Objectives

The tender aims to:

• Provide a framework for the equitable, accessible, and appropriate provision of single vision clear spectacles to the population of KwaZulu-Natal.
• Ensure that assistive devices are issued only after proper assessment by qualified professionals.
• Strengthen disability prevention strategies through appropriate issuance of devices.
• Guarantee proper maintenance and repairs of issued spectacles.
• Ensure adequate budgeting, assessment, training, and issuing processes.
• Establish guidelines for the issuance of specialized assistive devices by the Department.
• Clarify procedures for payment, record-keeping, and maintenance of assistive devices.
• Promote ethical practices in all aspects of assistive device provision.

Scope

The scope covers the supply of 100 units of single vision clear spectacles, including frames and lenses, with detailed specifications for various lens types, coatings, and frames suitable for all age groups and face shapes. It also encompasses the provision of accessories, optional additional devices, and related services such as assessment, prescription, fitting, training, maintenance, and repairs, aligned with national and provincial guidelines.

The guidelines extend to all levels of care within KwaZulu-Natal health facilities, emphasizing standardized procedures for procurement, storage, issuance, and follow-up of assistive devices.

Technical Requirements

• Supply of complete spectacles with metal and plastic frames, including lenses (organic plastic, polycarbonate, high refractive index), coatings (anti-reflection), and various tints (fixed, gradient, photochromic).
• Frames must be SABS approved, suitable for all face shapes, sizes, and age groups, with a variety of colors and adjustable pupillary distances (40-80mm).
• Provision of accessories such as replacement nose pads, screws, tint additions, and ARC coatings.
• Options for bifocal, multifocal, and ready-made reading glasses with specified prescriptions and specifications.
• Inclusion of low vision devices such as magnifiers and telescopes with specified magnifications.
• All devices must meet quality standards, be inspected upon receipt, and be labeled appropriately before issuance.
• Services include assessment, prescription, ordering, fitting, training, follow-up, repairs, and replacements.
• All procurement and supply must adhere to national tender procedures and provincial guidelines.

Skills Requirements

• Qualified clinical professionals such as optometrists, ophthalmologists, and other registered health practitioners to perform assessments, prescriptions, and fittings.
• Technicians and practitioners trained in the manufacturing, adjustment, and repair of spectacles and related assistive devices.
• Procurement officers familiar with supply chain management procedures for assistive devices.
• Staff trained in record-keeping, maintenance, and ethical distribution of assistive devices.
• Training providers capable of delivering user education and follow-up support to ensure proper use and maintenance of spectacles.