Job summary
This role is a senior specialist optometry position within the Ophthalmology Department, responsible for delivering highly specialised clinical care across a range of ophthalmic services whilst supporting the strategic development of optometry-led pathways. Working closely with the Principal Optometrist, the post holder will independently assess, diagnose, manage and monitor patients with a wide range of ocular conditions, including those within the Medical Retina Virtual Service. The role requires advanced clinical expertise in the interpretation of diagnostic investigations, formulation of management plans, and provision of specialist advice to ophthalmologists and multidisciplinary colleagues. In addition to clinical duties, the post holder will contribute to service development, clinical governance, audit and research activities, whilst providing clinical supervision, training and education to optometrists, students and other healthcare professionals. The role is pivotal in maintaining patient flow, reducing demand on consultant-led services, improving access to care, and ensuring the delivery of high-quality, safe and effective ophthalmology services.

Hours per week: 30

Main duties of the job
The post holder will be responsible for delivering a highly specialised optometry service within the Ophthalmology Department, working autonomously and as an integral member of the multidisciplinary team to provide high-quality patient care. The role will involve undertaking comprehensive clinical assessments, diagnosis, management, and follow up of patients with a broad range of ophthalmic conditions, including complex and chronic eye diseases, in accordance with departmental protocols and professional standards.

We welcome applications from Graduate visa holders; it is important to note that you must have a minimum of 12 months before this expires at the start of your employment for training and operational reasons.

Non-UK or Irish applicants should check their visa and this role's eligibility for sponsorship before applying. For further information please visit Visas and immigration - GOV.UK (www.gov.uk)

Please be advised we are unable to provide Skilled Worker Visa Sponsorship to non-UK residents.

About us
We are committed to providing the best quality integrated care to our patients. To achieve this aim we need highly motivated staff who are united by common values and behaviours.

We believe our workforce is our greatest asset and we actively support our staff to develop their capabilities to the full, with a variety of learning and development opportunities.

Whether you are just starting out in your career or are looking to use your skills and experience in a new role, East Cheshire NHS Trust is the right employer for you. We look forward to you joining us so that we can bring out your best.

Please be aware that this post requires an Enhanced DBS (Disclosure and Barring Service) check with barred lists, the cost of which is payable by the successful candidate. If you have lived or worked abroad for 6 months or more in the last 5 years you will need to obtain an overseas police clearance. Further information can be found on the additional information links at the bottom of the advert.

Details
Date posted: 17 September 2026
Pay scheme: Agenda for change
Band: Band 8a
Salary: £57,528 to £64,750 a year
Contract: Permanent
Working pattern: Part-time
Reference number: 209-A-26-8268898
Job locations: Macclesfield District General Hospital, Macclesfield, SK103BL, United Kingdom

Job responsibilities
Please read the attached Applicant Pack prior to completing your application form to find out more information.

Please download a copy of the Job Description and Person Specification located under the Supporting documents heading to read more about the advertised role.

As part of making your application we encourage you to review the Trusts Careers webpage Careers :: East Cheshire NHS Trust for more information about working for East Cheshire NHS Trust.

We are an equal opportunities employer and welcome all applications irrespective of age, disability, gender, sexual orientation, race or religion. The Trust is a Disability Confident Leader and as such, applicants with disabilities will be offered an interview providing they meet the minimum criteria for the post (outlined in the Person Specification).

We understand that some applicants may choose to use artificial intelligence (AI) tools to assist in preparing their application. While this is not discouraged, it is essential to personalise this information, particularly your supporting information section as these tools cannot fully grasp the context or requirements of the job youre applying for. We kindly remind candidates that all submissions must be truthful and accurately reflect your own experiences and suitability for this role. Personal integrity and authenticity are central to our recruitment process and being a member of East Cheshire NHS Trust.

Applicants are advised to apply early as we reserve the right to close the advert prior to the advertised closing date should we receive a large number of applications.

We look forward to receiving your application.

Person Specification
Qualifications
Essential

• Minimum of five years post qualification experience.
• Educated to master's level or equivalent with further training and experience in one or more areas of specialist optometric or ophthalmology practice.
• Registered optometrist with the General Optical Council.
• BSc (HONS) in Optometry College of optometrists higher qualifications in relevant areas of clinical practice

Knowledge & Skills
Essential

• Specialist knowledge of optometry and medical retina care.
• To have undertaken advanced clinical training through continuing professional development.
• Competent in all areas of optometry to manage a wide-ranging caseload.
• Ability to interpret complex test results and make appropriate clinical management decisions to maximise patient care outcomes.

Experience
Essential

• Ability to clearly communicate sensitive information to a wide range of patients with varying disabilities and levels of understanding.
• Ability to effectively solve patient queries and minor complaints
• Ability to break bad news to patients or carers with empathy and understanding.
• Ability to effectively communicate with colleagues to provide continuity of care and smooth running of the optometry service.

Further Information
Essential

• Please provide any additional relevant information to support your application. Please note that this is a non-scoring question.

Other Role Requirements
Essential

• Please refer to the job description and person specification for further details regarding the role requirements

Disclosure and Barring Service Check
This post is subject to the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act (Exceptions Order) 1975 and as such it will be necessary for a submission for Disclosure to be made to the Disclosure and Barring Service (formerly known as CRB) to check for any previous criminal convictions.

Certificate of Sponsorship
Applications from job seekers who require current Skilled worker sponsorship to work in the UK are welcome and will be considered alongside all other applications. For further information visit the UK Visas and Immigration website (Opens in a new tab).

From 6 April 2017, skilled worker applicants, applying for entry clearance into the UK, have had to present a criminal record certificate from each country they have resided continuously or cumulatively for 12 months or more in the past 10 years. Adult dependants (over 18 years old) are also subject to this requirement. Guidance can be found here Criminal records checks for overseas applicants (Opens in a new tab).

UK Registration
Applicants must have current UK professional registration. For further information please see NHS Careers website (opens in a new window).

Employer details
Employer name: East Cheshire NHS Trust
Address: Macclesfield District General Hospital, Macclesfield, SK103BL, United Kingdom
Employer's website: https://www.eastcheshire.nhs.uk/ (Opens in a new tab)

Employer contact details
For questions about the job, contact: Principal Optometrist, Graham Freeman, graham.freeman@nhs.net, 01625661413

We are an equal opportunities employer and welcome all applications irrespective of age, disability, gender, sexual orientation, race or religion. The Trust is a Disability Confident Leader and as such, applicants with disabilities will be offered an interview providing they meet the minimum criteria for the post (outlined in the Person Specification).