The Waltham Forest CCG Ophthalmology Community service incorporates diagnosis and management of glaucoma patients, management of stable long term conditions including diabetic retinopathy and Age related Macular Degeneration (AMD) together with a Minor Eye Conditions (MECS) service which will be responsive in offering direct access (on the day) and routine appointments depending on eye condition. The value of the service over 4 years is a range from 1 500 000 GBP and 1 700 000 GBP.

Working with key stakeholders will be key to ensuring integrated service provision, and the provider will work alongside the local acute trust.

Ophthalmology is a speciality identified by the Department of Health (DH) as being suitable for the relocation of a large proportion of work from secondary to primary care under the ‘Shifting Care Closer to Home’ Policy.

The CCG currently commissions a community based Glaucoma service within its portfolio of planned care services. The CCG recognises the need to commission a Community Ophthalmology Service, in alignment with delivery of health services for the tri-closer to patients' homes and releasing capacity from secondary care, to focus on urgent and acute care.

The new community base ophthalmology clinical model will support the CCG to shift activity from an acute setting to the community.

The contract will be managed via a cost and volume payment mechanism. The envisaged contract term is for 3 years with a possibility of a 1 year extension.

Provider will be expected to offer the service in a minimum of 3 localities in the Borough of Waltham Forest, Leyton/Leytonstone, Walthamstow and Chingford.