As part of the "Growing Up Healthy Together: Comprehensive Early Childhood Development Project," the El Salvadorian government has given Óptica AV Plus, S.A. de C.V. a USD 803,760 contract to supply eyeglasses after visual evaluations (P169677). The contract was awarded on October 24, 2025, and formally published on October 30, 2025. It was funded by the World Bank (IBRD-90650).
A summary of the project
Known locally as "Crecer y Aprender Saludable", the Growing Up Healthy Together program is a nationwide effort aimed at enhancing the early learning outcomes, nutrition, and general health of young children throughout El Salvador. In order to guarantee that kids arrive at school in good health, prepared to learn, and backed by robust community health systems, the project combines health and education interventions.The project's health component includes this recently awarded contract, which focuses on vision screening and corrective assistance for kids with visual impairments.
The extent of the agreement
As part of the Crecer y Aprender Saludable strategy, the contract, awarded under reference CSJ-266-MINSAL-GO-RFB, covers the provision of eyeglasses following visual evaluation. The 12-month commitment will consist of-
supply of children's premium corrective eyewear in a few chosen municipalities
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visual screenings and assessments carried out on-site in cooperation with schools and health units
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logistics of distribution to guarantee prompt delivery and fair access to eyeglasses for early learners
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support for educational initiatives that highlight the importance of visual health for young children's development
Awarded Company
The Salvadoran optical company Óptica AV Plus, S.A. de C.V., with its headquarters located in Metrocentro San Salvador, was given the contract. The company, which specialises in eye health programmes, the production of corrective lenses, and community outreach programmes, has made a name for itself in the area as a reliable supplier of optometric services and optical goods.Their proposal received a competitive bid price of USD 803,760 after being evaluated using the Request for Bids (RFB) method. This price reflects both cost-effectiveness and technical compliance with the Ministry of Health's requirements.
Acquisition and Assessment
Transparency, competitiveness, and conformity to international procurement standards were guaranteed by the World Bank's guidelines for the procurement process. As the implementing agency, the Ministry of Health (Ministerio de Salud, or MINSAL) oversaw contract supervision and bid evaluation.The 12-month contract period will enable ongoing outreach and follow-up care, guaranteeing that children in rural and underserved communities benefit from the programme.
Significance and Effect
A key component of El Salvador's larger early childhood development (ECD) strategy, this programme aims to enhance the wellbeing of children under six. If left untreated, vision issues can seriously impair social and cognitive development. The government is making significant progress towards inclusive and equitable child development by incorporating visual health screening into early education and community health initiatives.Additionally, the project funds national initiatives to improve human capital, lessen disparities in healthcare access, and create a healthier, future-ready generation.
To sum up
El Salvador has demonstrated its commitment to investing in the health and development of children by awarding this contract to Óptica AV Plus. The provision of eyeglasses as part of the Crecer y Aprender Saludable strategy will directly improve the quality of life and educational readiness of thousands of children nationwide, supporting the country's long-term goal of inclusive, sustainable growth.
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