Role Description
Sessional Optometrist – Make a difference!
Location: North West London Schools
Salary: £250 per day plus benefits
Hours: 7.5 to 37.5 hours per week (1‑5 days a week) - School term time only
About SeeAbility
SeeAbility is the UK’s leading specialist eye care charity for people with learning disabilities, autism, visual impairment and complex support needs. With over 225 years of experience, SeeAbility delivers expert, inclusive eye care services and is commissioned by NHS England to provide Special Schools Eye Care Services.
Role Overview: Special School Optometrist
You will work as part of SeeAbility’s NHS‑commissioned Special Schools Eye Care Team, delivering specialist eye care in London special schools during term time only. You’ll visit the same schools regularly, with occasional need to cover other schools, and will receive full specialist training upon appointment.
This is a highly autonomous clinical role requiring expert judgement, advanced communication skills, and the ability to work confidently with children who have complex physical, learning, sensory and behavioural needs.
Core Responsibilities
Clinical Care & Decision‑Making
* Deliver specialist eye care in line with NHS England Special School Eye Care Service Specifications
* Manage an independent caseload using evidence‑based practice
* Make complex clinical decisions
* Refer appropriately to ophthalmologists, orthoptists, GPs and other healthcare professionals
* Use and handle specialist equipment with a high level of technical skill
Communication & Family Engagement
* Communicate sensitively and effectively with children with complex needs
* Deliver information to parents and carers, often despite communication barriers
* Liaise directly with parents, carers, and schools (using secure NHS mail and GDPR‑compliant systems)
* Produce written clinical reports within 5 working days for parents, schools, and professionals
Multidisciplinary & Collaborative Working
* Work closely with:
o Dispensing Opticians
o Orthoptists and ophthalmologists
o GPs and paediatricians
o Speech & Language Therapists
o Occupational and Physiotherapists
o Educational and social care professionals
* Promote interdisciplinary cooperation to enhance patient‑centred care
Training, Quality and Service Development
* Complete SeeAbility City, St George’s University Eyecare Training
* Complete mandatory organisational SeeAbility training
* Deliver annual training sessions to assigned schools where possible
* Participate in clinical audit and service improvement initiatives
* Participate in risk assessments with the service manager
* In time, mentor new team members
* Attend at least three SeeAbility team meetings per year
Governance, Safety & Professional Standards
* Maintain accurate, confidential clinical records in line with:
o Data Protection Act
o NHS Information Governance Toolkit
* Report and investigate incidents, near misses, or safeguarding concerns
* Adhere to infection control, health & safety, and safeguarding policies
* Maintain CPD and stay up to date with developments in eye health, disability and legislation
* Uphold SeeAbility’s values
Physical and Mental Demands of the Role
* Transporting specialist equipment between school sites
* High levels of concentration for prolonged periods (2–3+ hours)
* Managing interruptions and challenging behaviours
* Emotional resilience when discussing permanent visual loss
Benefits
* Recognition & Rewards – Celebrate your achievements
* Financial Perks – Discounts & cashback offers
* Wellbeing Support – 24/7 Employee Assistance Programme
* Refer a Friend – Earn £600 for successful referrals
Safeguarding and Promoting Welfare
SeeAbility is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of the people we support. We expect all staff to uphold this commitment and have a strong understanding of their roles and responsibilities in safeguarding.
Safer Recruitment
* Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS) check (where appropriate)
* Identity, current address and right-to-work verification
* Health declaration to ensure that you are medically suitable for the role you have been offered
* Employment references relating to work with this role or similar roles
All checks are completed at SeeAbility’s expense before a start date is confirmed.
Diversity & Inclusion
We are proud to be a Disability Confident Employer and are committed to creating a diverse and inclusive workplace.
* We welcome applications from people of all backgrounds, identities and experiences, including those with disabilities or who are neurodivergent.
* Reasonable adjustments are available throughout the recruitment process.
* In exceptional circumstances, a genuine occupational requirement may apply under the Equality Act 2010 (Schedule 9, Part 1)
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