Band 7 Advanced Specialist Optometrist

BHR Hospitals; Romford; Hybrid; GBP 56,000 - 63,000; Part time

Job summary

Barking, Havering and Redbridge University Hospitals NHS Trust is seeking an Advanced Specialist Optometrist to join the Ophthalmology team in Romford. The role focuses on paediatric ophthalmology and medical retina within a multidisciplinary setting, delivering advanced optometric assessment and management while collaborating with consultants and nursing staff.

The successful candidate will contribute to the expansion of extended optometric practice, support innovative care models, and help

Qualifications

• Degree in Optometry with GOC registration.
• Post-graduate optometric higher qualifications (e.g. Professional Certificate/ Diploma in sub-specialty).
• Minimum 2 years post-graduation clinical experience with a specialist interest in Paediatric ophthalmology.

Responsibilities

• Provide a high-quality optometry service as part of a multidisciplinary team.
• Perform refraction (cycloplegic and non-cycloplegic), fundoscopy and media checks as required.
• Contribute to development of extended optometric practice, focusing on paediatric ophthalmology and medical retina.

Skills

Clinical decisions

Pediatric ophthalmology

Education

Degree in Optometry, GOC registered

Postgraduate sub-specialty

Job description

Site Optical Services Town Romford Salary £55,524 - £62,652 Per Annum inclusive/ part time pro rata Salary period Yearly Closing 01/11/2026 23:59

PEOPLE are at the HEART of everything we do

This video gives a flavour of what it is like to work at our Trust and why some of our staff love working here

We are looking for an experienced and enthusiastic Advanced Specialist Optometrist to join our Ophthalmology team at Barking, Havering and Redbridge University Hospitals NHS Trust.

This is an exciting opportunity to work as part of a multidisciplinary team delivering specialist ophthalmology care, with a particular focus on Paediatric ophthalmology and medical retina. The successful candidate will undertake advanced optometric assessment and management of patients, working closely with consultant ophthalmologists, nursing and allied health professional colleagues to deliver high-quality, efficient and patient-centred care. Therole offers an opportunity to contribute to the continued development of extended optometric practice within a busy ophthalmology service, supporting innovative models of care that make best use of clinical skills and improve access for patients.

We are seeking a confident and experienced optometrist with strong specialist clinical skills, excellent communication and a commitment to multidisciplinary working, service improvement and the delivery of high-quality patient care.

Main duties of the job

To provide a high-quality optometry service, as part of a multidisciplinary team – patients being referred from ophthalmologists (including Paediatric ophthalmologists) and orthoptists (via existing departmental guidelines).

This includes refraction (cycloplegic and non-cycloplegic), fundoscopy (direct and / or indirect, as required) and media checks, on each patient.

This role requires specialist skills and expertise in the assessment, diagnosis and management of paediatric patients. Such patients may have complex medical and / or ocular diagnoses or vision impairment; or patients may present with challenging behaviour, e.g., uncooperative children, occasionally physically / verbally abusive.

Working for our organisation

We’re an organisation that is getting better and better and our improvements are driven by a determination to deliver care we’re proud of and our patients are happy with.

They are benefitting from a new electronic patient record (we were the last acute trust in London to introduce one) and our maternity services have been rated good by the Care Quality Commission.

We operate from two main sites – KGH in Goodmayes and Queen’s Hospital in Romford. We have two busy emergency departments with more than 346,000 people visiting them last year. We’re campaigning to secure the £35m we need to transform the A&E at Queen’s and get rid of corridor care.

We’re proud of our regional Neurosciences Centre, Radiotherapy Centre and Hyper Acute Stroke Unit. We’re also part of the North East London Cancer Alliance.

We run a Women’s Health Hub in Ilford; an Ageing Well Centre in Hornchurch; and Community Diagnostic Centres (CDC) at Barking Community Hospital and at St George’s Health and Wellbeing Hub. These CDCs are open 12 hours a day, 7 days a week.

The majority of our 8,400 staff – who come from 146 different countries - live in the three diverse London boroughs we serve and are from black, Asian and minority ethnic groups. Many can work flexibly and more than 400 of them are on our Ofsted accredited apprenticeship programmes. We’re proud to be a London Living Wage employer.

Detailed job description and main responsibilities

For further information on this role, please see the attached detailed Job Description and Person Specification.

The person specification listed below is not the full specification requirements for the role. Please ensure you review the full specification on the job description prior to submitting your application.

Applicants are advised to read all the information on the advert and the supporting information before completing and submitting an application. As you complete your application please ensure you clearly demonstrate how you meet the criteria in the person specification for this post by adequately completing the supporting information section of the application form.

Applications should be made online, however, queries regarding the application process or assistance with completion of the form (for applicants with a disability) can be made to Rachna Srivastava, Recruitment Advisor, on 01708 435000 ext. 5904. Further details regarding the post may be obtained by contacting the manager as per the contact details below

Person specification

Education/ Qualifications

• Degree in Optometry with General Optical Council (GOC) registration
• Post-graduate optometric higher qualifications eg Professional Certificate/ Professional Higher Certificate/ Professional Diploma in a sub-specialty e.g. Medical Retina

Experience/ Knowledge

• Post-graduation clinical experience (minimum 2 years) and specialist interest in Paediatric ophthalmology.

Skills/ Abilities

• Ability to make clinical decisions to best meet patient needs & available evidence as well as service needs

Before you apply

Using AI
We recognise that more applicants are using artificial intelligence (AI) tools to support their job applications and welcome the responsible use of these technologies.
AI can be a useful tool to help organise your thoughts, improve the structure of your application and support your preparation. However, your application should remain an authentic and accurate reflection of your skills, experience, and knowledge.
We encourage you to review the person specification carefully and provide clear examples that demonstrate how you meet the essential criteria for the role. Any information submitted as part of your application must be accurate, truthful, and based on your experience.
Throughout our recruitment process, we value honesty, integrity, and authenticity. We want to understand what you can bring to BHRUT, so please ensure that your application reflects your own capabilities and achievements.
AI should not be used to misrepresent your skills, qualifications, and experience.

Flexible working
We welcome applications from candidates seeking flexible working or job sharing where service needs allow.

Pre-employment checks
Please provide references from your current or most recent employer, including your line manager or supervisor. Successful applicants will also be required to complete pre-employment checks, including identity verification through TrustID and any role‑specific clearances.

Certificate of Sponsorship
In line with UKVI guidance, we are unable to provide a Certificate of Sponsorship for Band 2 and Band 3 roles.

Recruitment process
We may close vacancies before the advertised closing date if we receive a high volume of applications. All communication regarding your application will be sent by email, so please check your inbox and junk folder regularly.

Inclusion
BHRUT is committed to creating an inclusive workplace and welcomes applications from all sections of the community. Applicants who declare a disability under the Equality Act 2010 or identify as a Care Leaver and choose to be considered under our Disability Confident or Care Leaver schemes will be guaranteed an interview where they meet the essential criteria.

Safeguarding
BHRUT is committed to safeguarding children and adults at risk. All employees are expected to share this commitment and follow the Trust's safeguarding policies.

Smoke‑free Trust
BHRUT is a smoke‑free Trust. All employees are expected to comply with our smoke‑free policy.

Employer certification / accreditation badges

You must have appropriate UK professional registration.

This post is subject to the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act 1974 (Exceptions) Order 1975 (Amendment) (England and Wales) Order 2020 and it will be necessary for a submission for Disclosure to be made to the Disclosure and Barring Service.

We have a wide range of flexible, temporary and part-time opportunities.