Objectives

The primary objective of this tender is to appoint a qualified supplier for the one-off provision of single vision CR39 spectacles, encompassing both stock and custom-surfaced lenses, compatible frames, and essential optical accessories for patients at McCord Provincial Eye Hospital.

Scope

The contract covers the end-to-end supply, packaging, and delivery of complete spectacle sets tailored to a wide range of prescription parameters. Scope includes:

• Supply of complete optical sets comprising lenses, frames, soft cases, cleaning cloths, and pediatric safety straps.
• Provision of replacement components, repair toolkits, and low-vision devices.
• Maintenance of an efficient logistics and retrieval system for deliveries and returns.
• Laboratory verification of all spectacles prior to dispatch.
• Patient communication via SMS, WhatsApp, or telephone upon order completion.
• Submission of daily statistical reports in Microsoft Word format.
• Provision of compliant product samples during the evaluation phase.

Technical Requirements

• Lenses: Must be CR39 organic plastic, available in clear and fixed/gradient tints across three prescription categories (low, medium, and high power). High-power prescriptions require high refractive index materials (1.58 or 1.67) and knife-edged processing.
• Frames: Must be SABS-approved, feature flexible temples and spring-back mechanisms, and offer diverse sizes, shapes, colors, and pupillary distances (40–80mm). Designs must suit all demographics, including infants from three months old.
• Accessories: Include soft spectacle cases in small, standard, and large sizes, cleaning cloths, screw/nose pad toolkits, and child head straps.
• Compliance & Quality: All items must meet SANS/SABS standards and hold valid SAHPRA medical device licensing. Every pair must undergo laboratory verification before delivery.
• Documentation: Bidders must submit CSD registration, SANS/SABS approval proof, ownership certificates for preference points, and mandatory regulatory licenses.

Skills and Experience Requirements

• Minimum five years of documented experience supplying optical devices to healthcare facilities.
• Valid SAHPRA Medical Device Establishment License.
• Employment of a currently HPCSA-registered optometrist or dispensing optician to ensure technical compliance and provide clinical guidance.
• Physical operational base in Durban to enable same-day delivery capabilities.
• Inventory management expertise, including the ability to substitute discontinued frames with functionally equivalent alternatives.

Explanation of Technical Terms

• CR39: A lightweight, high-clarity organic plastic widely used in ophthalmics for its superior optical transmission and impact resistance.
• Surfaced: Lenses precision-ground and customized to exact patient prescriptions, as opposed to pre-manufactured stock lenses.
• Aphakic Ready-mades: Pre-assembled optical corrections intended for patients who have undergone cataract surgery without intraocular lens implantation.
• Knife-edging: A manufacturing process that thins the perimeter of strong prescription lenses to reduce weight, improve comfort, and enhance frame fit.
• SAHPRA/HPCSA: South African regulatory bodies responsible for certifying medical device safety and regulating health professional practice standards, respectively.