Ophthalmology Coordination Service Hub - Cov & Warks and Herf & Worcs ICBs

NHS Coventry & Warwickshire ICB in conjunction with NHS Herefordshire & Worcestershire ICB sought providers who have the relevant experience and skills to provide an Ophthalmology Co-ordination Service Hub. The Ophthalmology Coordination Service Hub (OCS) will support the system-wide approach to the management for all non-emergency (routine and urgent) ophthalmology referrals from community Optometry practices across Coventry and Warwickshire.

The OCS will provide a single point of access, administering all incoming referrals from community Optometrists, offering patients a choice of providers in accordance with patient choice regulations, and submitting onward referrals to secondary care (accredited independent sector or NHS provision). The OCS supports the streamlining of ophthalmology referrals across the ICS, reducing delays to patients being referred from the community to secondary care and freeing up primary care capacity.

For every routine and urgent referral, the service will provide patients with choice of access based on the referring condition, supporting patients being seen by the right person, in the right place, the first time. The service will not undertake clinical triage of incoming referrals.