Principal Optometrist - Ophthalmology | London North West University Healthcare NHS Trust

London North West Healthcare NHS Trust; Greater London; On-site; GBP 40,000 - 60,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading NHS trust is seeking a Principal Optometrist to lead its glaucoma service. This full-time role involves delivering high-quality patient care, providing mentorship, and contributing to service development. Candidates should hold a Higher Certificate in Glaucoma and have substantial experience in a hospital setting. The position is fixed-term maternity cover with potential for flexible working arrangements.

Qualifications

• 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 glaucoma care pathways and risk stratification.

Responsibilities

• Deliver comprehensive optometric care across a broad range of services.
• Provide clinical supervision and mentorship to junior optometrists.
• Liaise closely with ophthalmologists and other stakeholders for service delivery.

Skills

Leadership

Clinical decision-making

Excellent communication

Experience in glaucoma care pathways

Risk stratification

Education

College of Optometrists Higher Certificate in Glaucoma

Independent Prescribing qualification

Tools

Diagnostic imaging tools

Laser equipment

Job description

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.

• 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.

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 (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 specialist care at 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. 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
  • Reseach clinics (GCP training to be provided)
  • Undertaking laser treatments (training will be provided) such as:
    • YAG Capsulotomy
    • Selective Laser Trabeculoplasty (SLT)
    • Peripheral Iridotomy (PI)
  • 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.

We are looking for a highly motivated, forward-thinking Principal Optometrist to join our dynamic Ophthalmology team at London North West University Healthcare NHS Trust. This is an exciting full-time opportunity to take a senior clinical leadership role within our expanding Glaucoma Service, delivering high-quality, patient-centred care across both hospital and community diagnostic settings. You will be working at an advanced level of practice, managing complex glaucoma patients, leading service delivery, and contributing to innovation, training, and service development. You'll also 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