Child Vision Screening Service (Provider Selection Regime) (Most Suitable Provider Process)

Description

Following a market engagement (2026/S 000-065663) published on 13 July 2026, the London Borough of Brent are publishing an Intention to Follow the most suitable provider process. The awarding of this contract is subject to the Health Care Services (Provider Selection Regime) Regulations 2023. Brent Council intends to commission a comprehensive Child Vision Screening Service for reception-aged children (4–5 years) attending mainstream across the London Borough of Brent. The service aligns with UK National Screening Committee recommendations for vision screening in children. The contract will be for an initial period of 3 years with the option to extend for a further 2 years at the discretion of the Council and subject to satisfactory financial and contractual performance. If you believe your organisation can provide the full set of requirements of the Child Vision Screening Service, please register on the e-Tendering portal using the link above to access the MSP documentation and submit your Expression of Interest response. The deadline for submitting completed Expression of Interest response is 1pm, on Thursday 3rd September 2026. It is anticipated that provider assessments will be completed between 9th September and 23rd September 2026. The contract Commencement Date will be confirmed with the awarded supplier but it is expected to be within the school year. Lot 1: The primary aim of the service is to identify children with reduced vision, including amblyopia, refractive error and other visual abnormalities. Early identification significantly improves visual outcomes and reduces the risk of permanent visual impairment. The provider will be responsible for: • Delivering an orthoptist-led vision screening programme in Brent primary schools for reception aged children. • Identifying and inviting all eligible children, including those who move into the borough during the academic year. • Providing information to parents and carers to support informed decision-making. • Delivering screening using crowded logMAR and Kay Picture Test and related equipment. • Deliver catch-up screening within six months for children absent during the initial screening session. • Communicating outcomes to parents, carers and schools via email and physical letter available in different languages to improve access. • Maintaining accurate electronic screening records and performance data. • Managing robust referral pathways into community orthoptic, accredited optometry and hospital ophthalmology services where further assessment or treatment is required. • Clear follow up system to ensure children with an onward referral are seen by the appropriate health professional. • Working collaboratively with schools, GPs, community services and hospital eye services to ensure seamless patient pathways. • The successful provider will be expected to deliver the service in accordance with national guidance including National Screening committee guidance and British Irish Orthoptic Society. The Council wishes to engage with organisations that have demonstrable experience in delivering population-based public health screening services, and the service must be orthoptic led. The provider will be expected to: • Deliver an equitable service across all eligible schools in Brent. • Demonstrate compliance with safeguarding, clinical governance, information governance and quality assurance requirements. • Provide qualified orthoptists to lead the service and ensure orthoptic assistants delivering the service maintain relevant competencies and continuing professional development. • Supply, maintain and calibrate all necessary screening equipment including Keeler and Kay logging systems. • Operate effective data collection, reporting and performance monitoring systems. • Attend quarterly contract monitoring meetings and submit regular KPI reports ahead of quarterly meetings. • Maintain effective risk management processes and participate in audits and quality assurance reviews. • Ensure clear communication with schools, parents, commissioners and partner organisations. • Manage a robust follow-up system to ensure referred children are seen by the appropriate health professional. • Demonstrate the ability to meet equality duties, reduce health inequalities and provide accessible information for families whose first language is not English or who have additional communication needs.