Tier 2 and Macular Community Ophthalmology Service

NHS Greater Preston Clinical Commissioning Group (CCG) and NHS Chorley and South Ribble CCG are seeking expressions of interest from suitably qualified and experienced organisations to deliver a high quality, comprehensive and efficient community based Tier 2 and Macular (Wet AMD and other similar conditions such as Diabetic Macular Oedema (DMO) and Retinal Vein Occlusion (RVO)) Ophthalmology service.

The existing contract for the Tier 2 service is due for renewal and Wet AMD treatment is currently not provided locally.

This opportunity has been used to review what is currently delivered and expand the service model that is provided for patients; including a Wet AMD treatment service locally and to include the utilisation of Anti VEGF treatments for DMO and RVO in the new service.

The CCG’s wish to appoint a single provider for the provision of each element of the service Lot 1: The Tier 2 Service; and Lot 2: The Macular Service to deliver the services across the combined CCG areas.

Timely local access to the service will enable GPs and Optometrists to refer patients quickly for expert opinion and diagnostic investigation without the need for the patient going into hospital.

This will improve clinical outcomes for patients.

The service shall be delivered out of community locations in Preston, Chorley and South Ribble.

This procurement will be split across two lots as below: Lot 1: The Tier 2 element of the service will manage acute conditions including the following: •Lids, Lashes, Tears; •Red Eye and Red Eye Corneal Conditions; •Vitreous; •Raised Intraocular Pressure (IOP’s); •Blurred vision / field defects / retinal lesions / lens capsulotomy / minor surgery; and •Glaucoma Lot 2: The Macular element of the service will provide patients with clinical assessment, diagnostic and treatment services for patients presenting with the following conditions: •Wet AMD •Diabetic Macular Oedema (DMO) •Retinal Vein Occlusion (RVO) The CCGs wish to include the use of Avastin in scenarios where it can be legally offered in the patients best interests.

The provider will agree these scenarios with the commissioner.

NICE will publish a new AMD diagnosis and management guideline in August 2017.

The CCGs understand that routine use of Avastin is covered in the guideline scope and the CCGs position will be reviewed at this point.

This is for a contract for 3 years with an option to extend for a further 2 years.

Anticipated contract start date is January 2017