Specialist Optometrist

Sheffield Children's; Sheffield; On-site; GBP 37,000 - 45,000; Part time

Job summary

Sheffield Children's NHS Foundation Trust is seeking a Specialist Optometrist to join their Ophthalmology team. The role involves providing paediatric eye care, conducting examinations, and supporting surgical procedures. This fixed-term position offers a supportive environment focused on child and family-centered care.

Benefits

Generous annual leave

Pension schemes

Health and wellbeing programmes

Exclusive discounts

Qualifications

• Experience working as a qualified Optometrist.
• Experience in paediatric assessment and treatment.

Responsibilities

• Conduct refraction and fundus examinations in clinics.
• Assist Consultant Ophthalmologist in surgical theatre sessions.

Skills

Communication

Assessment Techniques

Teamwork

Adaptability

Education

BSc Optics or Optometry

Registration with the General Optical Council

Tools

Indirect Ophthalmoscope

Job description

Sheffield Children’s NHS Foundation Trust

Specialist Optometrist

The closing date is 01 June 2025

Fixed Term: 12 months | 22.5hrs per week | Proposed interview date Wednesday 18-Jun-2025

We are looking for someone to become a valued member of our Ophthalmology team, providing paediatric eye care in Sheffield and across the region. We are family centred in our approach, driving forward service improvements, and are a supportive team who care for and look after each other.

About the Role: You will work in orthoptic/optometry clinics and specialised ophthalmic clinics, performing refraction and fundus examinations. You may also support surgical theatre sessions for children requiring checks under anaesthetic. You may be based at Sheffield Children's Hospital or another Trust location.

About You: You will have a degree in Optics/Optometry and will be registered with the GOC, along with experience in paediatric assessment and treatment. We are looking for someone who is committed to child and family-centred approaches, aligning with the values of our Trust.

Join our fantastic team - we look forward to receiving your application!

Main duties of the job

You will report to the Head Orthoptist, and responsibilities include:

Conduct refraction and fundus examinations in clinics (training in the use of the indirect ophthalmoscope and other techniques available).

Assist Consultant Ophthalmologist in surgical theatre sessions.

Prescribe glasses under hospital eye service and local protocols.

About us

At Sheffield Children's, our purpose is clear: to provide healthier futures for children and young people. Our three strategic aims are Outstanding Patient Care, Brilliant Place to Work, and Leaders in Children's Health.

We work with partners across local, regional, and national levels to deliver physical and mental healthcare in both acute and community settings. Many of our clinicians are nationally and internationally recognised for their expertise.

We're proud that 73% of colleagues would recommend Sheffield Children's as a place to work, placing us among the top five NHS trusts in England -- and the top-ranked trust in the North East and Yorkshire -- in the latest NHS Staff Survey.

Our nearly 4,000 colleagues bring our CARE values -- Compassion, Accountability, Respect, and Excellence -- to life every day, creating a kind, welcoming environment where patients and families feel safe and supported.

As we approach our 150th anniversary in 2026, we're excited to keep building our leadership in children's health, improve experiences for patients and staff, and focus on our communities and population health.

We also offer excellent benefits to support your wellbeing, with generous annual leave and pension schemes, health and wellbeing programmes, and exclusive discounts -- helping you thrive at work and beyond.

Job responsibilities

For more information on the main responsibilities for this post, please refer to the job description and person specification.

Please note that Sheffield Children's uplift pay to meet the Real Living Wage, which is £12.60 per hour.

Diversity Statement

At Sheffield Childrens, we are committed to creating an inclusive environment that celebrates diversity and supports everyones success. We prioritise Equality, Diversity, and Inclusion in our recruitment practices, creating a welcoming space for people of all backgrounds, including ethnic minorities, individuals with disabilities, and LGBTQ+ members.

Recognising that inclusivity is an ongoing effort, we review our processes and welcome feedback to enhance our practices. A diverse team strengthens our organisation and the quality of care we deliver. For ideas on how we can improve, please contact our Recruitment Manager at [e-mail]. Together, were building a workplace where everyone belongs.

#LI-Onsite

Person Specification

Experience

• Experience working practice as a qualified Optometrist
• Experience and interest in paediatric assessment and treatment
• Clinical experience in secondary healthcare
• Experience in using indirect ophthalmoscope
• Clinical teaching experience

Knowledge & Skills

• Good verbal and written communication skills with parents, children and all staff disciplines
• Techniques for assessment of visually impaired children and children with special needs and disability

Personal attributes

• Caring and sensitive to child's and carer's needs and wishes
• Commitment to child / family centred approach
• Reliable and able to take responsibility for delegated tasks
• Ability to work within a team
• Adaptable and able to work under pressure and to clinical schedules

Qualifications and Training

• BSc Optics or Optometry or equivalent qualification recognised by GOC
• Registration with the General Optical Council (GOC)
• Evidence of CPD
• Attendance at relevant clinical meetings
• Membership, or Fellowship of the College of Optometrists

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.

Sheffield Children’s NHS Foundation Trust

Address

Sheffield Children's NHS Foundation Trust

£37,338 to £44,962 a yearper annum pro rata

Contract

Fixed term

Duration

12 months

Working pattern

Part-time,Job share

Reference number

425-25-7149302

Job locations

Sheffield Children's NHS Foundation Trust