Optometrist

Newmedica; Newcastle upon Tyne; On-site; GBP 54,000 - 66,000; Part time

Benefits offered by this job

25 days annual leave

Company pension

Death in service benefit

Cycle to work

Eye tests discount

Well-being support

Professional development

Job summary

Newmedica is seeking a qualified optometrist to join the Newcastle Upon Tyne clinic on a part-time basis (1-2 days per week, 10-20 hours). You will deliver cataract pre-assessments and post-operative examinations, with scope to train to perform YAG laser capsulotomy.

Must hold MCOptom or equivalent and be registered with the GOC; IP status desirable. The role offers a supportive multi-disciplinary team, a competitive salary up to £60,000 FTE depending on experience, and benefits including

Qualifications

• Qualified optometrist with MCOptom specialist or BSc(hons) in Ophthalmic Optics/Optometry or equivalent.
• Current registration with the General Optical Council (GOC).
• IP qualification or working towards it is required/advantageous.

Responsibilities

• Deliver cataract pre-assessments and post-operative examinations.
• Triage and manage a high-volume clinic (approx. 24 patients/day).
• Train and coach others; support continuous professional development.
• Explain procedures and provide patient advice with empathy.

Skills

Clinical optometry

Patient communication

High-volume clinic work

Teamwork

Independent Prescriber

Education

MCOptom specialist

BSc Ophthalmic Optics/Optometry

GOC registration

Tools

Diagnostic equipment

Computer literacy

Job description

Job Role: Optometrist part-time (1-2 days per week)

Location: Newcastle Upon Tyne

Department: OJV

Employment Type: Permanent (Clinic)

Minimum Experience: Mid-level

Compensation: up to £60,000 FTE depending on experience

Who are we?

Newmedica are one of the leading providers of NHS ophthalmology services in England, providing outpatients appointments, diagnostic testing and eye surgery. We aim to change lives through better sight and eye health.

We care for thousands of NHS and private patients a year in our specialist eye clinics across the country.

We are thrilled to say that following an independently conducted survey of Newmedica colleagues to tell us what it’s like to work here, we have been certified as a Great Place to Work for the third-year running. The feedback has directly contributed to Newmedica being listed among the UK’s top 50 Best Workplaces™ for 2025.

Role overview

We have a vacancy for a new Optometrist to join Newcastle Upon Tyne clinic. We are seeking an experienced Optometrist with experience in delivering cataract pre-assessments and post-operative examinations. The successful candidate should be an Independent Prescriber (IP) or be working towards this qualification.

You’ll be delivering cataract pre-assessments and post-operative examinations with a view to training to deliver YAG Laser Capsulotomy.

This is a part-time position, working 1-2 days per week (10-20 hours per week).

Optometrists play a vital role at Newmedica. They run both the pre- and post-operative clinics and triage patients. They operate a full range of diagnostic equipment to make clinical assessments and will analyse and interpret specialist diagnostic test results including identifying new or deteriorating eye conditions.

They provide advice to patients as well as explaining procedures. The thought of eye surgery can be a daunting prospect for patients to deal with, so our Optometrists need to be empathetic and friendly and able to put patients at ease.

The Optometrist role at Newmedica offers a modern hospital-based environment with opportunities for clinical learning. Our patients have a variety of interesting clinical cases which offer more complex decision-making scenarios. This is therefore a great role for a qualified Optometrist looking for personal development and to expand their professional horizons.

What skills and experience do I need?

You need to be a fully qualified optometrist (a MCOptom specialist optometry degree, or BSc(hons) in Ophthalmic Optics or Optometry or equivalent qualification is essential) and you need a current registration with the General Optical Council.

You’ll also hold your IP qualification or be working towards the qualification.

Alongside the mandatory qualifications the following things will be advantageous:

• Previous experience in delivering cataract pre-assessments and cataract post operative examinations.
• Knowledge of clinical practice and aware of current developments in Optometry.
• Capable of working in a high-volume clinical setting, seeing circa 24 patients per day.
• Experience of delivering consistently high standards of specialist optometric diagnostic tests using complex equipment.
• The training and coaching of others.
• The desire for and commitment to continuous professional development.
• A competent user of computer systems and programmes.
• An excellent grasp of the English language both verbally and in written format.
• A good team player – happy to jump in and support others when required.

What we’re offering

• A competitive salary depending on experience.
• 25 days annual leave plus bank holidays (pro rata).
• A company pension scheme.
• Death in service benefit.
• Cycle to work scheme.
• Enhanced parental leave and sick leave.
• Access to a range of benefits including free eye tests, discounted or free glasses, a free 24/7 well-being/counselling/advice service and a retail/technology discount scheme.
• An environment where you’re learning and development is supported through a range of various learning tools and courses.
• Working with a friendly multi-disciplinary team passionate about improving the lives of our patients.
• A bright, spacious and modern working environment, built to the highest standards

Our employment offers are subject to receipt of satisfactory pre-employment checks. Applicants must have the right to work in the UK, and a Disclosure and Barring Service check will be necessary in the event of a successful application which we will pay for.

At Newmedica, we actively promote diversity and equal opportunities, and we are committed to this in both the running of our services and how we recruit our staff. We actively encourage applications from everyone with the essential requirements of the job, regardless of any protected characteristics.

Newmedica is fully committed to safeguarding the welfare of all people, irrespective of gender, age, disability, sexual orientation, race, language, religion, ethnic or social origin.