Lead Ophthalmic Nurse

NHS; Shepton Mallet; On-site; GBP 51,000; Full time

Job summary

A healthcare provider is seeking a Lead Ophthalmic Nurse to manage outpatient services and pre-assessments. This role requires expertise in ophthalmic nursing and strong leadership skills to ensure exceptional patient care. The ideal candidate should demonstrate effective communication and crisis management skills. A competitive salary and various benefits, including annual leave and training support, are offered.

Benefits

Extensive wellbeing benefits

25 days annual leave plus bank holidays

Support for professional growth

Qualifications

• Proven experience in ophthalmic nursing and understanding of outpatient procedures.
• Strong leadership skills for multi-disciplinary team support.
• Ability to communicate effectively and build rapport with patients.

Responsibilities

• Coordinate and manage ophthalmic outpatient and pre-assessment services.
• Support and lead a team to ensure high-quality patient care.
• Mentor and develop junior staff.

Skills

Ophthalmic nursing experience

Clinical leadership skills

Communication skills

Patient-centred care

Crisis management

Education

Registered Nurse (NMC)

Tools

Biometry

Auto-refractors

Job description

Are you an experienced ophthalmic nurse ready to take the next step in your career? We have an exciting opportunity for a Lead Ophthalmic Nurse to join our dedicated and compassionate team at Practice Plus Group.

In this leadership role, youll take responsibility for the smooth and efficient running of our ophthalmic outpatient department and pre-assessment service. Youll coordinate high-quality patient care from first consultation through to post-operative recovery, ensuring every patient receives outstanding clinical care and a positive experience.

This is a role where you can truly make an impact shaping services, supporting colleagues, and helping our patients see a brighter future.

Main duties of the job

As the Lead Ophthalmic Nurse, you will:

• Take overall responsibility for the coordination and clinical management of ophthalmic outpatient and pre-assessment services.
• Lead and support a team of nurses, healthcare assistants, and administrators to ensure the highest standards of patient care and clinic efficiency.
• Conduct and oversee pre-admission assessments, ensuring patients are clinically fit for surgery and fully informed about their treatment.
• Carry out ophthalmic assessments, including visual acuity testing, biometry, near vision and Amsler chart assessments, and auto-refraction.
• Support and guide the team in performing post-operative assessments, providing reassurance, education, and follow-up care to patients.
• Collaborate closely with ophthalmologists and the wider multi-disciplinary team to ensure seamless patient pathways and excellent clinical outcomes.
• Drive quality improvement and innovation in line with Practice Plus Group policies, NICE guidelines, and CQC standards.
• Lead by example in infection prevention, patient safety, and compliance with professional and organisational standards.
• Mentor, coach, and develop junior staff, promoting a culture of learning, accountability, and professional growth.

Your leadership will play a vital role in maintaining the quality and reputation of our ophthalmic services, ensuring our patients receive compassionate, safe, and effective care.

About us

Were looking for a confident and knowledgeable Registered Nurse who has:

• Proven experience in ophthalmic nursing, with a strong understanding of outpatient and pre-assessment procedures.
• Excellent clinical and leadership skills, with the ability to support, develop, and motivate a multidisciplinary team.
• Proficiency in ophthalmic investigations and use of specialist equipment such as biometry and auto-refractors.
• Strong communication and interpersonal skills, with the ability to build trust and rapport with patients and colleagues alike.
• The ability to stay calm under pressure, prioritise effectively, and make sound clinical decisions.
• A passion for patient-centred care and a desire to lead by example in delivering excellence.

What you can expect in return;

• A salary of £50,934 per annum
• An extensive range of wellbeing and lifestyle benefits
• 25 days annual leave (increasing with service) plus bank holidays
• The support you need to grow in your role

To apply for the role, click on the link below. If you have any questions, [e-mail]

Applications will be processed at the time of application, Practice Plus Group therefore reserves the right to close the advertisement before the stated closing date.

Our employment offers are subject to receipt of satisfactory pre-employment checks. At Practice Plus Group, we actively promote diversity and equal opportunities.

Applicants must have the right to work in the UK.

Job responsibilities

For more information, please request a copy of the full job description from [e-mail]

Person Specification

Qualifications

• Confident, knowledgeable, and inspiring Registered Nurse (NMC)
• Proven experience in ophthalmic nursing, with a strong understanding of outpatient and pre-assessment procedures.
• Excellent clinical and leadership skills, with the ability to support, develop, and motivate a multidisciplinary team.
• Proficiency in ophthalmic investigations and use of specialist equipment such as biometry and auto-refractors.
• Strong communication and interpersonal skills, with the ability to build trust and rapport with patients and colleagues alike.
• A commitment to clinical governance, patient safety, and continuous improvement.
• The ability to stay calm under pressure, prioritise effectively, and make sound clinical decisions.
• A passion for patient-centred care and a desire to lead by example in delivering excellence.

Disclosure and Barring Service Check

This post is subject to the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act (Exceptions Order) 1975 and as such it will be necessary for a submission for Disclosure to be made to the Disclosure and Barring Service (formerly known as CRB) to check for any previous criminal convictions.