Head of Optometry

Cambridge Spectacle Co.; Cheltenham; Hybrid; GBP 63,000 - 77,000; Full time

Job summary

Cambridge Spectacle Co. is expanding into a network of premium stores across London and the Midlands. We are looking for an exceptional Head of Optometry to lead, standardise, and elevate our clinical offering across the group.

This role combines clinical excellence, operational leadership, training, and integration of new practices and technology into a unified patient journey. You will oversee all optometrists, NHS-facing requirements, and drive CPD compliance across stores.

Qualifications

• Fully qualified and GOC-registered UK optometrist.
• Strong knowledge of NHS contracts, pathways and governance.
• Experience training teams and shaping processes.

Responsibilities

• Lead all optometrists across the group.
• Set clinical protocols, testing pathways and standards.
• Oversee NHS setup, performer list requirements and PCSE compliance.
• Manage onboarding of new practices and PMS migrations.
• Provide training and CPD guidance to teams.
• Balance clinical and commercial needs with senior leaders.

Skills

Clinical leadership

NHS contracts

GOC-registered

Staff training

CPD compliance

Education

GOC registration

Job description

Location: Cheltenham, remote and with travel to our sites.

Hours: Full-time

Salary: £70,000 per annum

Role Overview

Cambridge Spectacle Co. is expanding into a network of premium stores across London and the Midlands. We are looking for an exceptional Head of Optometry to lead, standardise, and elevate our clinical offering across the group.

This role combines clinical excellence, operational leadership, training, and integration of new practices and technology into a unified patient journey.

You will oversee all optometrists, clinical processes, and NHS-facing requirements, ensuring every CSC and newly acquired store delivers industry-leading care.

Key Responsibilities

Clinical Leadership & Standards

• Lead and manage all optometrists across the group.
• Set clinical protocols, testing pathways, and CSC clinical standards.
• Conduct regular clinical audits and ensure consistent, high-quality patient care across all locations.
• Be the escalation point for complex clinical cases.

NHS & CUES Compliance

• Lead NHS setup for all new practices.
• Oversee NHS contract applications, performer list requirements, and PCSE compliance.
• Manage all NHS clinical governance visits, either in person or via remote support.
• Implement and manage CUES (Covid Urgent Eyecare Service) across the group.
• Ensure all staff are trained to identify CUES opportunities and maximise legitimate NHS revenue streams.

Practice Integration & Systems

• Lead the onboarding of new practices into the group.
• Manage migration into CSC patient management systems (PMS), including liaison and negotiation with software providers.
• Standardise equipment, testing room setups, and clinical workflows across stores.
• Support the launch and integration of new stores as we expand.

Training & Development

• Design and deliver training for optometrists, store teams, and new starters.
• Ensure all clinicians are up to date with CPD and regulatory requirements.
• Build a culture of continuous clinical improvement.

Operational & Commercial Support

• Work closely with the CEO, CFO, and GM to balance clinical and commercial needs.
• Oversee clinical rostering across all stores including locum needs.
• Support product strategy around new technology and enhanced patient journeys.
• Provide insight into patient demand, test capacity, and clinical KPIs.

Technology & Innovation

• Champion the integration of technology into the optical experience.
• Support testing and rollout of new tech-led services and features within the clinical environment.

About You

• Fully qualified and GOC-registered UK optometrist.
• Minimum 5 years clinical experience, with leadership experience preferred.
• Strong understanding of NHS contracts, pathways, and clinical governance.
• Comfortable training teams and shaping processes.
• Excited by innovation in eyewear, retail, and patient experience.
• Able to travel regularly across our stores