Tender

Sight Testing and Dispensing of Spectacles to Children and Young People in Special Educational Settings across the South East

NHS SOUTH, CENTRAL AND WEST COMMISSIONING SUPPORT UNIT

This public procurement record has 1 release in its history.

Tender

05 Jan 2026 at 16:48

Tender Notice
Summary of the contracting process

The NHS South, Central and West Commissioning Support Unit is facilitating a procurement process under an open procedure for the provision of sight testing and spectacle dispensing services to children and young people in special educational settings across the South East of England. This tender falls under the health services industry category and aims to address health inequalities faced by those with special educational needs and disabilities. The procurement is structured into five lots corresponding to different regional Integrated Care Boards (ICBs). Key dates include the deadline for ITT responses by 12 noon on 6th February 2026, and services are set to commence on 30th November 2026, continuing for five years with an optional two-year extension. The total value of the contract spans from £11,405,000 to £15,967,000, depending on the inclusion of extension periods.

This tender represents a significant opportunity for businesses specialising in optical health services, particularly those capable of operating at scale within educational environments. SMEs and voluntary, community, and social enterprises (VCSEs) are particularly encouraged to participate, given the open procurement method which promotes broader competition. Providers who can demonstrate expertise in delivering healthcare services to children with autism and learning disabilities and integrate smoothly with educational settings will be well-positioned. The initiative not only offers potential financial returns but also the chance to contribute to public health improvements and gain visibility in a specialised sector of public service provision.

How relevant is this notice?

Notice Information

Notice Title

Sight Testing and Dispensing of Spectacles to Children and Young People in Special Educational Settings across the South East

Notice Description

The South East Integrated Care Boards (ICBs) are seeking suitably qualified Providers to deliver at-scale sight testing and dispensing of spectacles services for children and young people with Special Educational Needs and Disabilities (SEND) in Special Educational Settings (SES) across the region. This procurement covers five lots aligned to the current six and future four ICB structures, ensuring continuity through planned mergers and boundary changes: Lot 1: Thames Valley - Buckinghamshire, Oxfordshire, Berkshire West and Berkshire East Lot 2: Hampshire and Isle of Wight, including North East Hampshire Lot 3: Kent and Medway Lot 4: Surrey, including Surrey Heath and Farnham Lot 5: Sussex Please note: This procurement begins with 6 Integrated Care Boards (ICBs) in the South East. From 1 April 2026, these will reduce to 4 ICBs: * NHS Thames Valley ICB - bringing together Buckinghamshire, Oxfordshire, Berkshire West and Berkshire East (formerly BOB ICB and part of Frimley ICB) * Hampshire and Isle of Wight ICB will expand to include North East Hampshire * Kent and Medway ICB remains unchanged * Surrey and Sussex ICB - bringing together Sussex and Surrey including Surrey Heath and Farnham Children and young people with autism and/or learning disabilities face significant barriers to accessing routine eye care. Evidence from the 2021 NHS England Proof of Concept (POC) programme showed that delivering sight tests and dispensing services directly within SES is both effective and impactful. This service aims to ensure that eligible children and young people in SES across the South East are offered an annual sight test, unless clinically inappropriate. The goal is to reduce health inequalities, improve educational outcomes, and support better quality of life through timely identification and management of vision needs. For further information please see the service specification and the engagement report published on the NHS England website. * Service specification: https://www.england.nhs.uk/publication/cyp-send-oral-and-sight-testing-service-specifications/ * Engagement report: https://www.england.nhs.uk/long-read/engagement-report-for-sight-testing-and-dispensing-of-spectacles-to-send-children-and-young-people-in-a-special-educational-setting-across-england/ The contracts will be for an initial duration of 5 years (60 months) with an optional extension of 2 years (1 x 24 months). Services are due to commence in 2026. The maximum total contract values for the initial 5 years (excluding optional 2 year extension) for each lot are as follows: Lot 1: PS2,355,000 Lot 2: PS2,180,000 Lot 3: PS3,265,000 Lot 4: PS1,625,000 Lot 5: PS1,980,000 The maximum total contract values, including the optional 2 year extension (5 years + 2 years) for each lot are as follows: Lot 1: PS3,297,000 Lot 2: PS3,052,000 Lot 3: PS4,571,000 Lot 4: PS2,275,000 Lot 5: PS2,772,000 All ITT responses must be returned by 12 noon on 6th February 2026, at the latest. Additional information: The General Ophthalmic Additional Services Model Contract - Special Educational Setting (SES) will apply. Contracts may be amended during the term to reflect co-commissioning, mandated directives, or service changes with associated funding. The General Ophthalmic Additional Services Model Contract - Special Educational Setting (SES) will apply. Contracts may be amended during the term to reflect co-commissioning, mandated directives, or service changes with associated funding. The Commissioners are of the view that the Transfer of Undertakings (Protection of Employment) (TUPE) Regulations 2006 do not apply. However, bidders must undertake their own independent assessment of TUPE applicability. All ITT responses must be returned by 12 noon on 6th February 2026, at the latest. Interested providers will be able to view this notice via the 'Live Opportunities' list on the e-procurement system, Atamis, available on the following link: https://health-family.force.com/s/Welcome This exercise is being carried out by NHS South, Central and West Commissioning Support Unit (SCW) on behalf of the Commissioners.

Notice Details

Publication & Lifecycle

Open Contracting ID
ocds-b5fd17-de0adcfc-4ef0-4c6d-b06b-2a373aa2f8bc
Publication Source
Contracts Finder
Latest Notice
https://www.contractsfinder.service.gov.uk/Notice/7736a3c3-2b23-4327-a6d8-20fa5c6a813f
Current Stage
Tender
All Stages
Tender

Procurement Classification

Notice Type
Tender Notice
Procurement Type
Standard
Procurement Category
Services
Procurement Method
Open
Procurement Method Details
Open procedure (above threshold)
Tender Suitability
SME, VCSE
Awardee Scale
Not specified

Common Procurement Vocabulary (CPV)

CPV Divisions

85 - Health and social work services

CPV Codes

85100000 - Health services

Notice Value(s)

Tender Value
£15,967,000 £10M-£100M
Lots Value
Not specified
Awards Value
Not specified
Contracts Value
Not specified

Notice Dates

Publication Date
5 Jan 20262 weeks ago
Submission Deadline
6 Feb 20263 weeks to go
Future Notice Date
Not specified
Award Date
Not specified
Contract Period
30 Nov 2026 - 29 Nov 2033 Over 5 years
Recurrence
Not specified

Notice Status

Tender Status
Active
Lots Status
Not Specified
Awards Status
Not Specified
Contracts Status
Not Specified

Buyer & Supplier

Contracting Authority (Buyer)

Main Buyer
NHS SOUTH, CENTRAL AND WEST COMMISSIONING SUPPORT UNIT
Contact Name
Not specified
Contact Email
scwcsu.procurement@nhs.net
Contact Phone
Not specified

Buyer Location

Locality
WINDSOR
Postcode
SL4 3DP
Post Town
Slough
Country
England
Major Region (ITL 1)
TLJ South East (England)
Basic Region (ITL 2)
TLJ1 Berkshire, Buckinghamshire and Oxfordshire
Small Region (ITL 3)
TLJ15 Berkshire East
Delivery Location
TLJ South East (England)
Local Authority
Windsor and Maidenhead
Electoral Ward
Old Windsor
Westminster Constituency
Windsor

Further Information

Notice Documents

Open Contracting Data Standard (OCDS)

View full OCDS Record for this contracting process

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The Open Contracting Data Standard (OCDS) is a framework designed to increase transparency and access to public procurement data in the public sector. It is widely used by governments and organisations worldwide to report on procurement processes and contracts. 

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