Optometry in Special Educations Settings (SES) across the South West - Market Engagement

This notice is placed as a Prior Information Notice (PIN) to inform the market of an opportunity to deliver Optometry services in Special Education Settings (SES) within the South West region, covering Devon, Cornwall and Isles of Scilly (IOS), Bristol, North Somerset and South Gloucestershire (BNSSG) and Gloucestershire Integrated Care Boards (ICBs).

Please note that ICBs are developing into 'clusters' ahead of statutory mergers taking formal effect, likely from April 2027. The cluster arrangements in development include:

These changes will not have any material impact on the commissioning intentions or contract award.

At this time, the Commissioner(s) would like to understand the level of provider interest in delivering the services and invites interested parties to express an interest by completing a market engagement questionnaire. Details on how to express interest are provided in the additional information section below.

The closing date for expressing interest is 12 noon Friday 25th September.

The contract(s) is expected to be for a duration of 3 years plus a possible extension of up to a period of a further 2 years.

This exercise is being carried out by NHS South, Central and West Commissioning Support Unit (SCW) on behalf of the Commissioner.