Principal Optometrist - Ophthalmology

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

Job summary

A prominent healthcare organization in Greater London is seeking a Principal Optometrist for their Ophthalmology team. This role involves leading the Glaucoma Service, managing complex cases, and providing clinical supervision within a multidisciplinary team. The ideal candidate will possess the Higher Certificate in Glaucoma and Independent Prescribing qualifications, along with significant hospital experience. This full-time role offers a competitive salary and may accommodate flexible working arrangements, making it an excellent opportunity for those wishing to shape care models in a thriving service.

Qualifications

• Holds the College of Optometrists Higher Certificate in Glaucoma and Independent Prescribing qualification.
• Substantial post-registration experience in a hospital-based or equivalent optometry setting.
• Competent in performing laser procedures such as YAG Capsulotomy, SLT, and Peripheral Iridotomy.

Responsibilities

• Monitor Optometrists' workloads and treatment methods.
• Assist the Head of Optometry and Orthoptic Services with CPD planning.
• 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.

Skills

Glaucoma management

Clinical decision-making

Leadership

Communication skills

Diagnostic imaging

Education

BSc Hons

Higher Certificate in Glaucoma

Independent Prescribing qualification

Tools

Laser procedures

Diagnostic equipment

Job description

Overview

London North West University Healthcare NHS Trust is looking for a highly motivated Principal Optometrist to join our Ophthalmology team. 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 work at an advanced level of practice, manage complex glaucoma patients, lead service delivery, and contribute to innovation, training, and service development. You will provide clinical supervision and professional leadership to a multidisciplinary team including optometrists, orthoptists, and technicians.

The closing date is 15 February 2026

Qualifications and experience we are looking for

• Holds the College of Optometrists Higher Certificate in Glaucoma and Independent Prescribing qualification
• Substantial post-registration experience in a hospital-based or equivalent optometry setting
• Competent in performing laser procedures such as YAG Capsulotomy, SLT, and Peripheral Iridotomy (or willing to train)
• Strong understanding of risk stratification, diagnostic imaging, and glaucoma care pathways
• Excellent clinical decision-making, leadership, and communication skills

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.

• Northwick Park Hospital: home to one of the busiest emergency departments (A&E) in the country. The hospital provides a full range of services including the country\'s top-rated hyper-acute stroke unit and one of only three hyper-acute rehabilitation units in the UK
• St Mark's Hospital: an internationally renowned specialist centre for bowel disease
• Ealing Hospital: a busy district general hospital providing a range of clinical services, as well as 24/7 emergency department and urgent care centre, and Meadow House Hospice
• Central Middlesex Hospital: our planned care site, hosting a range of surgical and outpatient services and collocated with an urgent care centre

We are a university teaching NHS trust, in recognition of the important role we play in training clinicians of the future and bringing the benefits of research to the public.

Job responsibilities

As Principal Optometrist within the Ophthalmology department, you will play a pivotal role in delivering high-quality care across our glaucoma service, while also contributing 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 currently vacant and suitable for a candidate who can start immediately or after their notice period. The timetable has some flexibility and remote working arrangement can be considered for the right candidate. We may also consider a less than full time applicant, but please enquire before application.

Your key responsibilities will include:

• Delivering comprehensive optometric care across a broad range of services, including 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 will be provided) such as YAG Capsulotomy and Selective Laser Trabeculoplasty (SLT)
• Providing clinical supervision and mentorship to junior optometrists, students, and other members of the multidisciplinary team
• Liaising closely with ophthalmologists, orthoptists, technicians, management and other stakeholders to ensure seamless care pathways and effective service delivery
• This is a fantastic opportunity to take on a senior leadership role within an ambitious and evolving ophthalmology service. You will have the 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
• Hospital experience
• Extended Role Experience
• Disclosure and Barring Service Check

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.

London North West University Healthcare NHS Trust

£61,631 to £68,623 a yearpa Inclusive of High Cost Area Supplement