Specialist Optometrist

University Hospitals Sussex NHS Foundation Trust; Shoreham-by-Sea; On-site; GBP 46,000 - 53,000; Part time

Job summary

Join a forward-thinking healthcare organization as a Clinical Optometrist, where you will support the glaucoma service and have opportunities for growth in medical retina and cataract care. This role offers a chance to work with a dedicated team in state-of-the-art facilities, fostering an inclusive environment that values diversity and staff wellbeing. With a commitment to compassionate care and continuous learning, you will play a vital role in improving patients' lives across Sussex. If you are passionate about optometry and ready to make a difference, we invite you to apply and embark on an enriching career journey.

Benefits

Flexible Working Options

Staff Networks

Buddy Schemes

Disability Confident Employer

Veteran Aware Trust

Support for Staff Wellbeing

Qualifications

• Minimum 2 years post-registration clinical experience required.
• Experience in understanding and championing diversity and equalities issues.

Responsibilities

• Provide clinical support to ophthalmology services autonomously.
• Participate in service reviews and improvement initiatives.

Skills

Clinical Leadership

Patient Communication

Optometric Services

Service Development

Education

BSc(Hons) Optometry

Postgraduate Qualifications

Tools

General Optical Council Registration

Job description

View all our vacancies across our hospitals in Sussex. Search, find, and apply for a job with us today.

Employer: 279 University Hospitals Sussex NHS Foundation Trust | Employer type: NHS | Site: Southlands Hospital & St Richards Hospital | Town: Shoreham by Sea | Salary: £46,148 - £52,809 per annum | Salary period: Yearly | Closing: 07/05/2025 23:59

About our Trust

At UHSussex, we’re proud to be at the heart of the NHS. As one of the UK’s largest acute Trusts, we exemplify the excellence, ambition, and values of the NHS for over 70 years.

Our dedicated staff work together to put Patients First. Our mission is encapsulated in our motto, 'where better never stops', and you will contribute to our progress and to improving patients’ lives across Sussex.

We value diversity as our strength and foster an inclusive environment where everyone can succeed. We offer Staff Networks, buddy schemes, and are a Disability Confident Employer (Level 2) and a Veteran Aware Trust.

We treat patients and staff with compassion and empathy, supporting staff wellbeing through extensive programmes and flexible working options to promote work-life balance.

As a university trust and healthcare research leader, we prioritize learning, teaching, and training, supporting your growth and development throughout your career with us.

We look forward to your application and to welcoming you to UHSussex.

Job overview

Advert: Clinical Optometrist Band 7 Part-time 0.4WTE

Join our friendly team at Southlands and St Richards Hospital, supporting the glaucoma service with opportunities to develop in medical retina and cataract care.

The ophthalmology unit in Shoreham, developed in 2017, features state-of-the-art facilities. We seek motivated candidates with hospital experience and higher qualifications in optometry. The team includes ophthalmologists, optometrists, orthoptists, nurses, and technical staff. For informal discussions, contact Karen French, Consultant Optometrist, at [e-mail].

Main duties of the job

Provide clinical support to ophthalmology services, working autonomously and as part of a team. Deliver core and extended optometric services, contribute to team supervision, teaching, training, and participate in research and audits.

Working for our organisation

We promote diversity, inclusion, and staff wellbeing, offering flexible work arrangements and support networks. We are committed to compassionate care and continuous learning, aiming to help you grow and feel valued.

We look forward to your application and the start of your journey with UHSussex.

Detailed job description and main responsibilities

• Communicate effectively with patients, families, and healthcare professionals.
• Support verbal and written communication, including educational materials.
• Identify opportunities for service development within Ophthalmic Services.
• Assist with practice and service development, policy review, and departmental projects.
• Participate in service reviews and improvement initiatives.

Person specification

Professional Registration

• General Optical Council

Experience and Qualifications

• BSc(Hons) Optometry or equivalent
• At least 2 years post-registration clinical experience
• Postgraduate qualifications (e.g., College of Optometrists certificates/diplomas) are advantageous

People Management and Development

• Ability to demonstrate high standards of care, provide clinical leadership, and supervise/train others

Equality, Diversity, and Inclusion

• Experience in understanding and championing diversity and equalities issues

Important notes:

• Use of AI-generated applications will be monitored; managers may reject applications deemed AI-created.
• We may close the advert early if there is high interest or application cap reached.
• Flexible working options are available; discuss with the line manager.
• DBS checks are required for roles eligible for criminal record checks.
• Applications for Skilled Worker visas are accepted if criteria are met; visit gov.uk for details.

For application assistance, contact:

• Nursing vacancies: [e-mail]
• Non-Nursing vacancies: [e-mail]

You must have appropriate UK professional registration. The role is subject to the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act 1974 (Exceptions) Order 1975 (Amendment) (England and Wales) Order 2020, requiring a Disclosure and Barring Service check.

For informal discussions, contact Karen French at [e-mail] or 01903 285011.