Advanced Clinical Optometrist – Head of Specialist Optometry
Join to apply for the Advanced Clinical Optometrist Head of Specialist Optometry role at University Hospitals Sussex NHS Foundation Trust (UHSx).
Job Summary
The Head of Specialist Optometry is expected to provide clinical leadership for all optometry services, while personally delivering expert optometric and clinical care. They will oversee clinical, managerial and financial aspects of the specialist optometry service and act as line manager for all optometrists in the department. The postholder will provide teaching and training within optometry and ophthalmic subjects and will coordinate research and development activities within the department.
Main duties
The Head of Specialist Optometry will provide expert optometric and ophthalmic care to patients at Sussex Eye Hospital (face-to-face and via virtual review of ophthalmic imaging). They will develop a comprehensive range of clinical skills (e.g., intravitreal injections, laser treatment) and practice independently with support from consultants in the relevant subspecialty. As head of department, they will provide clinical, managerial and financial leadership and act as line manager for all optometrists, participate in appraisal, arrange and deliver teaching/training, and facilitate attendance at external courses. They will supervise and train other healthcare staff (nurses, imaging technicians) and organize training for community optometrists visiting hospital placements (e.g., for independent prescribing). They will liaise with practices regarding governance and financial aspects.
About Us
At UHSussex (UHSx), diversity is valued and staff are encouraged to succeed. We offer staff networks and a buddy system, and we are a Disability Confident Employer (Level 2) and a Veteran Aware Trust. The organisation emphasizes compassionate patient care, wellbeing programmes, flexible working where possible, and opportunities for learning, teaching and training to support career growth.
Details
Date posted: 23 September 2025
Pay scheme: Agenda for change
Band: 8c
Salary: £76,965 to £88,682 per annum, pro rata
Contract: Permanent
Working pattern: Full-time, Part-time, Flexible working
Location: Sussex Eye Hospital, Eastern Road, Brighton, BN2 5BF
Job responsibilities
Provide and communicate highly complex information to patients and staff; deliver specialist training and present clinical information to groups. Maintain advanced theoretical and practical knowledge; interpret highly complex clinical issues; plan and organise a broad range of activities; use specialist ophthalmic instrumentation; deliver specialist clinical service and advise patients on needs and treatments; implement service policies; manage department budget; lead day-to-day management and staff development; maintain patient records and contribute to audit and research activity; align with NHS policies and governance.
Person Specification
Experience
Essential: BSc(Hons). Optom. MSc Optom or equivalent; experience of teaching or supervising others; awareness of national guidelines in optometric practice. Desirable: Higher qualification in medical retina or OPT L3 medical retina; evidence of teaching/training with GOC accreditation; extensive NHS experience (>5 years).
Equality, Diversity and Inclusion
Essential: Evidence of developing understanding of equalities issues and championing diversity in previous roles.
UK Registration and DBS
Applicants must have current UK professional registration. This post is subject to the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act and will require a DBS check.
Sponsorship
Applications from job seekers who require Skilled Worker sponsorship will be considered; see UK Visas and Immigration guidance for details.
Employer details
Employer: University Hospitals Sussex NHS Foundation Trust (279)
Address: Sussex Eye Hospital, Eastern Road, Brighton, BN2 5BF
Employer website: https://www.uhsussex.nhs.uk/
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