Special Educational Setting (SES) Sight Test Service for Children and Young People

Description

This Corrigendum Notice is published to correct an inaccuracy in terminology used in the Intention to Award Notice published on 27 January 2026 in relation to NHS Mid and South Essex Integrated Care Board's intention to award an Integrator contract to deliver the Special Educational Setting (SES) Sight Test Service for children and young people through local accredited optometry practices, following a Most Suitable Provider (MSP) process under the Health Care Services (Provider Selection Regime) Regulations 2023. Lot 1: This notice is an intention to award a contract under the most suitable provider process in accordance with the Provider Selection Regime 2023 (PSR). The contract will be a block contract commencing 10 February 2026 - 9 February 2028. This is a new service, and a new provider of such service in Mid and South Essex. Scope and Responsibilities The Integrator will: • Validate pupil numbers and financial assumptions during mobilisation. • Establish IT systems and reporting mechanisms. • Engage schools to promote service uptake. • Recruit and train subcontractors (optometrists). • Ensure delivery of annual sight tests for pupils in special education schools across Essex. Contractual Framework • The Integrator contract will use the Standard NHS Contract (short form), covering all performance and risk requirements. • Subcontractor agreements will be governed by the General Ophthalmic Services (GOS) Contract, per the national model. • Delivered under a block funding model, capped at NHS England allocation. Activity above the cap is at the Integrator's risk; underspend will be reinvested into service improvement. • Provisions allow permitted modifications under Regulations and NHS Standard Contract change control. Known future modification: geographic expansion beyond Mid and South Essex to the wider Essex ICB footprint. Estimated Value The estimated lifetime value (including known modifications) of the contract is £570,000. The Authority only considered organisations that: • Met basic selection criteria (Reg 19). • Are not excluded or excludable (Reg 20). • Demonstrated capability across the five key criteria (Reg 5). Basic Selection Criteria Providers needed to: • Have a General Optical Council (GOC)-registered optometrist in senior leadership. • Hold an existing local contract for ease of mobilisation. • Demonstrate a proven track record in: o Partnerships with local accredited optometry practices. o Collaboration with independent and national opticians. o Working with the Local Optical Committee (LOC). o Commissioning and managing NHS eye care services, including subcontracting. • Ensure compliance with specification and contract terms across subcontractors, operating within the fixed tariff of at least £85 per sight test. • Show strong experience of and understanding of the GOS contract and governance. Key Criteria Assessment Providers needed to demonstrate capability across five areas: 1. Quality and Innovation (20%) o Experience delivering large-scale community eye care. o Proven model integrating independent and multiple practices with robust assurance. o Innovative digital platforms for referral and coordination. o Integration with hospital ophthalmology services. o Delivery of enhanced services (e.g., MECS, post-cataract care, glaucoma monitoring). 2. Value (20%) o Financial model reinvesting into NHS eye care. o Leveraging local infrastructure to minimise costs. o Centralised contracting and IT systems for efficiency. o Evidence of cost savings through reduced hospital reliance. 3. Integration, Collaboration, Sustainability (20%) o Strong relationships with local services and LOC. o Governance structures to sustain delivery across diverse networks. 4. Access and Health Inequalities (20%) o Accessible care close to home, including rural areas. o Contracting with independent and multiple practices. o Enhanced services for vulnerable groups. 5. Social Value (20%) o Commitment to reinvestment, workforce development, and local economic resilience. o Funded clinical training for subcontractors. o Subcontracting model supporting local economies and sustainable employment. Additional information: Further details can be found at sections VI.3.