School of Optometry Location: Eye-Docs Limited (Midland Eye), 50 Lode Lane, Solihull, West Midlands, B91 2AW Salary: £37,000 per annum Contract Type: Fixed Term (24 months) Basis: Full Time Closing Date: 23.59 hours BST on Sunday 14 September 2025 Interview Date: Monday 06 October 2025 Reference: 0640-25 Release Date: Monday 18 August 2025 This KTP project aims to drive growth and improve profitability at Eye-Docs, by developing strategies to increase both National Health Service (NHS) and private patient numbers, deliver more services through lower-cost staff and improve patient pathways. The candidate recruited for this role will drive the business growth and increase the number of referral patients by introducing new patient pathways, creating a shared-care model with NHS hospitals and optical practices, and growing the referral network. This shared-care model allows NHS patients access to the best Eye-Docs surgeons. Eye-Docs could receive more surgical referrals from local optical practices, whereby the optical practices increase their revenue by delivering post-surgical assessment. This role is an exciting opportunity for candidates with (1) BSc/Masters' degree in a Health related subject area (such as Optometry, Pharmacy or Nursing); or (2) BSc/Masters' degree in Business and Management related subject area (Health Management, Sales and Marketing, Operation, or Innovation). As a KTP Associate you will also develop a broad set of skills in project management, stakeholder engagement, and involvement in the delivery of a strategic project in an innovative business. The skills developed during the project will enable you to broaden your future career opportunities. Experience of the following would be essential for the role Engaging, interacting, and influencing external stakeholders such as clients and partners to grow the business/health service network Managing stakeholders and clients in a network Working within cross-disciplinary project teams Strategic change management in a complex and dynamic business environment Leadership and maturity of communication Experience of the following would be desirable for the role Applying skills in a commercial environment, including business model design Develop clinical pathways and patient journey Working in a commercial or government healthcare setting and knowledge of shared care of patients Evidence of writing skills such as published papers or completed higher degree Main duties and responsibilities Understanding the priorities and future directions of Eye-Docs' business and key stakeholders in relation to patient recruitment and management. Developing and growing the shared-care business model in the context of ophthalmic services, including segmenting, reaching out, and recruiting primary eye-care providers like optical practices who refer patients to Eye-Docs. Develop and initiate innovative and effective co-management treatment pathways with the primary eye-care providers, which will improve patient care. Develop Patient education in terms of awareness of the co-management pathway and the treatment options. Assist with optometrist education for Eye-Docs optometrists such as CPD events as engagement activities. Assist development of a comprehensive evidence base of treatment outcomes through post-surgical data analysis and representation. Work in collaboration with Eye-Docs clinical team (ophthalmologists and optometrists) to develop and implement the project. Prepare reports and present results to summarise main findings and conclusions and write or contribute to journal articles and/or conference presentations on research findings. Personal attributes: Ability to work independently but also within a multidisciplinary project team Project management and leadership skills Ability to work closely with all stakeholders and establish an effective knowledge transfer process in the company Good communication skills Strong desire to pursue innovative approaches and pathways Ability to take ownership of all aspects of the project Ability to work with and present new approaches and models to patients and stakeholders (including NHS hospitals and optical practices). Aptitude to develop the business case and new healthcare pathways Additional Benefits: Up to £4,000 for professional and personal development for the duration of the project Travel budget allocation to visit clients and attend relevant events. Annual leave (25 days p/a) Mental Health and wellbeing support: https://www.aston.ac.uk/staff-public/hr/Benefits-and-Rewards/health-wellbeing Career prospects: 60% of our KTP associates are being offered employment by the companies at the end of the KTP. KTP's are a proven springboard for Associates who wish to develop careers in consultancy, change management, operations or as University academics. This is a Knowledge Transfer Partnership (KTP) funded by Eye-Docs Ltd and Innovate UK. It is essential you understand how KTP works and the vital role you will play if you secure this position. To learn more please visit: www.aston.ac.uk/ktp Aston University: You will work in a project team with Prof Shehzad Naroo, Prof Prasanta Dey, Dr Yang Zhao and the Senior Management Team at Eye-Docs with the support of the IUK's Knowledge Transfer Adviser. Location: You will be based predominantly at Eye-Docs Ltd offices in Solihull and will also have access to facilities at Aston University in central Birmingham. Some travel to key clients may also be required. Note: Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS) check will be required. For informal enquiries about this role please contact Prof Shehzad Naroo, School of Optometry, e-mail: s.a.naroo@aston.ac.uk Aston University is committed to the principles of the Athena SWAN Charter http://www.ecu.ac.uk/equality-charter-marks/athena-swan. We pride ourselves on our vibrant, friendly, supportive working environment and collaborative atmosphere. Please visit our website https://jobs.aston.ac.uk/Vacancies.aspx for further information and to apply online. As users of the disability confident scheme, we guarantee to interview all disabled applicants who meet the minimum criteria for the vacancy. This role is likely to qualify for endorsement under the Endorsed Funder route of the Global Talent visa. This visa is for talented or promising individuals in academia or research in fields such as science, engineering, medicine, social sciences, or humanities. See the Home Office guidance: https://www.gov.uk/global-talent - Further details: Job Details University Information Email details to a friend Apply Online The University celebrates the rights of freedom of speech and academic freedom and is committed to maintaining and protecting these rights within the law. An offer to work at Aston University will never be denied on the basis of an individual's lawful expression of their beliefs, ideas or opinions. Aston University is an equal opportunities employer and welcomes applications from all sections of the community. It promotes equality and diversity in all aspects of its work. We strive to have robust inclusivity strategies in place, to encourage colleagues to have the confidence and freedom to be themselves in the workplace. For more information, visit: https://www2.aston.ac.uk/about/inclusive-aston We recognise the value of flexible working. Please contact the recruiting manager to discuss what flexible working options are available for particular roles. If you require the job details document or an application form in an alternative format please contact the recruitment team at recruitment@aston.ac.uk