The Barnet CCG Community ophthalmology service aim to pull together all elements of existing service provision under a single provider as well as delivering a wider range of services under this new contract. It will be up to the successful bidder to determine how they deliver this. As part of this new service provision, cataract and glaucoma screening will be provided which means the GPs will no longer refer to existing optometrists individually — rather will refer to this service who will conduct the screening accordingly.

All new referrals will be sent via Barnet referral management service (RMS), no referrals should be sent or accepted directly from the GP practices.

The estimated value of the service over 5 years is GBP 11 699 310. Inclusive of VAT. This is based on fixed tarriff as detailed in the specification. The service will run for 3 years from 1.10.2018 – 30.9.2021 (with an option to extend for up to 2 years).

Barnet community ophthalmology service aims to deliver:

— Screening service for cataracts and glaucoma.

— Ophthalmic eye service (non-complex, non-urgent).

— Surgical procedures — Cataract operations as detailed below.

The aims of the Barnet community ophthalmology service are:

— To provide a high quality specialist and screening service in the local community.

— To reduce the steps in the patient pathway where possible, improve access and reduce waiting times.

— To demonstrate a movement in the clinical threshold for accessing services for assessment, diagnosis and treatment from secondary into primary care.

— To address attrition rates from point of referral to treatment, ensuring patients are seen by the most appropriate healthcare professional in the most appropriate setting — patients that may have multiple symptoms should be seen in a general clinic to avoid multiple appointments.

— To develop common pathways of care ensuring there is no unnecessary duplication, and promote the integration and coordination of services across primary care and accredited secondary care providers.

— To reduce the number of inappropriate referrals into secondary care and offer patients a choice of provider via RMS.

— To provide a service which is evidence-based and value for money (VfM).

— To support and enable patients to manage their own conditions by providing a pro-active approach to self-management.

— To provide a service that is patient centred, and improves the patient experience.

— To deliver a package of care that moves patients swiftly along an evidenced based pathway (with stepped approach and one-stop services where possible or appropriate).

— To support an innovative approach to service delivery (i.e. extended working hours, new models of care, new technologies etc).