Overview
We are looking for a qualified and motivated Advanced Community Optometrist to join the Community Eye Service commissioned by NHS Derby & Derbyshire ICB. This is an excellent opportunity for someone 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.
Details
Location: The Surgery @ Wheatbridge, 30 Wheatbridge Road, Chesterfield, Derbyshire, S40 2AB
Salary: £55,690 to £62,682 per year (Actual salary £33,414.00-£37,403.32 depending on experience)
Contract: Fixed term | Duration: 7 months | Working pattern: Part-time, Flexible working
Date posted: 10 September 2025
Employer: Arc Primary Care
Reference: A3065-25-0018
UK Registration: Applicants must have current UK professional registration. For further information please see NHS Careers website (opens in a new window).
Disclaimer: This post is subject to the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act (Exceptions Order) 1975 and a disclosure check may be required.
Responsibilities
Clinical Practice
* Deliver high-quality, evidence-based assessment, diagnosis, treatment and management for a range of ophthalmic conditions presenting in primary care.
* Work autonomously within scope of practice, including use of independent prescribing where accredited.
* Undertake triage of referrals within 2 working days and ensure timely patient appointments in line with service standards.
* Provide a comprehensive management plan for each patient and communicate outcomes promptly to the referring GP within 2 working days.
* Manage and monitor follow-up appointments in line with service requirements, ensuring the ratio of new to follow-up is efficient and clinically appropriate.
* Use appropriate diagnostic equipment safely and effectively, in accordance with training and protocols.
Leadership & Service Development
* Provide clinical leadership within the Community Eye Service, supporting service development and implementation of evidence-based pathways.
* Contribute to policy and protocol development to ensure the service aligns with national and local guidelines (NICE, Royal Colleges, NHSE).
* Work in partnership with stakeholders to reduce unnecessary secondary care referrals and improve patient pathways.
* Support the implementation of new models of care, including integration with other services such as CUES and glaucoma monitoring.
Education & Supervision
* Provide clinical supervision, mentorship and guidance to Optometrists within the team.
* Organise and lead departmental team meetings as required.
* Offer educational support and feedback to GPs and referring Optometrists to improve referral quality and appropriateness.
* Support delivery of education sessions for primary care colleagues, sharing specialist knowledge and promoting best practice.
* Organise and participate in mentorship from Consultant Ophthalmology Mentor.
* Contribute to patient education and the development of accessible patient information resources.
Quality, Governance & Audit
* Adhere to local safeguarding policies for children and adults and act as a source of advice on safeguarding matters within the service.
* Contribute to service audits, data collection, outcomes reporting and quality improvement initiatives.
* Ensure compliance with infection prevention and control standards.
* Maintain accurate clinical records in line with data protection and confidentiality requirements.
* Report incidents, complaints and patient feedback in line with organisational policies and contribute to learning and service development.
Key Working Relationships
* Local GP practices and referring Optometrists
* Consultant Ophthalmologists (for advice, mentoring and complex case discussion)
* Chesterfield Health Provider Ltd Clinical Leadership Team
* NHS Derby & Derbyshire ICB Commissioners
* Wider Primary Care Networks and community services
Key Employment Requirements
Data and confidentiality
* Work in line with GDPR principles at all times, keep training up to date and identify potential breaches quickly and appropriately.
* Maintain patient confidentiality and access information only 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 and continually update knowledge and skills within the job role.
* Maintain any professional accreditation as necessary for your role.
* Demonstrate advanced clinical practice skills, including independent prescribing where relevant.
* Engage in reflective practice and demonstrate a commitment to lifelong learning.
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.
Qualifications & Experience
Qualifications
* Registered Optometrist with the UK General Optical Council
* PEARS/MECS/CUES accreditation
* Professional Diploma in Glaucoma (or working towards)
* Evidence of Advanced Level Practice (MSC or equivalent experience)
* Ability to use and interpret a range of diagnostic equipment
Experience
* Extensive post-registration experience of community or primary care optometry
* Evidence of autonomous clinical decision-making at an advanced level
* Experience of multi-professional working
Desirable
* Independent Prescribing qualification
* Further postgraduate qualifications in glaucoma or medical retina
* Experience delivering or developing Community Eye Services (e.g., CUES, MECS)
* Experience supervising junior staff or students
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
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