Optometrist / Specialist Optometrist
South Tees Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust
Middlesbrough, TS4 3BWView on map(opens Google Maps in a new tab)
Salary
£39,959 to £56,515
Contract
Permanent
Hours
Not specified
Closing date
25 October 2026
5 days leftJob description
We are seeking an enthusiastic and motivated optometrist to join our friendly Hospital Optometry team during an exciting period of growth and service ...
This is an excellent opportunity for an optometrist who wants to develop specialist clinical skills, influence service development and play an active role in shaping the future of our department.
The successful applicant will provide autonomous, evidence-based care within the Hospital Eye Service, managing patients across a range of specialist ophthalmic clinics.
The role offers opportunities to develop and work within extended roles, including glaucoma, cataract, paediatric optometry, emergency eye care, contact lenses and other specialist services, supported by competency-based training and ongoing professional development.
In addition to delivering excellent clinical care, the post holder will contribute to clinical leadership, service improvement, audit, teaching, clinical governance and quality improvement. They will work closely with ophthalmologists, orthoptists, nursing staff and the wider multidisciplinary team to ensure patients receive safe, effective and compassionate care.
Please see the full job description and person specification document(s) attached for main responsibilities of the role.
South Tees Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust and North Tees and Hartlepool NHS Foundation Trust have come together to form University Hospitals Tees. As a result, post holders may be required to work across sites within both organisations.
Across University Hospitals Tees, our ambition is to be the best place to work, ensuring we have the right staff in the right roles at the right time to deliver outstanding patient care and experience.
We are committed to supporting our staff through an inclusive and supportive working environment, offering health and wellbeing initiatives, staff benefits, and opportunities for personal and professional development.
We support the 'Making Every Contact Count' approach to behaviour change in the promotion of health and wellbeing of individuals and communities.
Knowledge & Skills
Essential
- Able to work independently and across disciplines as a member of a multidisciplinary team undertaking a comprehensive range of complex hospital optometry core specialist services including diagnostic refraction, specialist medical contact lens, low visual aids for patients of all ages (including those with a wide range of learning disabilities). (Band 6 & 7)
- Ability to undertake extended role in specialist areas such as cataract, glaucoma, paediatrics, medical retina, acute and emergency eye care. (Band 7)
- Evidence of excellent communication and interpersonal skills including effective report writing. (Band 6 & 7)
- Ability to use own initiative and make independent clinical decisions. (Band 6 & 7)
- Good organisational skills and time management skills. (Band 6 & 7)
- Change management skills and involvement in project work with the willingness to implement and lead change where necessary. (Band 7)
Qualifications & Training
Essential
- Degree in Optometry. (BSc or MSc) (Band 6 & 7)
- Registered Optometrist with General Optical Council (GOC) (Band 6 & 7)
- Further highly developed specialist knowledge including theoretical and clinical training e.g.
- College of Optometrists' Post-Graduate Professional Qualification (such as the Diploma in Ocular Therapeutics).
- Accredited slit lamp examiner under Diabetic Retinal Screening programme.
- Highly specialised medically necessary contact lens fitting and after care. (Band 7)
Experience
Essential
- Post registration optometrist experience - which does not have to be Hospital Eye Service (HES) based. (Band 6 & 7)
- Experience of shared care/ extended role in one or more of: glaucoma, cataract, medical retina, complex refraction, low vision, medical contact lenses or clinical trials. (Band 6)
- Previous complex contact lens experience. (Band 7)
- Previous contact lens experience. (Band 6)
- Experience working in a multidisciplinary team. (Band 6 & 7)
- Knowledge and experience of adult/child safeguarding. (Band 6 & 7)
- Knowledge and experience of clinical governance. (Band 6 & 7)
Desirable
- Previous exposure/employment in a Hospital Eye Service (HES). (Band 6 & 7)
- Experience of teaching. (Band 7)
- Knowledge and understanding of relevant NHS policies and procedures. (Band 6 & 7)
- Low vision rehabilitation experience. (Band 6 & 7)
How to apply
Applications are handled entirely by the employer on the original advert. We do not collect CVs, supporting statements or application data.
Provenance
Source
NHS Jobs
First seen
7 October 2026
Last checked
8 October 2026
Salary, closing date and description are taken from the employer's advert. The original advert always takes precedence.
About the employer
NHS organisation
This listing was structured from NHS Jobs. Vacancy details and the application process remain the responsibility of the original source.
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