Brent Child Vision Screening Service Market Engagement (Provider Selection Regime)
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.