Vitreo-Retinal Surgery Service

The service will provide for the initial diagnosis, follow-up & ongoing assessment for service user with surgical retinal pathology, including but not limited to retinal detachment, retinal tears, macular hole, epiretinal membrane, sequelae of complicated cataract surgery, management of dislocated lenses, vitreous haemorrhage, vitreo-macular traction, and advanced proliferative diabetic retinopathy requiring surgery, across Leicester City, Leicestershire County and Rutland (LLR).

The service is Consultant-led and is provided by Consultant Ophthalmologists specialised in vitreo-retinal surgery.

• To optimise service user vision and minimise avoidable visual disability, mortality and other morbidity by providing high quality care that meets the needs of adults with ophthalmic problems.
• To provide timely diagnosis, treatment and follow-up clinical assessment services to service users with surgical retinal diseases, delivered from accessible local settings and to manage the sequelae and complications of any treatment provided, within the service.

To provide a facility for service users to continue to access treatment, whilst remaining under the care of a Consultant Ophthalmologist.

• To ensure that there is a sufficient, skilled and competent multi-disciplinary workforce to manage adults with ophthalmic disorders.
• To ensure service user are treated in line with national guidelines and agreed local pathways.
• Treatment is predominately delivered in an outpatient and day-case surgical setting and where appropriate as an inpatient (ward or day unit as required), with carefully monitored shared care arrangements in place with referring clinicians.
• To provide access to 24-hour helpline for service users with access to timely face to face consultations depending on need of the user.
• Specialised services are required to keep data to ensure coding is accurate.

The service will deliver the aim to optimise vision and prevent avoidable visual disability from surgical retina disorders by:

• making timely and accurate diagnoses
• timely investigation and management
• providing high quality proactive treatment and care
• manage complications from treatment
• providing appropriate counselling and psychological support to service users
• support service users with poor vision
• support service users with long term conditions
• ensuring effective communication between service users and service providers

This notice is confirmation of award under the Direct Award B PSR process. This is an existing service for a new provider.

This is an activity-based service and payments will be made dependent on activity.

The service will be provided until the 31st of March 2026.