Contact information
For all enquires relating to this role please contact Aqsa Ali Lead Orthoptist (aqsa.ali2@nhs.net) or Kate Edwards Patient Service Manager (kate.edwards25@nhs.net) 01924 543875
About the role
The Mid Yorkshire Hospitals NHS Trust is looking for a Specialist Optometrist, with a specialist interest in Macular, Medical Retina & Paediatrics to join our amazing team of 10 Consultant Ophthalmologists, 17 Doctors, 2 Specialist Optometrists and 5 Orthoptists.
We see around 70,000 patients a year in our three outpatient clinic areas, providing a wide range of diagnostic and treatment options. We are constantly looking at ways to improve services and the high quality care that we provide to our patients. We support development and innovation.
Are you looking to be part of a supportive team, do you strive for excellence? We are looking for an enthusiastic and self- motivated Specialist to predominantly work in Macular & Medical Retina with the addition of some core optometry services such as Paediatrics refraction.
This is a full time post but we flexible and would welcome a job share. We are a three site Trust and the successful candidate will be expected to work across site in line with service demand.
Main duties
* To co-manage patients within paediatric clinics and jointly run optometrist/orthoptist clinics.
* To work autonomously to provide a range of core optometric services for paediatric patients e.g. subjective and objective refraction with or without cycloplegia, routine complex or diagnostic refractions, fundus examination. Patients may have complex medical needs and significant visual loss such as amblyopia, squint or learning difficulties.
* To provide and record accurate assessment of refractive status and Snellen/LogMAR visual acuity.
* To analyse and interpret complex refraction results, working closely with Orthoptists and Consultant Ophthalmologists.
* Provide overall optical advice to patients, parents and carers and explain the implications of eye conditions, treatment options, medication and possible side effects.
* To adapt to the personal needs of the patient and respond appropriately. This requires maintaining concentration for prolonged periods whilst coping with the competing demands of unplanned daily clinical workload and frequent interruption.
* To undertake the continued management of routine stable conditions and discharge patients in line with agreed protocols.
* Identify new or deteriorating conditions and refer to the consultant as appropriate.
* To show a flexible and team working approach to the changing work load of the department with a view to enhancing and further developing clinical knowledge and skills in order to undertake a range of extended clinical roles as the service demands.
Key requirements
* BSc Ophthalmic Optics or Optometry
* Registration with General Optical Council
* Willing to undertake training as necessary for this role
* Experience of undertaking and interpreting OCT
* Experience of examining patients with macular degeneration (AMD), diabetic retinopathy (DR) and other retinal conditions
* Experience of extended role in optometry
* Experience of examining patients with visual impairment or other complex needs
* Knowledge of extended role in optometry
* Knowledge of ophthalmology further than own direct sphere
* Knowledge of interpretation of diagnostic tests e.g. OCT, FA
* Knowledge of own limitations
Be part of MY team
We are an acute trust caring for over one million people in Wakefield and Kirklees. Our 10,000 staff work in patients’ homes, the community, and our three hospitals in Pontefract, Dewsbury, and Pinderfields (Wakefield). We prioritise our people and values so we can deliver the best possible care to patients. Our team is friendly, passionate, and innovative, always seeking better ways to work.
We support work-life balance and foster a diverse, inclusive environment where everyone belongs. Our staff networks offer safe spaces to share ideas and concerns so we can increase awareness and appreciation of equality, diversity, and inclusion. We welcome applicants from all backgrounds and especially encourage members of the LGBTQ+ community, ethnic minority groups, and people with disabilities or neurodivergence to apply, as they are currently underrepresented in the Trust.
If you value caring, high standards, improvement, and respect, join the MY team to make a difference every day.
Application guidance:
We understand that more applicants are using AI technology to help with their applications. While these tools can be useful, they cannot fully capture your skills, knowledge, and experience. It’s important that you personalise your application. Relying solely on AI is not recommended, as it may reduce your chances of success. Our screening process is thorough, so if you have used AI, please make sure to disclose this on your application form.
Our benefits
* Access to the NHS pension plan
* Generous holiday allowance of 27 days plus bank holidays, increasing with 5 and 10 years of service
* Exceptional employee health and wellbeing services
* Extensive benefits and support, including:
* Onsite nurseries and childcare salary sacrifice scheme
* Cycle to work scheme
* Home electronics scheme
* Car lease salary sacrifice scheme
* Working carers support and advice, carers network and carers passport
* Flexible working options and family and carer-friendly policies
* Established staff networks, including LGBTQ+ and Race Equality
* Career progression, training and support
Skilled worker sponsorship
You can find out more about skilled worker and health and care visas on our careers site .