Optometrist Specialist

NHS; Hull and East Yorkshire; On-site; GBP 40,000 - 50,000; Full time

Job summary

A major healthcare organization is looking for an Optometrist Specialist to join their team in Hull. This full-time position (37.5 hours) focuses on various clinical assessments, including working in Ophthalmic Accident & Emergency and supporting the Optometry/Ophthalmology services. The ideal candidate will have General Optical Council registration and post-graduate qualifications, with an emphasis on manual dexterity and strong communication skills. Opportunities for part-time work are also considered.

Qualifications

• Three years previous hospital work or practice, post-graduate.
• Familiarity with contact tonometry and instillation of ophthalmic drugs.
• Experience of postgraduate teaching and research.

Responsibilities

• Conduct assessments of patients in various clinical roles.
• Work alongside Optometry colleagues and autonomously on clinical decisions.
• Possibly conduct YAG/SLT laser clinics if qualified.

Skills

Precise manual dexterity skills

Good written and verbal communication skills

Ability to work independently

Interpersonal skills

Experience with low vision

Experience working with children

Experience with glaucoma assessment

Education

General Optical Council Registration

Post-graduate optometric qualifications

College of Optometrists registration

Job description

Optometrist Specialist - Hull University Teaching Hospitals NHS Trust

Closing date: 5 January 2026

Role Overview

An exciting opportunity for an Optometrist Specialist to work at Hull and East Yorkshire Hospitals NHS Trust. Full‑time post (37.5 hours) with variable hours, part‑time also considered. Based mainly at Hull Royal Infirmary Eye Hospital with occasional work at other sites within HUTH/NLAG to support the Optometry/Ophthalmology services.

Main duties

• Work alongside Optometry colleagues and work autonomously on clinical decisions.
• Assessment of patients in Ophthalmic Accident & Emergency, Medical Retina, Corneal, Refracting (Adults, Pediatrics and Research), Contact Lens, Ocular Prosthetic Clinical roles.
• Possibly conduct YAG/SLT laser clinics if qualified and trained.

Applications

Applicants requiring Skilled Worker Visa sponsorship are welcome. Likelihood of a Certificate of Sponsorship can be assessed via the gov.uk criteria.

About the Trust

The Hull and East Yorkshire Eye Hospital, part of the Humber Health Partnership, serves a population of about 500,000 and works closely with Hull York Medical School on research across many disciplines.

Job responsibilities

For an informal discussion or to arrange a visit, contact Brian Melia (07415518862) or Ellen Beddows ([e-mail]).

Person Specification

Education / Qualifications

• General Optical Council Registration
• College of Optometrists registration
• Association of Optometrists member for indemnity
• Post‑graduate optometric qualifications (e.g., College of Optometrists, Higher Diploma)
• Local Optical Committee participating member

Knowledge, Training & Experience

• Three years previous hospital work/practice (post‑graduate)
• Low Vision work
• Working with the elderly
• Working with children
• Precise manual dexterity skills
• Practical refraction, contact lens fitting and low vision aid dispensing skills.
• Contact tonometry
• Valk lens use
• Instillation of ophthalmic drugs
• Well developed interpersonal mental and emotional empathy skills where barriers exist because of age, special needs, physical or language difficulties
• Good written and verbal communication skills; able to work independently on own initiative
• EDTRS Log MAR acuity testing
• Post operative cataract assessment
• Paediatric contact lenses
• Anterior segment disease assessment
• Experience of postgraduate teaching
• Experience of research and audit
• Log MAR acuity testing
• Contrast sensitivity assessment
• Binocular Indirect Ophthalmoscopy
• Managing people
• Complex contact lenses
• Glaucoma assessment

Communication and Interpersonal Skills

• Ability to work in a busy environment.
• Flexibility with working hours, especially finishing time.
• Professional attitude to work, confident and self‑motivated.
• Work on own initiative.
• Works well within a team.
• Demonstrates understanding of confidentiality.
• Evidence showing clinical and professional development.
• Good written and verbal communication skills.
• Managing people.

Special Attributes and Others

• Willingness to help others in a team.
• Maintain registration through continuing education training.
• Attend regular conferences/seminars.
• Hold UK Driving Licence.

Disclosure and Barring Service Check

This post requires a Disclosure and Barring Service check under the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act (Exceptions Order) 1975.