Overview
Job summary: We are looking for a qualified and motivated Optometrist to join the Community Eye Service commissioned by NHS Derby & Derbyshire ICB. This is an excellent opportunity for an Optometrist who is passionate about community-based care, integrated working, and delivering an efficient service that improves patient experience and access to timely eye health services closer to home. We are looking to recruit up to 22.5 hours on a fixed term post until 30 September 2026. Please note we are not an Agenda for Change organisation.
Details
Date posted: 10 September 2025
Salary: £47,810 to £54,710 per year (Actual Salary £28,686.00-£32,826.00 depending on experience)
Contract: Fixed term
Duration: 7 months
Working pattern: Part-time, Flexible working
Job location: The Surgery @ Wheatbridge, 30 Wheatbridge Road, Chesterfield, Derbyshire, S40 2AB
Responsibilities
Clinical Care
* Undertake comprehensive eye assessments for patients referred by GPs and Optometrists for chronic and acute conditions (e.g. red eye, flashers & floaters, dry/watery eyes, lumps & bumps, diplopia, suspected glaucoma, cataracts).
* Provide evidence-based diagnosis, treatment plans and onward referral to secondary care if required.
* Deliver care in line with NICE guidelines and Royal College standards, including Glaucoma: Diagnosis & Management (NG81).
* Maintain accurate clinical records and ensure timely reporting back to GPs (within 2 working days of each consultation).
* Acute conditions: red eye, flashers/floaters, dry/watery eyes, lumps/bumps, diplopia, suspected glaucoma, foreign body, vision loss.
* Chronic conditions: suspected glaucoma, ocular hypertension, low vision, cataracts.
* May include Glaucoma Level 1 (Repeat Readings) and Level 2 (OHT/COAG monitoring) under separate contracts.
Service Delivery
* Manage referrals from GPs and Optometrists using the Eyecare e-Referral Service.
* Ensure patients are triaged within 2 working days and appointments are offered within 1 week of triage.
* Support a one-stop service with evidence-based assessment and management plans.
* Minimise unnecessary follow-ups; maintain an average follow-up ratio of 1:1.
* Use approved diagnostic equipment safely and effectively.
Professional Standards
* Participate in mentoring sessions with a Consultant Ophthalmologist as part of professional development.
Collaboration & Education
* Liaise with referrers to provide feedback on referral quality and appropriateness.
* Support patient education through provision of information and advice.
* Contribute to training sessions for local GPs and Optometry practices.
* Provide telephone triage and advice where appropriate.
Quality & Governance
* Support infection prevention and control requirements.
* Comply with data protection and information governance protocols.
* Contribute to service audit and data collection, including outcomes, patient satisfaction, and quality standards.
* Support equity of access and reduce health inequalities.
Key employment requirements
Data and confidentiality
Work in line with GDPR principles at all times, keeping up to date with training and identifying any potential breaches quickly and appropriately. Keeping patient confidentiality at the heart of what we do and only accessing a person’s information in the legitimate execution of duties. Undertake GDPR risk assessments for new data sharing activities, where appropriate.
Professional development
Work with your line manager to undertake continual personal and professional development. Undertake relevant training as required. Continually update own knowledge and skills within the job role. Maintain any professional accreditation as necessary for your role.
Team working and policies
Work as part of the ARC team to seek feedback, develop and maintain effective working relationships and improve the service. Adhere to organisational policies and procedures, including confidentiality, safeguarding, lone working, information governance, health and safety, discipline, grievance and whistleblowing. Act at all times in a manner consistent with legislation, policy and procedures in respect of Equality and Diversity, and safeguarding.
Person specification
Skills, knowledge and abilities
* Up-to-date knowledge of NICE guidelines and national clinical standards for eyecare.
* Excellent communication skills to liaise with patients, GPs, Ophthalmologists, and other professionals.
* Commitment to continuing professional development.
* Familiarity with NHS e-Referral systems.
Experience
* Demonstrable experience of community or primary care optometry.
Qualifications
* Registered Optometrist with the UK General Optical Council.
* PEARS, MECS or CUES accreditation.
* Professional Higher Certificate in Glaucoma (Level 2) or working towards.
* Ability to use and interpret a range of diagnostic equipment as required.
Other
* Flexible and adaptable to meet service needs; access to vehicle to travel for work purposes.
* Willingness to complete an Enhanced DBS Check.
* Appropriate Immunisation Status.
* Desirable: Independent Prescribing qualification.
Additional information
Disclosure and Barring Service Check
This post is subject to the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act (Exceptions Order) 1975 and a submission for Disclosure to the DBS is required.
UK Registration
Applicants must have current UK professional registration. For further information see the NHS Careers website.
Employer details
Employer name: Arc Primary Care
Address: The Surgery @ Wheatbridge, 30 Wheatbridge Road, Chesterfield, Derbyshire, S40 2AB
Employer's website: https://www.chesterfieldanddronfieldpcn.nhs.uk/
#J-18808-Ljbffr