Clinical Lead Optometrist
South Tyneside and Sunderland NHS Foundation Trust – South Tyneside & Sunderland.
The closing date is 07 May 2026.
Overview
There are many reasons to join the Ophthalmology team. The Trust is entering an exciting phase with plans for a new Eye Hospital in Sunderland, opening Summer 2026, becoming the region's only standalone specialist eye hospital and strengthening our reputation as a regional and national centre of excellence in ophthalmology care.
We are seeking Clinical Lead Optometrists, full‑ or part‑time. A minimum of three days per week is required.
These posts are suited to highly skilled, compassionate, patient‑focused optometrists with hospital eye service experience, who can work autonomously across advanced clinical activities. The Optometry Team delivers comprehensive core services (including Low Vision, Medical Contact Lenses, and Paediatrics) and supports Eye Emergency, Glaucoma, Paediatric, Medical Retina, and Diabetic Eye Screening Services.
Responsibilities
Post‑holders will provide autonomous care across core and extended practice and clinical leadership within a defined area of the service. Currently we particularly seek optometry leadership within the research team.
* Take clinical responsibility for and provide highly specialised care to a caseload of patients attending ophthalmology clinics with sight‑threatening acute and chronic conditions using advanced, evidence‑based, individualised knowledge.
* Provide core optometry services at a senior level, leading and supervising less experienced staff.
* Deliver highly specialised programmes of care, using advanced specialist skills at the level of a middle‑grade ophthalmologist in Corneal, Glaucoma, Medical Retina clinics or other specialist services.
* Personally deliver specialist training in area of expertise and assume a leadership role for one service provided by the optometry department.
* Work in a multidisciplinary environment alongside Consultant Ophthalmologists and seek guidance on management of cases beyond competence.
* Support and assist the Head of Optometry in planning, coordinating and delivering a range of quality optometric services to patients attending Sunderland Eye Infirmary and outreach locations.
* Provide expert optometric opinion to optometric and non‑optometric colleagues on management of complex cases within the optometry clinics.
* Proactively embrace NHS improvement policies, local and national.
* Comply with the STSFT's vision, values and behavioural compact.
Person Specification
Skills and Knowledge
* Advanced theoretical and practical knowledge attained through relevant degree and advanced clinical training under a Consultant Ophthalmologist, enabling work at the level of a mid‑range ophthalmologist.
* Detailed knowledge of local and national optometric issues and regulations and a solid knowledge of NHS policies and procedures.
* Motivational and mentoring skills.
* Teaching and presentation skills.
* Excellent IT skills across Microsoft Office and Trust IT packages.
* Empathy and professionalism throughout patient consultations, achieving sound clinical outcomes even with complex or distressing information.
* Excellent communication and interpersonal skills, including effective report writing.
* Ability to work under pressure.
* Independent clinical decision making using own initiative.
* Excellent organisational and time‑management skills.
* Ability to work with patients of all ages, including young children with learning disabilities and the elderly.
* Assist in training basic optical skills to nurses and junior medical staff.
* Supervise pre‑registration optometrists and other students attending clinics.
Physical Skills
* Significant dexterity, precision and speed, requiring hand‑eye and sensory coordination.
* Manual dexterity for clinical examination.
* Concentration for extended periods.
* Flexible and adaptable working patterns.
* Ability to meet independent travel requirements.
* Ability to sit at VDU workstations for prolonged periods.
Qualifications
* BSc (Hons) Optometry.
* Registration with the General Optical Council.
* Postgraduate qualification or higher degree in Optometry (MSc, PhD, diploma) or equivalent specialist knowledge from an NHS environment.
* Continuing Education and Training Programme maintained.
* College of Optometrists Independent Prescribing qualification or willingness to attain it.
* Member/Fellow of the College of Optometrists.
* College of Optometrists examiner or experience in delivering teaching to optometry undergraduates and postgraduates.
* Training to undertake values‑based interviews.
Experience
* Significant experience in autonomous management of a broad range of secondary and tertiary complex optometric cases in a hospital setting.
* Advanced theoretical knowledge, skills and clinical experience in specialist areas.
* Experience teaching theoretical and practical skills informally and formally.
* Previous experience as a Senior Hospital Optometrist.
* Experience in designing and executing prospective/retrospective clinical audits.
* Extensive specialist knowledge in at least two areas (e.g., Anterior eye, Glaucoma, Medical Retina, Acute Referral, Medical Contact Lenses, Paediatric Optometry, Low Vision).
* Experience in formal presentations to large professional groups.
Disclosure and Barring Service Check
This post is subject to the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act (Exceptions Order) 1975. Applicants must submit a Disclosure to the Disclosure and Barring Service to check for criminal convictions.
Salary
£57,528 to £64,750 a year pro rata for part‑time hours.
We welcome all applications irrespective of race, disability, gender, sexual orientation, religion/belief, age, gender identity, marriage and civil partnership, pregnancy/maternity, and particularly those from under‑represented groups. Flexible working is supported via our Flexible Working Policy.
#J-18808-Ljbffr