Principal Optometrist - Ophthalmology

NHS; City Of London; On-site; GBP 61,000 - 69,000; Full time

Job summary

A healthcare provider in London is seeking a Principal Optometrist for their Ophthalmology team. This full-time, fixed-term role involves managing glaucoma patients, leading a multidisciplinary team, and providing high-quality patient-centered care. Candidates should have substantial experience in a hospital setting, post-graduate qualifications, and the ability to perform laser procedures. This position offers the opportunity to shape optometric services within a supportive environment.

Benefits

Supportive working environment

Career development opportunities

Qualifications

• Substantial post-registration experience in a hospital-based optometry setting.
• Competent in performing laser procedures.
• Strong understanding of risk stratification and glaucoma care pathways.

Responsibilities

• Monitor Optometrists' workloads and treatment methods.
• Line manage and train the optometric team.
• Manage day-to-day operations of the non-medical glaucoma team.

Skills

Clinical decision-making

Leadership

Communication skills

Education

BSc Hons

Post Grad qualifications

College of Optometrists Higher Certificate in Glaucoma

Tools

Diagnostic imaging

Laser treatments

Job description

Overview

We are looking for a highly motivated, forward-thinking Principal Optometrist to join our Ophthalmology team at London North West University Healthcare NHS Trust. This is a full-time senior clinical leadership role within the expanding Glaucoma Service, delivering high-quality, patient-centred care across hospital and community diagnostic settings. You will manage complex glaucoma patients, lead service delivery, contribute to innovation, training, and service development, and provide clinical supervision and professional leadership to a multidisciplinary team including optometrists, orthoptists, and technicians.

We are looking for someone who:

• Holds the College of Optometrists Higher Certificate in Glaucoma and Independent Prescribing qualification

• Has substantial post-registration experience in a hospital-based or equivalent optometry setting

• Is competent in performing laser procedures such as YAG Capsulotomy, SLT, and Peripheral Iridotomy (or willing to train)

• Has a strong understanding of risk stratification, diagnostic imaging, and glaucoma care pathways

• Demonstrates excellent clinical decision-making, leadership, and communication skills

This is an ideal role for a confident, autonomous clinician ready to lead and shape specialist optometric services within a supportive and forward-looking department.

Main duties of the job

• Monitor Optometrists' workloads and treatment methods to maintain high professional standards.

• Hold regular individual meetings with team members.

• Assist the Head of Optometry and Orthoptic Services with CPD planning using evidence-based and best practice guidelines.

• Develop, write, and communicate guidelines to implement across the team.

• Provide training programmes for pre-registered, student, and Independent Prescribing Optometrists.

• Line manage staff and oversee Optometrists, Orthoptists, and Technicians.

• Work flexibly across face-to-face, diagnostic, and telephone consultation clinics.

• Manage day-to-day operations of the non-medical glaucoma team.

• Provide professional leadership across subspecialties and advise the wider team.

• Support a patient-centred approach, respecting individual service user and carer perspectives.

• Directly participate in patient care planning and evaluation and supervise junior staff.

• Liaise with the Clinical Director regarding service developments and their inclusion in the Business Plan.

• Contribute to service performance, policy development, and the implementation of clinical procedures.

• Attend and contribute to monthly business meetings and Clinical Governance meetings.

• Monitor and report performance against service objectives; implement remedial action when needed.

• Support the Lead Optometrist in other services and provide cover during absence.

• Update monthly departmental business meetings.

About us

London North West University Healthcare NHS Trust (LNWH) cares for the people of Brent, Ealing, Harrow and beyond. Our team of more than 8,200 clinical and support staff serve a diverse population of almost one million people. We run major acute services at:

• Northwick Park Hospital: home to one of the busiest emergency departments in the country, with a full range of services including a top-rated hyper-acute stroke unit.

• St Mark's Hospital: internationally renowned centre for bowel disease

• Ealing Hospital: a busy district general hospital with 24/7 emergency department and urgent care centre

• Central Middlesex Hospital: planned care site with surgical and outpatient services

We are a university teaching NHS trust, recognised for training clinicians of the future and bringing research benefits to the public.

Details

Date posted: 01 October 2025

Pay scheme: Agenda for Change

Band: Band 8a

Salary: £61,631 to £68,623 a year pa Inclusive of High Cost Area Supplement

Contract: Fixed term

Duration: 12 months

Working pattern: Full-time

Reference number: 337-NP-8993SM-A

Job locations: Central Middlesex Hospital, Ophthalmology, London, NW10 7NS

Job responsibilities

As Principal Optometrist within the Ophthalmology department, you will deliver high-quality care across the glaucoma service, with contributions to cataract and wider pathways. As line manager for the optometric team, you will be the professional lead, involved in rota management, appraisal and training.

The role is a fixed-term maternity cover post that is vacant and suitable for a candidate who can start immediately or after notice. Some flexibility in timetable and remote working arrangements can be considered. Less than full-time applicants may be considered; please enquire before application.

Your key responsibilities will include:

• Delivering comprehensive optometric care across a broad range of services:

• Specialist glaucoma clinics involving complex case management and treatment planning under consultant guidance

• Pre- and post-operative cataract assessments

• Research clinics (GCP training to be provided)

• Undertaking laser treatments (training provided) such as YAG Capsulotomy, SLT, PI

• Providing clinical supervision and mentorship to junior optometrists, students, and other MDT members.

• Liaising closely with ophthalmologists, orthoptists, technicians, management and other stakeholders to ensure seamless care pathways and effective service delivery.

• This is an opportunity to shape care models, influence service development, and contribute to the training and progression of the wider optometry team.

To view the full responsibilities and person specification, please see the attached Job Description and Person Specification

Person Specification

BSc Hons Essential

• Hospital experience

• Post Grad qualifications

• Glaucoma Level 1

Disclosure and Registration

This post is subject to the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act (Exceptions Order) 1975 and as such it will be necessary for a submission for Disclosure to be made to the Disclosure and Barring Service (formerly known as CRB) to check for any previous criminal convictions.

Applicants must have current UK professional registration. For further information please see NHS Careers website.

Employer details

London North West University Healthcare NHS Trust, Central Middlesex Hospital, Ophthalmology, London, NW10 7NS

Employer's website: https://www.lnwh.nhs.uk