Specialist Optometrist

Liverpool University Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust; Liverpool; On-site; GBP 38,000 - 50,000; Full time

Job summary

A prominent healthcare provider in Liverpool is seeking a dedicated optometrist to provide specialist services in a high-quality clinical setting. Responsibilities include managing patient care, leading clinical services, and delivering educational programs. The ideal candidate will have strong experience in optometry and an ability to work independently. This role offers opportunities for professional development and contributes to the overall service quality.

Qualifications

• Ability to handle complex clinical procedures and patient assessments.
• Experience in research and development related to optometry.
• Capacity to manage junior staff and provide training.

Responsibilities

• Deliver specialist optometric services autonomously.
• Lead clinical services and ensure high quality of care.
• Conduct clinical audits and manage educational programs.

Skills

Autonomous practice

Clinical audit

Teaching

Patient management

Complex decision making

Education

Registered Optometrist with General Optical Council

Job description

Overview

To work closely with the Head of Department to deliver a comprehensive range of specialist optometric services to high standards of quality and patient care. To work as an autonomous practitioner in providing optometric assessment, diagnosis and management of patients of all ages, including those with visual disability and varying communication needs. To undertake clinical audit, teaching, supervision and lead roles within the Optometry Department, contributing to service development and education across undergraduate and postgraduate levels. The post aligns with the Trust's values and policies.

Responsibilities

1. To work closely with the Head of Department in order to deliver a comprehensive range of specialist optometric services to the highest standards of quality and patient care.
2. To work as an autonomous practitioner in providing optometric assessment, diagnosis and management of patients of all ages, including the elderly, those with visual disability and those with varying communication skills.
3. To personally deliver complex specialist optometric services that meet the changing needs of the Directorate and other outside agencies.
4. To undertake the role of lead clinician for at least one specific optometric service such as the contact lens service, low vision service, or ultrasound biometry service.
5. To coordinate and ensure the appropriate deployment of staff and evaluate service delivery, liaising with the Head of Optometry Department regarding changes to the service. To work as an independent practitioner and be a source of clinical expertise for junior staff in the assessment / practice of these clinical specialties.
6. To undertake specific administrative duties as agreed with the Head of Optometry Department, in particular tasks associated with the lead role for a specific optometric service and any other administrative task delegated.
7. To undertake clinical audit and research as agreed with the Head of Optometry Department.
8. To participate in an audit team, coordinating and advising within the service as necessary.
9. To be a registered supervisor with the College of Optometrists for Preregistration Optometrists.
10. To provide teaching and training at undergraduate and postgraduate levels for various disciplines within ophthalmology visiting the Optometry Department.
11. To take a major role in the preparation, organisation and delivery of teaching programmes provided by the Optometry Department.

Qualifications and requirements

• Registered as an Optometrist with the General Optical Council.
• Specialist knowledge across a range of optometric procedures and practices, supported by theoretical knowledge and relevant practical experience; able to record and analyse own clinical data and take responsibility for the operation of information systems in relation to one service.
• Regular involvement in formal Research & Development activities as part of the job requirements.
• Ability to act as an independent practitioner guided by broad occupational policies and to interpret policy, advise and guide others.
• Physical ability to move major clinical equipment on wheels and adjust chairs and furniture as needed.
• Ability to perform frequent, concentration-intensive clinical decisions and manage parallel activities with interruptions.
• Ability to work with patients, carers and colleagues in distressing situations including ocular injury or loss of sight.
• Ability to work in an indoor environment with exposure to specialised equipment and to manage stock related to the specialist service.
• Ability to manage day-to-day supervision of junior staff and provide specialist training, with capability to communicate complex information to professionals and patients.
• Ability to manage enquiries and complaints within Directorate and Trust procedures.
• Ability to make judgments involving complex facts or situations and determine appropriate outcomes.
• Organisational ability to plan and coordinate multiple complex activities or programmes.
• Ability to perform highly developed physical skills with precision and speed, including stereo biomicroscopy and ultrasound probe placement with measurements to 0.01 mm.
• Ability to deliver a range of specialist clinical technical services directly to patients and be accountable for the management of one of the department’s specialist services.
• Able to implement policies for own work area and contribute to policy and service reviews that impact the Optometry Department and beyond.

Organisation and environment

St Paul’s Eye Unit is the largest eye care provider in Cheshire and Merseyside, a long-established centre of excellence for ophthalmic care, and a division within Liverpool University Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust. We are a tertiary referral centre with around 370 staff and multiple sites, delivering eye emergency and general ophthalmology services along with subspecialty services. The Trust is part of NHS University Hospitals of Liverpool Group, formed by LUHFT and Liverpool Women’s NHS Foundation Trust. Description of current structure and affiliations is provided for context.

Notes

Note: The organisation may include standard employment-related information such as visa sponsorship limitations, DBS processing fees, safeguarding policies, and flexible working statements typical of NHS recruitment communications. Applicants are encouraged to review the full, official job posting for complete details and to contact Recruitment Services for any accessibility needs during the application process. New entrants to the NHS will commence on the first pay point of the relevant band.