Optometrist | University Hospitals Dorset NHS Foundation Trust

Royal Bournemouth and Christchurch Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust; Bournemouth; On-site; GBP 21,000 - 35,000; Part time

Job summary

Royal Bournemouth and Christchurch Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust is seeking an enthusiastic Optometrist to join the ophthalmology department, primarily at Royal Bournemouth Hospital. Part‑time roles are considered, with a minimum of one day per week.

IP and contact lens experience are valued, with on‑site training provided. The role includes core clinics, contact lens work, paediatric refraction, and potential specialist clinics.

Qualifications

• GOC registration is required.
• Experience in contact lens practice desirable.
• Independent prescribing qualification is advantageous but not essential.

Responsibilities

• Core clinics including assessment of new and current patients in contact lens service.
• Provide therapeutic contact lens fittings and aftercare.
• Paediatric refraction (with/without cycloplegia) at RBH and possibly other local sites.
• Participate in specialist clinics (Glaucoma, macula) and Eye Emergency Department.
• On‑the‑job training and supervision will be provided.

Skills

GOC Registration

Education

BSc in Optometry

GOC Registration

Job description

Optometrist | University Hospitals Dorset NHS Foundation Trust

Company: Royal Bournemouth and Christchurch Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust

Salary: pro rata

Hours: Part-time

Location: Bournemouth, BH7 7DW

Job type: Permanent

Posting date: 7 Oct 2026

Closing date: 6 Nov 2026

An exciting opportunity has arisen for a enthusiastic and motivated full or part time Optometrist to join our friendly Ophthalmology department based mainly at Royal Bournemouth Hospital.

Part time applications will be considered for a minimum of 1 day per week, so if you would like the challenge of Hospital Optometry and the support of the consultant ophthalmologists to improve your clinical practice this is the role for you.

The clinical workload will involve core clinics including the assessment of new and current patients attending the contact lens optometry service where we provide therapeutic contact lens fittings and aftercare for a wide variety of patients, and include paediatric refraction (both with and without cycloplegia) at RBH and possibly also off-site at our other local hospitals. On the job training and supervision will be provided. Other roles could include specialist clinics utilising IP such as Glaucoma clinics, macula clinics and working in the Eye Emergency Department.

Support to those wanting to undertake their IP qualification will also be considered

This role requires GOC Registration

Base Location: UHD Royal Bournemouth Hospital

You will be working as part of a multi-disciplinary team, liaising closely with a team of five Optometrists, 15 Consultant Ophthalmologists, 8 Orthoptists, Ophthalmic Nurses, Ophthalmic technicians and other support staff.

The successful post holder should have a BSc in Optometry and be registered with the General Optical Council. Experience in contact lens practice is desirable, and previous hospital optometry experience
would be advantageous but not essential. An Independent prescribing qualification is again advantageous, but not essential.

UHD are investing, developing and transforming Trust services in line with the New Hospital Programme. As part of this, some services may move site this year or next, either temporarily or permanently. Recruiting Managers will be happy to answer any service-specific questions at interview.

If a role or service relocates as part of a planned move, excess mileage will not be reimbursed. Travel from home to the new work base will be classed as a normal commute. Any other changes will be managed under Trust or national terms and conditions.

UHD has active networks including Women’s, BAME, Pride, EU, Pro Ability, and Armed Forces. We support Disability Confident and Armed Forces Covenant interview schemes.

AI tools may be used, but applications must honestly reflect your own skills and experience. Integrity is key to our recruitment process.

To understand the role in more detail please read the full job description and person specification documents which are attached to this advert.

This advert closes on Sunday 18 Oct 2026

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