What are the responsibilities and job description for the Optometrist position at Freeman Hospital?
Employer heading
Optometrist
Band 7/6
Newcastle Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust is one of the busiest and largest NHS foundation trusts in the country, with around 15,000 staff and an annual budget of £1.6 billion.
We have a long history of providing high quality care, clinical excellence, and innovation in medical research regionally, nationally and internationally.
We’re in the top five providers of specialised health services in the country, supporting people with a range of rare and complex medical, surgical and neurological conditions, cancers and genetic orders.
Our staff oversee around 6,500 patient contacts each day, delivering high standards of healthcare.
We are committed to promoting equality and diversity and recognise the benefit in providing an inclusive environment. We value and respect the diversity of our employees and aim to recruit a workforce which reflects the communities we serve, and is equipped to deliver the best service to our patients. We welcome all applications irrespective of people’s race, disability, sex, sexual orientation, religion or belief, age, gender identity, marriage and civil partnership, pregnancy and maternity and in particular those from under- represented groups.
Newcastle Hospitals are proud to be one of the exemplar organisations across the NHS on sustainability, with a long history of delivering Sustainable Healthcare in Newcastle (Shine) and the first healthcare organisation in the world to declare a climate emergency. Our strategy includes commitments to being Net Zero by 2030, for our direct carbon footprint, and Net Zero by 2040 for our footprint plus. Delivering these ambitions will not be possible without the help, support and action of every single member of our team.
Job Overview
As one of the country's leading Ophthalmology units in the country, the Newcastle Eye Centre continually improves how it offers high quality services for patients, and excellent career satisfaction for its staff.
Our Optometry Department is no exception and we are delighted to be in a position to seek 1.8 WTE Optometrist to join the team at the Royal Victoria Infirmary. We do welcome applications from registered Optometrists with a range of experience including newly qualified Optometrists with the ambition and drive to excel in hospital optometry. Having the right work/life balance is a key priority for us and as such applications are welcome from those seeking both full and part time employment.
Our visionary approach includes working closely with our consultant colleagues and other eye care professionals to ensure we can provide healthcare at its best with people at our heart and we would love to hear from those who share our vision.
We have a diverse clinical workload including paediatrics, glaucoma, eye emergency, corneal, YAG capsulotomy, cataract and research clinics as well as core optometry clinics such as specialised contact lens fitting (adult and paediatric) and low visual aids. Our research activity continues to increase as we support our colleagues in the Sir Bobby Robson Oncology Unit and there are significant opportunities for successful candidates to develop their knowledge and skills in this area.
Main duties of the job
Having a comprehensive range of services means we are in the enviable position of being able to offer exclusive opportunities for specialisation in specific areas of interest, according to service need, plus exceptional opportunities for continuing professional development (CPD) as we seek to ensure every member of our staff is provided with the relevant training and support needed to liberate their potential.
Successful candidates will have highly specialised knowledge as demonstrated by either an extensive, relevant portfolio and/or further qualifications such as Independent Prescribing, College of Optometrist Higher Certificates or other relevant qualifications We also welcome applications from candidates who cannot yet demonstrate highly specialized knowledge/higher qualifications, they would start on Band 6 and progress to Band 7 when this is achieved. This would be expected to be achieved within 2 years of starting employment and support will be given to obtain the specialised knowledge required and makes this an excellent opportunity for newly qualified optometrists who would like to pursue a career in hospital optometry.
Other duties include provision of post graduate training across a wide range of disciplines including pre-registration and qualified Optometrists, nursing staff, and junior medial staff preparing for Royal College of Ophthalmologists exams as well as participation in clinical and medical audit.
Working for our organisation
Our staff oversee over 6,500 patient contacts every day, delivering high standards of healthcare from the following sites:
We also have offices at Regent Point in Gosforth and community sites.
Please see attached information on what Staff Benefits we have to offer at our Trust under ‘Documents to download’ or ‘Supporting documents’.
For further information on The Newcastle upon Tyne Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust please visit: Careers | Newcastle Hospitals | NHS | Newcastle Hospitals and Newcastle Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust
Detailed Job Description And Main Responsibilities
Hospital Eye Service experience is desirable but not essential.
To deliver a quality of service matching clinical need to available resources within the focus of Specialist Optometrist practice.
To take a lead role in extending Optometrists involvement in highly
Specialised Clinics, For Example
As a flexible working friendly organisation, we want to be sure that you can work in a way that is best for us and for our patients, and for you. Speak to us about how we might be able to accommodate a flexible working arrangement. If it works for the service, we will do our best to make it work for you.
Person specification
Band 7
Essential criteria
Essential criteria
All references from current and previous employers will be sought and must cover a minimum of 3 years employment. Therefore, when completing the reference section of your application form, please give the address, telephone number and work email address of each of your current/previous line managers that cover 3 years employment. Failure to complete this section may result in your application not being processed.
Please note it is a requirement of The Newcastle upon Tyne Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust that all successful candidates who require a DBS for the post they have been offered pay for their DBS certificate. The method of payment is a salary deduction from your first month’s pay.
Candidates who are shortlisted for interview will be contacted by e-mail. You should check your SPAM folders as well as your inbox. If you have not been contacted within 4 weeks of the closing date you should assume your application has been unsuccessful.
Employer certification / accreditation badges
Applicant requirements
You must have appropriate UK professional registration.
This post is subject to the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act 1974 (Exceptions) Order 1975 (Amendment) (England and Wales) Order 2020 and it will be necessary for a submission for Disclosure to be made to the Disclosure and Barring Service.
Documents to download
Further details / informal visits contact
Name Aedheen Regan Job title Head Optometrist Email address aedheen.regan@nhs.net Additional information
0191 2825905 option 2
Optometrist
Band 7/6
Newcastle Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust is one of the busiest and largest NHS foundation trusts in the country, with around 15,000 staff and an annual budget of £1.6 billion.
We have a long history of providing high quality care, clinical excellence, and innovation in medical research regionally, nationally and internationally.
We’re in the top five providers of specialised health services in the country, supporting people with a range of rare and complex medical, surgical and neurological conditions, cancers and genetic orders.
Our staff oversee around 6,500 patient contacts each day, delivering high standards of healthcare.
We are committed to promoting equality and diversity and recognise the benefit in providing an inclusive environment. We value and respect the diversity of our employees and aim to recruit a workforce which reflects the communities we serve, and is equipped to deliver the best service to our patients. We welcome all applications irrespective of people’s race, disability, sex, sexual orientation, religion or belief, age, gender identity, marriage and civil partnership, pregnancy and maternity and in particular those from under- represented groups.
Newcastle Hospitals are proud to be one of the exemplar organisations across the NHS on sustainability, with a long history of delivering Sustainable Healthcare in Newcastle (Shine) and the first healthcare organisation in the world to declare a climate emergency. Our strategy includes commitments to being Net Zero by 2030, for our direct carbon footprint, and Net Zero by 2040 for our footprint plus. Delivering these ambitions will not be possible without the help, support and action of every single member of our team.
Job Overview
As one of the country's leading Ophthalmology units in the country, the Newcastle Eye Centre continually improves how it offers high quality services for patients, and excellent career satisfaction for its staff.
Our Optometry Department is no exception and we are delighted to be in a position to seek 1.8 WTE Optometrist to join the team at the Royal Victoria Infirmary. We do welcome applications from registered Optometrists with a range of experience including newly qualified Optometrists with the ambition and drive to excel in hospital optometry. Having the right work/life balance is a key priority for us and as such applications are welcome from those seeking both full and part time employment.
Our visionary approach includes working closely with our consultant colleagues and other eye care professionals to ensure we can provide healthcare at its best with people at our heart and we would love to hear from those who share our vision.
We have a diverse clinical workload including paediatrics, glaucoma, eye emergency, corneal, YAG capsulotomy, cataract and research clinics as well as core optometry clinics such as specialised contact lens fitting (adult and paediatric) and low visual aids. Our research activity continues to increase as we support our colleagues in the Sir Bobby Robson Oncology Unit and there are significant opportunities for successful candidates to develop their knowledge and skills in this area.
Main duties of the job
Having a comprehensive range of services means we are in the enviable position of being able to offer exclusive opportunities for specialisation in specific areas of interest, according to service need, plus exceptional opportunities for continuing professional development (CPD) as we seek to ensure every member of our staff is provided with the relevant training and support needed to liberate their potential.
Successful candidates will have highly specialised knowledge as demonstrated by either an extensive, relevant portfolio and/or further qualifications such as Independent Prescribing, College of Optometrist Higher Certificates or other relevant qualifications We also welcome applications from candidates who cannot yet demonstrate highly specialized knowledge/higher qualifications, they would start on Band 6 and progress to Band 7 when this is achieved. This would be expected to be achieved within 2 years of starting employment and support will be given to obtain the specialised knowledge required and makes this an excellent opportunity for newly qualified optometrists who would like to pursue a career in hospital optometry.
Other duties include provision of post graduate training across a wide range of disciplines including pre-registration and qualified Optometrists, nursing staff, and junior medial staff preparing for Royal College of Ophthalmologists exams as well as participation in clinical and medical audit.
Working for our organisation
Our staff oversee over 6,500 patient contacts every day, delivering high standards of healthcare from the following sites:
- Freeman Hospital
- Royal Victoria Infirmary (RVI)
- Health Innovation Neighbourhood (on the former Newcastle General Hospital and Centre for Ageing and Vitality site)
- Newcastle Dental Hospital
- Newcastle Fertility Centre
- Northern Centre for Cancer Care, North Cumbria
- Northern Genetics Service
- Cramlington Manor Walks
We also have offices at Regent Point in Gosforth and community sites.
Please see attached information on what Staff Benefits we have to offer at our Trust under ‘Documents to download’ or ‘Supporting documents’.
For further information on The Newcastle upon Tyne Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust please visit: Careers | Newcastle Hospitals | NHS | Newcastle Hospitals and Newcastle Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust
Detailed Job Description And Main Responsibilities
Hospital Eye Service experience is desirable but not essential.
- Interview Date: 14 March 2025
- You will be redirected to Trac to apply for the vacancy. Please expand the job details section and read all of the information before applying for the vacancy
To deliver a quality of service matching clinical need to available resources within the focus of Specialist Optometrist practice.
To take a lead role in extending Optometrists involvement in highly
Specialised Clinics, For Example
- Highly specialised medically necessary contact lenses.
- Low vision assessment.
- To work as an independent practitioner and to work as part of a multidisciplinary team, providing an extensive range of advanced Optometric services to the highest standards of quality and care.
- To ensure that the patient is the central focus.
- Working as a Specialist Optometrist, provide a prompt response to calls from colleagues, prioritising importance and clinical need.
- Manage own caseload to include assessment, investigation, diagnosis and treatment within defined parameters and training.
- Provide immediate care management of patients including communication of plan to patients and significant others.
- Review and refer to appropriate person, e.g. Consultant Ophthalmologist.
- Liaise with Eye Clinic Liaison Officer for patients with untreatable sight loss.
- Provide specialist education and training at post-graduate level to qualified and pre-registration Optometrists and multiple disciplines in Ophthalmology.
- To undertake administrative responsibilities as determined by the Head or Deputy Head of Optometry.
- To work as part of a multi-disciplinary team providing an extensive range of advanced Optometric services for patient care to the highest standards of quality and care and meeting the changing needs of the department
- To undertake administrative responsibilities as determined by the Head or Deputy Head of Optometry.
- To demonstrate Optometry techniques at post-graduate level for multiple disciplines within Ophthalmology
As a flexible working friendly organisation, we want to be sure that you can work in a way that is best for us and for our patients, and for you. Speak to us about how we might be able to accommodate a flexible working arrangement. If it works for the service, we will do our best to make it work for you.
Person specification
Band 7
Essential criteria
- Registered Optometrist
- GOC registration requiring Post Graduate Qualification continuing Education and Training to Masters Level
- Further highly developed specialist knowledge including theoretical and clinical training. e.g. o College of Optometrists Diploma in Ocular Therapeutics o College of Optometrists Diploma in Glaucoma o Accredited Slit Lamp examiner under Diabetic Retinal Screening programme. o Highly specialised medically necessary contact lens fitting and after care
- The ability to practice at a level comparable to a Specialist Registrar doctor including clinical history taking; ocular examination skills.
- Extensive post registration experience, some of which will be at a senior level within the required specialist area of practice
- Evidence of ongoing continuous professional development
- Knowledge and understanding of relevant NHS policy or project specific policy context.
- Knowledge and experience of adult/child safeguarding.
- Research and audit experience
- Evidence of excellent communication and interpersonal skills including effective report writing
- Effective organisation and time management skills
- Change management skills and involvement in project work
- Excellent IT skills including word-processing, use of spreadsheets and databases
- Able to work independently and across disciplines as a member of a multidisciplinary team
- Management experience/qualification.
- Full driving licence
- Experience of teaching
- Previous employment in Hospital Eye Service
- Counselling skills
Essential criteria
- BSc in Optometry plus postgraduate qualification Continuing Education and Training (CET)
- Registered with General Optical Council
- General appearance to be business-like and professional
- Good written and verbal communication skills
- Flexible approach to working patterns
- Ability to work independently and also as part of a multidisciplinary team
- Physical ability to perform all necessary Optometric duties
- Well motivated and enthusiastic
- IT skills including word-processing, use of spreadsheets and databases
- BSc in Optometry plus postgraduate qualification Continuing Education and Training (CET)
- Registered with GOC
- Member of the College of Optometrists
- Comply with annual re-registration requirements by taking ownership of own development, identifying training needs, maintaining CET accreditation, 6-monthly re-accreditation in specialist refraction procedures, updating Personal Development Plan
- Advanced knowledge of legal aspects of Optometry
- Demonstrates Optometric techniques to pre-registration Optometrists, junior medial staff, nurses and support workers
- Communicates effectively with all members of the multi disciplinary team, requires concise and accurate verbal and written reports
- Communicates condition related information, breaking bad news on a daily basis that has life changing consequences e.g. untreatable sight loss/blindness, loss of driving licence due to sight loss. Patients are frequently elderly.
- Work closely with all members of the multi disciplinary team to ensure an efficient service and high level of patient care in line with Trust policy
- Acknowledge and accommodate barriers to communication and understanding, works with elderly patients and carers on a daily basis. Patients frequently have other sensory loss and/or special needs
- Liaise with appropriate support services particularly in patients with substantial visual loss.
- Liaise with and give detailed medial information to all members of the Ophthalmology team
- Previous work in hospital eye service
- Experience of teaching
- Previous involvement in clinical/medical audit
- Full clean driving licence
All references from current and previous employers will be sought and must cover a minimum of 3 years employment. Therefore, when completing the reference section of your application form, please give the address, telephone number and work email address of each of your current/previous line managers that cover 3 years employment. Failure to complete this section may result in your application not being processed.
Please note it is a requirement of The Newcastle upon Tyne Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust that all successful candidates who require a DBS for the post they have been offered pay for their DBS certificate. The method of payment is a salary deduction from your first month’s pay.
Candidates who are shortlisted for interview will be contacted by e-mail. You should check your SPAM folders as well as your inbox. If you have not been contacted within 4 weeks of the closing date you should assume your application has been unsuccessful.
Employer certification / accreditation badges
Applicant requirements
You must have appropriate UK professional registration.
This post is subject to the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act 1974 (Exceptions) Order 1975 (Amendment) (England and Wales) Order 2020 and it will be necessary for a submission for Disclosure to be made to the Disclosure and Barring Service.
Documents to download
- JD&PS Band 7 (PDF, 214.7KB)
- JD&PS Band 6 (PDF, 186.7KB)
- Newcastle Staff Benefits (PDF, 274.4KB)
- Behaviour and Civility Charter (PDF, 93.8KB)
Further details / informal visits contact
Name Aedheen Regan Job title Head Optometrist Email address aedheen.regan@nhs.net Additional information
0191 2825905 option 2
Salary : $37,338 - $44,962
