Coordination Service Hub for Ophthalmology Referrals

NHS Coventry & Warwickshire ICB and NHS Herefordshire & Worcestershire ICB are seeking experienced providers to operate an Ophthalmology Coordination Service Hub (OCS). The OCS will serve as a central intake point for all non-emergency ophthalmology referrals from community optometry practices across the region. Key responsibilities include: receiving and processing routine and urgent referrals from optometrists; providing patients with provider choices in line with patient choice regulations; and forwarding referrals to appropriate secondary care providers (NHS or accredited independent sector). The service will not perform clinical triage. By centralizing referral management, the OCS aims to reduce referral delays, expedite patient access to specialist care, and improve primary care capacity. The service ensures patients receive care from the right specialist in the right setting on their first referral.