Following a market engagement (2026/S 000-065663) published on 13 July 2026, the London Borough of Brent published an Intention to Follow the Most Suitable Provider process on 20/08/2026. 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. Organisation were provided with the full set of requirements of the Child Vision Screening Service, and needed to register on the Council's e-Tendering portal to access the MSP documentation and submit their Expression of Interest response. The deadline for submitting completed Expression of Interest response was 1pm, on Thursday 3rd September 2026. The estimated contract Commencement Date is 22/11/2026.

Local authorities are responsible for commissioning Child Vision screening as part of the healthy child programme and it is recommended by the UK National Screening Committee. Screening for reduced vision in children aged 4 to 5 years is primarily undertaken to detect children with amblyopia, a form of abnormal vision system development. In Brent, approximately six thousand reception children are eligible annually for the vision screening service. The previous provider delivered the service as part of the 0-19 healthy child programme, but following a review of the service it was decided this would be no longer commissioned. The proposed service will re-establish a universal, orthoptic-led vision screening programme across Brent primary schools for all eligible reception children. The service will operate on an opt-out basis to maximise uptake and will include school-based screening, catch-up provision for children who miss their initial appointment, referral into appropriate eye care services where required, and follow-up to ensure children access recommended assessment and treatment. The model places a strong emphasis on equitable access, an orthoptic led service, robust referral pathways, safeguarding, quality assurance and performance monitoring to improve outcomes for Brent children. This notice is an intention to award a contract under the most suitable provider process. Approximate lifetime value of the contract: £397,750 As set out above, this service was not commissioned, but the Council intend to re-establish a universal, orthoptic-led vision screening programme across Brent primary schools for all eligible reception children. This service will be delivered by a new provider. Dates between which the services are intended to be provided: Period of three years with the option to extend the contract on an annual basis for up to a further maximum period of 2 years. Assuming the contract is entered into on 23/11/2026, the contract will end by the initial period on 22/11/2029, and if the optional extension are utilised, the revised contract end date will be 22/11/2031.