Sight Testing and Dispensing of Spectacles to Children and Young People in Special Educational Settings across the South East

1) The clustered commissioners, NHS Buckinghamshire, Oxfordshire and Berkshire West ICB and NHS Frimley ICB (scheduled to form NHS Thames Valley ICB on 1 April 2026) are seeking to appoint a Prime Provider with the capability and capacity to deliver a continuous, integrated General Ophthalmic Service (GOS) for children and young people with Special Educational Needs and Disabilities (SEND) in designated Special Educational Settings (SES) across the Thames Valley region (Buckinghamshire, Oxfordshire, Berkshire West and Berkshire East). The appointed Provider will be responsible for delivering a high-quality, equitable service that includes: * Securing opt-in parental/carer consent prior to service delivery * Conducting sight tests to high-street equivalent standards using appropriate specialist equipment, delivered by SEND trained specialist teams of eye care professionals * Providing on-site dispensing at SES locations and issuing NHS vouchers for use at high-street opticians * Engaging with school staff and producing comprehensive eye health outcome reports to support improved educational and health outcomes for this vulnerable cohort 2) The contract duration is for an initial period of 60 months (5 years), with services currently anticipated to commence in 2026. The contract includes an option to extend the term for a further 24 months (1 x 24 month extension). 3) The Commissioner will continue the initial engagement of identified SES to secure sign-up for the service. Upon contract award, the Contractor will assume full responsibility for engaging and onboarding remaining eligible SES to ensure equitable service delivery within the Lot. 4) The Commissioner is of the view that the Transfer of Undertakings (Protection of Employment) (TUPE) Regulations 2006 do not apply. However, bidders must undertake their own independent assessment of TUPE applicability. 5) Bidders are required to review the following mandatory documents which form the basis of the contract and contextual guidance: * Service Specification: https://www.england.nhs.uk/wp-content/uploads/2025/03/CYP-SEND-sight-testing-service-specification.pdf * GOS Model Contracts and contract variations: https://www.england.nhs.uk/publication/model-contracts-and-contract-variations-general-ophthalmic-services/ * NHS England Engagement report: https://www.england.nhs.uk/publication/engagement-report-for-sight-testing-and-dispensing-of-spectacles-to-send-cyp-in-a-special-educational-setting-across-england/ 6) Total contract value for this Lot including the optional 2 year extension PS3,297,000

1) NHS Hampshire and Isle of Wight ICB are seeking to appoint a Prime Provider with the capability and capacity to deliver a continuous, integrated General Ophthalmic Service (GOS) for children and young people with Special Educational Needs and Disabilities (SEND) in designated Special Educational Settings (SES) across the Hampshire and Isle of Wight area including North East Hampshire. The appointed Provider will be responsible for delivering a high-quality, equitable service that includes: * Securing opt-in parental/carer consent prior to service delivery * Conducting sight tests to high-street equivalent standards using appropriate specialist equipment, delivered by SEND trained specialist teams of eye care professionals * Providing on-site dispensing at SES locations and issuing NHS vouchers for use at high-street opticians * Engaging with school staff and producing comprehensive eye health outcome reports to support improved educational and health outcomes for this vulnerable cohort 2) The contract duration is for an initial period of 60 months (5 years), with services currently anticipated to commence in 2026. The contract includes an option to extend the term for a further 24 months (1 x 24 month extension). 3) The Commissioner will continue the initial engagement of identified SES to secure sign-up for the service. Upon contract award, the Contractor will assume full responsibility for engaging and onboarding remaining eligible SES to ensure equitable service delivery within the Lot. 4) The Commissioner is of the view that the Transfer of Undertakings (Protection of Employment) (TUPE) Regulations 2006 do not apply. However, bidders must undertake their own independent assessment of TUPE applicability. 5) Bidders are required to review the following mandatory documents which form the basis of the contract and contextual guidance: * Service Specification: https://www.england.nhs.uk/wp-content/uploads/2025/03/CYP-SEND-sight-testing-service-specification.pdf * GOS Model Contracts and contract variations: https://www.england.nhs.uk/publication/model-contracts-and-contract-variations-general-ophthalmic-services/ * NHS England Engagement report: https://www.england.nhs.uk/publication/engagement-report-for-sight-testing-and-dispensing-of-spectacles-to-send-cyp-in-a-special-educational-setting-across-england/ 6) Total contract value for this Lot including the optional 2 year extension PS3,052,000

1) NHS Kent and Medway ICB are seeking to appoint a Prime Provider with the capability and capacity to deliver a continuous, integrated General Ophthalmic Service (GOS) for children and young people with Special Educational Needs and Disabilities (SEND) in designated Special Educational Settings (SES) across the Kent and Medway area. The appointed Provider will be responsible for delivering a high-quality, equitable service that includes: * Securing opt-in parental/carer consent prior to service delivery * Conducting sight tests to high-street equivalent standards using appropriate specialist equipment, delivered by SEND trained specialist teams of eye care professionals * Providing on-site dispensing at SES locations and issuing NHS vouchers for use at high-street opticians * Engaging with school staff and producing comprehensive eye health outcome reports to support improved educational and health outcomes for this vulnerable cohort 2) The contract duration is for an initial period of 60 months (5 years), with services currently anticipated to commence in 2026. The contract includes an option to extend the term for a further 24 months (1 x 24 month extension). 3) The Commissioner will continue the initial engagement of identified SES to secure sign-up for the service. Upon contract award, the Contractor will assume full responsibility for engaging and onboarding remaining eligible SES to ensure equitable service delivery within the Lot. 4) The Commissioner is of the view that the Transfer of Undertakings (Protection of Employment) (TUPE) Regulations 2006 do not apply. However, bidders must undertake their own independent assessment of TUPE applicability. 5) Bidders are required to review the following mandatory documents which form the basis of the contract and contextual guidance: * Service Specification: https://www.england.nhs.uk/wp-content/uploads/2025/03/CYP-SEND-sight-testing-service-specification.pdf * GOS Model Contracts and contract variations: https://www.england.nhs.uk/publication/model-contracts-and-contract-variations-general-ophthalmic-services/ * NHS England Engagement report: https://www.england.nhs.uk/publication/engagement-report-for-sight-testing-and-dispensing-of-spectacles-to-send-cyp-in-a-special-educational-setting-across-england/ 6) Total contract value for this Lot including the optional 2 year extension PS4,571,000

1) NHS Surrey Heartlands ICB (scheduled to form the new NHS Surrey and Sussex ICB on 1 April 2026 along with Sussex ICB) are seeking to appoint a Prime Provider with the capability and capacity to deliver a continuous, integrated General Ophthalmic Service (GOS) for children and young people with Special Educational Needs and Disabilities (SEND) in designated Special Educational Settings (SES) across Surrey, including the Surrey Heath and Farnham areas. The appointed Provider will be responsible for delivering a high-quality, equitable service that includes: * Securing opt-in parental/carer consent prior to service delivery * Conducting sight tests to high-street equivalent standards using appropriate specialist equipment, delivered by SEND trained specialist teams of eye care professionals * Providing on-site dispensing at SES locations and issuing NHS vouchers for use at high-street opticians * Engaging with school staff and producing comprehensive eye health outcome reports to support improved educational and health outcomes for this vulnerable cohort 2) The contract duration is for an initial period of 60 months (5 years), with services currently anticipated to commence in 2026. The contract includes an option to extend the term for a further 24 months (1 x 24 month extension). 3) The Commissioner will continue the initial engagement of identified SES to secure sign-up for the service. Upon contract award, the Contractor will assume full responsibility for engaging and onboarding remaining eligible SES to ensure equitable service delivery within the Lot. 4) The Commissioner is of the view that the Transfer of Undertakings (Protection of Employment) (TUPE) Regulations 2006 do not apply. However, bidders must undertake their own independent assessment of TUPE applicability. 5) Bidders are required to review the following mandatory documents which form the basis of the contract and contextual guidance: * Service Specification: https://www.england.nhs.uk/wp-content/uploads/2025/03/CYP-SEND-sight-testing-service-specification.pdf * GOS Model Contracts and contract variations: https://www.england.nhs.uk/publication/model-contracts-and-contract-variations-general-ophthalmic-services/ * NHS England Engagement report: https://www.england.nhs.uk/publication/engagement-report-for-sight-testing-and-dispensing-of-spectacles-to-send-cyp-in-a-special-educational-setting-across-england/ 6) Total contract value for this Lot including the optional 2 year extension PS2,275,000

1) NHS Sussex ICB (scheduled to form the new NHS Surrey and Sussex ICB on 1 April 2026 along with Surrey Heartlands ICB) are seeking to appoint a Prime Provider with the capability and capacity to deliver a continuous, integrated General Ophthalmic Service (GOS) for children and young people with Special Educational Needs and Disabilities (SEND) in designated Special Educational Settings (SES) across the Sussex area. The appointed Provider will be responsible for delivering a high-quality, equitable service that includes: * Securing opt-in parental/carer consent prior to service delivery * Conducting sight tests to high-street equivalent standards using appropriate specialist equipment, delivered by SEND trained specialist teams of eye care professionals * Providing on-site dispensing at SES locations and issuing NHS vouchers for use at high-street opticians * Engaging with school staff and producing comprehensive eye health outcome reports to support improved educational and health outcomes for this vulnerable cohort 2) The contract duration is for an initial period of 60 months (5 years), with services currently anticipated to commence in 2026. The contract includes an option to extend the term for a further 24 months (1 x 24 month extension). 3) The Commissioner will continue the initial engagement of identified SES to secure sign-up for the service. Upon contract award, the Contractor will assume full responsibility for engaging and onboarding remaining eligible SES to ensure equitable service delivery within the Lot. 4) The Commissioner is of the view that the Transfer of Undertakings (Protection of Employment) (TUPE) Regulations 2006 do not apply. However, bidders must undertake their own independent assessment of TUPE applicability. 5) Bidders are required to review the following mandatory documents which form the basis of the contract and contextual guidance: * Service Specification: https://www.england.nhs.uk/wp-content/uploads/2025/03/CYP-SEND-sight-testing-service-specification.pdf * GOS Model Contracts and contract variations: https://www.england.nhs.uk/publication/model-contracts-and-contract-variations-general-ophthalmic-services/ * NHS England Engagement report: https://www.england.nhs.uk/publication/engagement-report-for-sight-testing-and-dispensing-of-spectacles-to-send-cyp-in-a-special-educational-setting-across-england/ 6) Total contract value for this Lot including the optional 2 year extension PS2,772,000

This notice is placed as a Prior Information Notice and relates to a virtual pre-procurement market briefing event on 1st October 2025 at 16:30-17:30. NHS Sussex Integrated Care Board (ICB) invites expressions of interest (EOI) from suitably qualified and experienced providers to provide Sight Testing and Dispensing of Spectacles to Children and Young People in Special Educational Settings. If you wish to secure your place at the market briefing event, please click on the link and complete the questionnaire before 12:00 noon on 23rd September 2025: https://forms.office.com/e/Vz0N3Bm7B0 Providers are reminded that all information regarding lots is indicative only and subject to change. Providers should not rely upon these lot descriptions when submitting any future bids, instead referring to the tender documentation released with the relevant tender opportunity. This exercise is being carried out by NHS South, Central and West Commissioning Support Unit (SCW) on behalf of the Commissioner.