Job overview
Are you looking for an opportunity to expand your optometry skills? This could be an exciting opportunity for you. We are actively looking for an Optometrist/Contact Lens optician to join our multi-disciplinary team here at Sussex Eye Hospital, Brighton.
This is a fantastic opportunity for applicants that either have experience within hospital optometry, or are looking to take a new path in their optometry career. This opportunity will expose you to a wide range of ophthalmic conditions, diagnostic tools and treatment options. As you can imagine, the learning opportunities within this role are outstanding.
Our Optometrists work alongside orthoptists, ophthalmic technicians, medical and nursing professionals.
Remember, for this opportunity previous hospital optometry experience is not essential, however to be successful you must have a caring nature, a passion for people and thrive working in a busy environment.
Main duties of the job
This post offers 2 clinical sessions per week (7.5 hrs) working in the specialist contact lens service. Previous hospital experience is desirable but not essential, and as such appropriate training will be given to the successful applicant where required.
Clinics include fitting/reviewing of specialist contact lenses including soft, prosthetic, RGP, mini-scleral and full scleral lenses, used for variety of conditions.
Also incorporates assessment of keratoconics and pre-and post-corneal graft patients.
Working for our organisation
At UHSussex (UHSx), diversity is our strength, & we want you to feel included to help us always put the Patient First. Your uniqueness & experiences will be part of our creative and innovative community where everyone is encouraged to succeed. We have a range of Staff Networks to help break down barriers, & can offer a buddy to help new members settle in. We’re proud to be a Disability Confident Employer (Level 2) & a Veteran Aware Trust.
We treat our patients & staff with the same compassion & empathy we expect for ourselves. We’re here for them when they need us, and we go above & beyond to meet their needs. This can be seen in our candidate information pack & wellbeing programme, for staff which is extensive & designed to support you when you need it, including where possible, flexible working to support work life balance - because we know that to look after others we must first look after ourselves.
As a university trust and a leader in healthcare research, we value learning, teaching & training so that we can be the best that we can be. From the moment you start with us & throughout your career we will help you to grow & develop. We hope that in choosing UHSx you are choosing a long & happy career where you will be able to see the difference you make & feel valued for all that you do.
We look forward to receiving your application & the start of your journey with UHSx.
Detailed job description and main responsibilities
For more details on this varied and rewarding role, please see the attached job description and person specification.
Person specification
Qualifications
Essential criteria
1. Registered with GOC, Optometry degree or qualified Contact Lens Optician
2. Experience fitting contact lenses, demonstarted competence in examination
3. Excellent communication skills
4. Team work
Desirable criteria
5. Experience in acute hospital setting
6. Experience as a sole practitioner
Equality, Diversity & Inclusion
Essential criteria
7. Evidence of having championed diversity in previous roles (as appropriate to role)
8. Evidence of having undertaken own development to improve understanding of equalities issues
Important information for applicants:
A Note on AI Use in Applications
We value the individuality and authenticity that each candidate brings to the application process. While AI tools are increasingly accessible, we strongly discourage their use in completing your application. Your responses should reflect your own voice, experiences, and motivations—elements that are essential to a fair and accurate evaluation.
Applications that rely heavily on AI-generated content may misrepresent your abilities and could result in your application being rejected. We encourage you to take the time to present your genuine self, as this helps us better understand your potential and ensures a transparent selection process.
Closing Adverts Early: In the event of exceptional interest, we may close adverts earlier than specified.
Some of our adverts are capped for a limited number of applications; therefore, the advert will close once the cap has been reached. We therefore encourage you to submit your application as soon as possible if you are interested in the position to prevent you from missing out on applying for the opportunity.
Flexible Working: If you would like to explore potential options regarding flexible working please speak with the appropriate recruiting/line manager.
DBS Checks: As part of our commitment to a safe working environment, we undertake a Disclosure and Barring Service check on all new employees where the role is eligible for a criminal record check. We make offers in line with the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act 1975.
Skilled Worker Visa: Applications for Skilled Worker sponsorship are welcome for the roles that meet the Visa and Immigrations eligibility criteria. For further information please visit the gov.uk website searching for Skilled Worker. It is your responsibility as the applicant to ensure that you meet this criteria.
UHSussex reserves the right to close the role early if we receive a high volume of applications