OptometristNHS

Job summary

There are many reasons to join the Ophthalmology team at South Tyneside and Sunderland NHS Foundation Trust. We have recently moved to our new Sunderland Specialist Eye Hospital and are seeking enthusiastic optometrists to join our friendly and experienced team. The team delivers services across multiple sites, including University Hospital of Hartlepool, South Tyneside District Hospital and Durham Treatment Centre.

We are delighted to offer opportunities at both Band 6 and Band 7 level. Newly qualified optometrists, or those without previous hospital experience, are encouraged to apply for our Band 6 developmental role. Following successful completion of an agreed competency framework, staff will progress to Band 7. For a full-time member of staff, this is expected to be achieved within approximately 12 months. Applicants who already possess the required knowledge, skills and experience will be appointed directly to a Band 7 position following interview.

Comprehensive training and ongoing support will be available, and we welcome applications from community optometrists who are interested in developing their career within a hospital eye service environment. This is an excellent opportunity to gain new skills, broaden clinical experience and become part of a supportive multidisciplinary team dedicated to delivering outstanding eye care. Full and Part-time applications are welcome; however, a minimum of two days per week is required to ensure commitment to these roles.

Main duties of the job

The successful candidates will initially work predominantly within our core optometric services, delivering a wide range of clinical care to patients across the service. This includes routine, diagnostic and paediatric refraction, specialist medical contact lens management (including keratoconus, post-corneal graft, high myopia and hyperopia, cosmetic and diagnostic lens fitting), and Low Vision Aid assessments.

As part of a progressive and developing service, there will be opportunities in the future for Band 7 optometrists to expand into more advanced clinical roles, with full training and support provided. Optometrists within the department currently contribute to specialist clinics across the Retinal, Emergency Eye Care, Glaucoma and Research services, and successful applicants will have the opportunity to develop skills in these areas as experience and service needs allow.

Job description

PLEASE REFER TO THE ATTACHED JOB DESCRIPTION FOR FULL DUTIES OF THE ROLE.

• To work closely with the senior optometrists to deliver high quality core optometric services within the Optometry Department at SSEH and its community clinics.
• To undertake administrative responsibilities as determined by the Head of Department.
• To proactively embrace NHS improvement policies, local and national.
• To comply with the STSFTs vision, values and behavioural compact.

About us

Please add your telephone number to your application form so we can contact you quickly if required.

One Team One Trust - There are many reasons to work at our Trust. From our commitment to putting people first to our accessible services and award winning teams. We have a passion for research, innovation and tackling inequalities. We are committed to respect, fairness and civility and promote a compassionate, caring and positive culture / working environment.

We welcome all applications irrespective of peoples race, disability, gender, sexual orientation, religion/belief, age, gender identity, marriage and civil partnership, pregnancy/maternity and in particular those from under- represented groups. Looking after our workforces health and wellbeing is a priority for us. We also provide access to high quality education, training, career progression and support. Flexible working is supported via our Flexible Working Policy.

The Trust employs around 8,746 people and provides a range of hospital services to a local community of around 430,000 residents. We also provide a range of more specialised services outside this area. We offer our staff outstanding benefits - Fitness Centre (SRH), libraries at both hospital sites, chaplaincy support and access to a Care Co-ordinator to help staff with childcare arrangements.If you use AI, and it poses a risk to the integrity of your individual recruitment process, we may withdraw your application at any stage of the process.