Optometry Facilitator

UHI; Inverness; On-site; GBP 22,000 - 28,000; Part time

Benefits offered by this job

42 days leave pro rata

Pension scheme

Flexible working

Discounts

Cycle to Work

Free parking

Job summary

UHI invites applications for an Optometry Facilitator to support problem-based learning in the optometry curriculum. The facilitator leads two sessions weekly, guides student groups, and helps them define research topics within clinical case scenarios.

The role is part-time, 0.2 FTE (about 7 hours weekly) across two weeks per semester, with an hourly pay scale aligned to UHI grade 5 and requires PVG clearance and a commitment to flexible scheduling.

Qualifications

• No specific optometry knowledge required; ability to guide students through clinical cases.
• Strong communication and interpersonal skills for group work.
• Ability to work in a flexible, part-time schedule.

Responsibilities

• Lead two facilitated sessions per week with a minimum of two per semester.
• Guide student teams in defining topics and research questions.
• Deliver facilitator notes to help steer case discussions without teaching.
• Coordinate with Optometry leadership and comply with PVG checks.

Skills

Facilitation

Problem-based learning

Group guidance

Job description

UHI is the United Kingdom’s leading integrated university encompassing both further and higher education. We are more than a college and more than a traditional university: a diverse, flexible partnership, rooted in our communities and driven by their needs. Our network of colleges, specialist teaching centres and internationally recognised research institutes delivers supported, flexible learning from access level to PhD.

To support our work we are recruiting to the following role:

Optometry Facilitator

Salary range The role will be an hourly rate, based on the UHI grade 5 pay scale Duration Sessional Working hours This post is part time with the requirement to lead 2 facilitated sessions per week with a commitment to the delivery of a minimum of 2 sessions per semester Location UHI House, Inverness Closing Date 4 October 2026

Optometry in the Centre for Rural Health Science

Do you have a background in science or healthcare and are looking for a new challenge? If you have some time available to support the facilitation of problem-based learning for our optometry students, this role may be for you. No specific optometry knowledge is required, instead we are looking for individuals with the skills to guide our students to use the resources available to them to explore the clinical cases that are presented, as part of the problem-based learning aspects of the curriculum.

This is a very exciting time in Optometry with the great expansion of roles and opportunities being developed to deliver eye care across the UK. This role is an opportunity to provide support to the delivery of the optometry programme at UHI and contribute to the education of the eyecare professionals of the future.

Optometry Facilitator

The post holder will provide facilitator support and assist the delivery of the problem-based learning modules within the optometry curriculum. The facilitator introduces the students to the problem (case) in a structured way providing them with information which allows them to define their topics for research, understand the problem that the case is representing and set learning goals. The students undertake the research in teams of 5-7 people, with team members each having different allocated roles. The facilitator is responsible for the delivery of 2 facilitated sessions per week (with a minimum commitment of 2 weeks per semester). Detailed facilitator notes enable the facilitator to guide the students research to answer the questions, without actually teaching them, which is the aim of this type of learning. Facilitator might work with multiple groups in one session.

A detailed job description and person specification for the post are attached.

Applicants with informal questions are encouraged to contact Alison MacPherson, Head of Optometry by email to [e-mail]

Pay And Benefits

The role will be an hourly rate, based on the UHI grade 5 pay scale.

This post is part time with the requirement to lead 2 facilitated sessions per week with a commitment to the delivery of a minimum of 2 sessions per semester. The time commitment will be 0.2FTE (7 hours per week) for 2 weeks minimum per semester, on a working pattern as agreed with your line manager. Current delivery of this role is split over Mondays and Fridays but may be subject to change.

This post is subject to a Disclosure Scotland Protection of Vulnerable Groups (PVG) Scheme check, so please let us know if you are currently a PVG scheme member.

The workplace pension scheme provided to workers at grade five and below is the Local Government Pension Scheme (LGPS). This is a qualifying pension scheme, which means it meets or exceeds the government’s standards. Full information about the scheme can be found on the Highland Council’s Pension Fund website http://www.highlandpensionfund.org/

Full-time posts carry a total of 42 days leave per annum (pro rata for part-time posts). It is practice that, with the exception of a Christmas and New Year closure, leave must be taken subject to the requirements of the post and department and with the permission of your line manager.

Recruitment Process

When completing the application form please ensure that you clearly evidence how you meet the selection criteria identified on the relevant person specification.

The deadline for submitting your application is Sunday 04 October 2026

Shortlisting will take place w/c 5 October 2026

If you have any queries regarding our recruitment and selection process, or if you would like to request any reasonable adjustments to either the recruitment process or the prospective job, please do make contact with the HR team as soon as possible by email to [e-mail].

Interviews

will be held week commencing 12 October 2026.

• Job description
• Person specification
• Further information
• Terms and conditions
• Guidance notes for candidates
• Summary of terms and conditions of employment

UHI Employee Benefits

At UHI, we offer a supportive, flexible and rewarding place to work, with a range of benefits including:

• 42 days’ annual leave (pro rata)
• Attractive pension scheme and options for additional contributions
• Flexible working and family-friendly policies
• Occupational sick pay and an Employee Assistance Programme (incl. spousal support)
• High-street and online retail discounts
• 10% off Highlife Highland memberships
• Cycle to Work scheme
• Contribution towards DSE prescription glasses
• Free parking and EV charging (where available)
• LinkedIn Learning access for ongoing professional development
• Long-service awards and active social events

If you have any queries about the application process please contact the HR Office at [e-mail].