Ophthalmology contract (2) (FOI)

​Request

A

Does Helath and Community Services (HCS) currently complete optical biometry for the purpose of selecting an intraocular lens choice for cataract surgery? 

B

Which department within HCS is responsible for carrying out the optical biometry? 

C

Is there a specified role within this department that is responsible for optical biometry? 

D

How many biometry calculations does the department complete during an average week? 

E

How many pieces of equipment does the department use for optical biometry, and what is the manufacturer, model and age? 

F

Is this equipment owned, leased or rented by the department?  ​If the equipment is leased or rented, how long is this contract, and when does it come to an end? 

G

Is there an option to extend the contract? Is this contract linked to the purchase of any related consumables.  Does the department replace these after a fixed time period, and if so, what is this time period in years? 

H

Does the department currently have a service contract in place for this equipment with either the equipment manufacturer or another maintenance provider?

I

Is HCS currently in the buying cycle for new biometry equipment?  If so, when is this procurement exercise expected to take place bu if not, does HCS plan to start the buying cycle within the next three years?

J

Does HCS link the biometry measurements to an electronic patient record or are these stored on the equipment locally and printed? 

​​Response

A

Yes.

B

Ophthalmology.

C

Nurse.

D

Health and Community Services (HCS) perform 25 to 30 biometry studies per week, varying with demand.

E

HCS uses a Zeiss IOL 700 for optical biometry (installed in November 2023). An A-Scanner (Quantel Medical Compact Touch) is used for touch biometry (also installed in November 2023).

F

Owned.

G

The service contract is with the manufacturer.

H

No, HCS is not currently in the buying cycle for new biometry equipment, nor is there intention to start a buying cycle in the next three years.

I

Biometry measurements are not currently linked to the electronic patient record, but work is in process to enable this. The results will be linked to the electronic health record system FORUM.​