with an eye condition. The assessment is undertaken by an accredited optometrist within suitably equipped premises who will manage the patient appropriately and safely. Patients presenting with minor eye conditions are managed by the MECS. Additional pathways provided by the MECS are: • Optical Coherence Tomography (OCT) • Cataract refinement • Glaucoma refinement • Paediatric Referral Refinement Scheme / Children's Vision Screening • Post-op cataract • Easy eye care pathway • Optometrist Triage Service (OTS) Rationale for awarding contract: Current provider of a well established and embedded SEL wide service, including a number of sub-contractors throughout the system. Service provided to a high standard with no concerns or issues.