Advanced Clinical Optometrist - Head of Specialist Optometry

University Hospitals Sussex NHS Foundation Trust; Kemp Town Estate; On-site; GBP 70,000 - 90,000; Full time

Job summary

A prominent healthcare institution in the UK is seeking a Head of Specialist Optometry to provide leadership and expert optometric care. The role involves managing clinical and financial aspects of optometry, providing teaching and training, and leading research initiatives. Candidates should possess advanced knowledge and experience in optometry along with strong leadership skills. The position promises a dynamic environment with opportunities for professional development.

Qualifications

• Advanced theoretical and practical knowledge; professional knowledge acquired through degree, advanced clinical training, management knowledge.
• Experience in planning and organising a broad range of complex activities and services.
• Highly developed manual and analytical skills; experience with specialist ophthalmic instrumentation.
• Proven ability to develop specialised programmes of care and deliver specialist clinical services.
• Experience in policy development, service governance, and budget management.
• Record-keeping and data analysis capabilities; familiarity with audit and impact assessment.

Responsibilities

• Provide clinical leadership for all optometry services and deliver expert optometric and clinical care.
• Manage clinical, managerial, and financial aspects of specialist optometry.
• Lead teaching and training directly and facilitate attendance at external courses.
• Provide expert ophthalmic care to patients, including consultations and imaging reviews.
• Coordinate and develop R&D activity within the department and secure funding.
• Engage in day-to-day management of staff and contribute to their training.

Job description

Overview

The Head of Specialist Optometry is expected to provide clinical leadership for all optometry services, while personally delivering expert optometric and clinical care. They will lead clinical, managerial and financial aspects of specialist optometry and act as line manager for all optometrists in the department. The postholder will provide teaching and training on optometric and clinical subjects, and will coordinate research and development activity within the department. They will also provide expert optometric and ophthalmic care to patients at Sussex Eye Hospital, via face-to-face clinical encounters and virtual review of ophthalmic imaging. The role involves developing a comprehensive range of clinical skills relevant to practice (e.g., intravitreal injections, laser treatment) and working independently with the support of consultants within the relevant subspecialty.

Responsibilities

• Provide clinical leadership for all optometry services and deliver expert optometric and clinical care.
• Manage clinical, managerial and financial aspects of specialist optometry; act as line manager for all department optometrists; participate regularly in appraisal processes.
• Lead teaching and training directly and facilitate attendance at external courses; encourage acquisition of advanced skills and qualifications for specialist optometrists and other healthcare team members as appropriate.
• Arrange and deliver teaching/training to meet the needs of the specialist optometrists and, where appropriate, other staff (nurses, imaging technicians); participate in departmental teaching and trainer rosters.
• Organise and provide training for community optometrists undertaking hospital placements (e.g., for independent prescribing qualification) and liaise on governance and financial aspects.
• Provide expert ophthalmic care to patients at Sussex Eye Hospital, including face-to-face consultations and review of imaging; develop and apply advanced clinical skills (e.g., intravitreal injections, laser treatment) and practice independently with consultant support.
• Coordinate and develop R&D activity within the department; secure funding for research projects where appropriate.
• Lead policy development and implementation for the orthoptics/optometry service; manage the department budget.
• Engage in day-to-day management of staff and contribute to the training and development of the team.
• Maintain and update patient records and contribute to audit data as required.

Qualifications and Experience

• Advanced theoretical and practical knowledge; professional knowledge acquired through degree, advanced clinical training, management knowledge, with Master's level or equivalent plus supervisor training.
• Experience in planning and organising a broad range of complex activities and services; ability to adapt to conflicting service requirements.
• Highly developed manual and analytical skills; experience with use of specialist ophthalmic instrumentation.
• Proven ability to develop specialised programmes of care and to deliver specialist clinical services; provide advice to patients on needs, treatment and corrective aids.
• Experience in policy development, service governance and budget management.
• Record-keeping and data analysis capabilities; familiarity with audit and impact assessment.

Other Information

• DBS Check: A Disclosure and Barring Service check is undertaken for roles where eligible; offers in line with the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act 1975.
• Visa Information: Applications for Skilled Worker sponsorship are welcome for roles that meet visa eligibility criteria; verify criteria at gov.uk.
• Flexible Working: Flexible working options may be available; discuss with the recruiting/line manager.
• Closing Date and Application Process: If there is exceptional interest, adverts may close early; some adverts have a cap on applications; submit your application promptly.
• Diversity and Inclusion: The Trust promotes diversity and inclusive practices; support networks and wellbeing programmes are available.
• Accessibility: See application access options and candidate information pack via provided links.