Ophthalmology Services (AQP) - Dudley - 2nd Window

NHS Arden & Greater East Midlands Commissioning Support Unit on behalf of NHS Dudley Clinical Commissioning Group invited suitably qualified providers to tender for an Ophthalmology service. This service has been commissioned using the Any Qualified Provider process/model.

The service consists of three elements:

Minor Eye Conditions Service: To provide assessment, treatment and management of patients presenting with recent onset eye conditions which may include: • Painful eye • Red eye • Flashers/Floaters • Loss or disturbance of vision • Foreign body, including emergency contact lenses removal. Providers are expected to triage patients and for symptoms which require urgent attention, Providers are expected to see the patient within 24 hours of contacting the service. For non-urgent symptoms providers are expected to offer an appointment within two working days.

Cataract Triage/Screening: To provide assessment and management of patients presenting with signs and/or symptoms of cataract in either eye. The Provider is expected to undertake a full cataract assessment including: • Pupil dilation and examination by indirect ophthalmoscopy in order to establish whether there are any co-existing ocular disorders as well as cataract • Discussion of the health questionnaire and any outstanding issues dealt with • Communicating the potential advantages and disadvantages of cataract extraction • Ascertaining the patient's willingness for surgery • Ensuring the patient meets the Procedures of Limited Clinical Policy Criteria • Offer choice and refer on to secondary care where required.

Intraocular Pressure Repeat Readings Scheme: To provide assessment and management of patients who attend the practice for a GOS or private sight test and are found to have IOP>21mmHg. Patients who are found to have elevated IOP on non-contact tonometry testing are expected to have Goldman or Perkins applanation tonometry pressure refinement carried out at the same visit. Depending on the outcome of the first test the patient may be required to attend for repeat Goldmann or Perkins applanation tonometry on a separate occasion.

Suitable providers had to be able to deliver all elements described above.