Child Vision Screening Programme

Concepts

• sunderland
• health services
• child vision screening programme
• objectives of the child vision screening programme
• offer of screening
• primary aim of the child vision screening programme
• screening
• offer parents
• informed choice
• competent staff

Location

The service will be located in Sunderland and delivered primarily in schools in the 5 localities of Coalfields, Sunderland East, Sunderland North, Sunderland West and Washington

Description

The primary aim of the child vision screening programme is to identify children aged 4 to 5 years with impaired sight enabling timely intervention.

Total Quantity or Scope

The primary aim of the child vision screening programme is to identify children aged 4 to 5 years with impaired sight enabling timely intervention. The objectives of the child vision screening programme are to: • identify the eligible population within the boundaries of Sunderland; • offer parents/carers/guardians the opportunity to have their children screened for reduced vision; • ensure fair access for all children; • provide information so parents/carers/guardians can make an informed choice whether to accept the offer of screening; • ensure competent staff who participate in recognised ongoing training and development; • deliver a safe, effective service supported by regular and accurate data collection and audit; • enable a coordinated, integrated approach to screening and follow on services.

Award Detail

CPV Codes

• 85100000 - Health services

Indicators

• Award on basis of price.

Legal Justification

The option to award a contract to the incumbent provider for 2 years, allows the Council to review services and design a service which will fit the current and future needs of Sunderland and demonstrate best value. In addition, the Council needs to understand the operation of the service, introduce contract management and understand the financial envelope for the service as it is not clear whether this is a true reflection of costs as previously, this service has not been undertaken via a competitive procurement exercise. In addition, due to restrictions imposed due to Covid-19, the delivery of the programme which is usually operated during the academic year, has drastically decreased, as all schools across the UK closed in March 2020, and did not reopen until September 2020. On the 14 October 2020, further guidance to the restarting of public health programmes for school-aged children was published by Public Health England (https://publichealthmatters.blog.gov.uk/2020/10/14/restarting-public-health-prog...). The public health team are supporting the service to consider alternative options for delivery, bearing in mind due to social distancing and running Covid secure clinics will result in a greater length of time required to carry out the checks and further discussion with our education colleagues to facilitate this in a way that minimises impact on the school setting.