Optometrist / Specialist Optometrist

SOUTH TEES HOSPITALS NHS FOUNDATION TRUST; Tees Valley; On-site; GBP 34,000 - 46,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Professional development opportunities

Job summary

SOUTH TEES HOSPITALS NHS FOUNDATION TRUST is seeking an enthusiastic optometrist to join our Hospital Optometry team in Teesside, during a period of growth and service development.

The post offers autonomous, evidence-based care within the Hospital Eye Service, with opportunities to work across specialist clinics and contribute to service improvement, governance and teaching. Band 6 with progression to Band 7 is possible via a structured competency framework.

Qualifications

• Registered optometrist with the General Optical Council (GOC).
• Demonstrated ability to provide autonomous, evidence-based care.
• Commitment to professional development and service improvement.

Responsibilities

• Provide autonomous, evidence-based care within the Hospital Eye Service.
• Manage patients across specialist clinics (glaucoma, cataract, paediatric optometry, emergency eye care, contact lenses).
• Contribute to clinical leadership, governance, audit and teaching, with multidisciplinary collaboration.

Skills

Autonomous clinical care

Team collaboration

Evidence-based practice

Leadership & mentoring

Education

GOC registered optometrist

Job description

We are seeking an enthusiastic and motivated optometrist to join our friendly Hospital Optometry team during an exciting period of growth and service development.

Our department is a small but ambitious team that values collaboration, innovation and continuous learning. We are committed to delivering high-quality, patient-centred care and expanding the contribution of optometry within the Ophthalmology service.

As a relatively small department, every member of the team has the opportunity to make a meaningful contribution. We recognise that every optometrist brings different experience, strengths and career aspirations and, wherever possible, we will work with the successful applicant to develop a role that reflects both their interests and the evolving needs of the service.

Applicants who do not yet meet all of the competencies required for a Band 7 appointment are encouraged to apply. Appointment may be made at Band 6 with progression to Band 7 through a structured competency framework, supported by regular supervision, mentorship and professional development.

We are looking for someone who is enthusiastic, adaptable and committed to developing both themselves and the service. In return, we offer a supportive working environment where ideas are welcomed, professional development is encouraged and every member of the team can make a genuine difference.

Interviews will take place in September 2026

Main duties of the job

This is an excellent opportunity for an optometrist who wants to develop specialist clinical skills, influence service development and play an active role in shaping the future of our department.

The successful applicant will provide autonomous, evidence-based care within the Hospital Eye Service, managing patients across a range of specialist ophthalmic clinics.

The role offers opportunities to develop and work within extended roles, including glaucoma, cataract, paediatric optometry, emergency eye care, contact lenses and other specialist services, supported by competency-based training and ongoing professional development.

In addition to delivering excellent clinical care, the post holder will contribute to clinical leadership, service improvement, audit, teaching, clinical governance and quality improvement. They will work closely with ophthalmologists, orthoptists, nursing staff and the wider multidisciplinary team to ensure patients receive safe, effective and compassionate care.

South Tees Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust and North Tees and Hartlepool NHS Foundation Trust have come together to form University Hospitals Tees. As a result, post holders may be required to work across sites within both organisations.

Across University Hospitals Tees, our ambition is to be the best place to work, ensuring we have the right staff in the right roles at the right time to deliver outstanding patient care and experience.

We are committed to supporting our staff through an inclusive and supportive working environment, offering health and wellbeing initiatives, staff benefits, and opportunities for personal and professional development.