Job summarySpecialist OptometristPart time - 16 hours per weekWe are seeking to appoint an enthusiastic and motivated optometrist to join the Ophthalmology team at the Royal Cornwall Hospital NHS Trust. The successful candidate will work within the optometry department as part of a multi-disciplinary team, mainly in the paediatric and glaucoma subspeciality clinics.
The post holder will help to deliver both core optometric services and specialist clinical activity requiring the use of a broad range of advanced clinical techniques. The role will involve refraction of paediatric patients and the assessment and management of glaucoma patients, working both in patient facing and virtual review clinics. The responsibility for clinical decision-making will be supported by the consultants in the provision of specialised diagnosis, management, care and education of patients.
Previous experience of working in a hospital setting and specialist College of Optometrist's professional certificate qualifications would be advantageous, but the post would also be suitable for a newly qualified optometrist. Ideally the post holder will be keen to develop professionally and support will be provided to the successful candidate in working towards gaining higher qualifications in the specialised areas.
Main duties of the jobThe successful post holder will perform paediatric cycloplegic refractions, indirect bio-microscopy and prescribing spectacles, as well as making case management decisions. There will be considerable liaising with the orthoptists in discussing treatment and management of cases. There is also the possibility of helping to develop and supply 'core' optometric services such as diagnostic refraction for the research department.
Within the glaucoma service, the post will involve skilled diagnostic techniques as well as the ability to competently assess and manage patients in the patient facing and virtual glaucoma clinics with support from consultants in the provision of specialised diagnosis and the formulation of appropriate management plan, provision of care and education of patients.
With regards to the delivery of the glaucoma service, this work involves a role expansion outside the established boundaries of optometry and into the traditional realm of ophthalmology. As such it carries a high level of professional demand and responsibility consistent with practice as a specialist hospital optometrist.
About usThe Royal Cornwall Hospitals NHS Trust (RCHT) is the main provider of acute and specialist care services in Cornwall and the Isles of Scilly. It serves a population of around 470,000 people, a figure that can increase significantly with visitors during the busiest times of the year. We employ approximately 6,700 staff and have a budget of approximately £740 million.
RCHT is responsible for the provision of services at three main sites with approximately 780 inpatient beds:
- Royal Cornwall Hospital in Truro
- St Michael's Hospital in Hayle
- West Cornwall Hospital in Penzance
We are a teaching hospital in partnership with the University of Exeter Medical School, University of Plymouth School of Nursing and Midwifery, and Peninsula Dental School.
Keeping at the forefront of medical advances, we are continually developing our clinical services as well as our facilities, and are committed to maximising the range of specialist care that can be offered locally. Allied to this is a growing reputation for research and innovation.
The Knowledge Spa on the Royal Cornwall Hospital site is the base for medical and nursing as well as ongoing education for health professions in clinical and non-clinical roles. This plays a vital part in attracting and retaining highly skilled teams of doctors, nurses and other health professionals who support the care of well over half a million people each year.
DetailsDate posted: 16 September 2026
Pay scheme: Agenda for change
Band: Band 7
Salary: £49,387 to £56,515 a year pa pro rata
Contract: Permanent
Working pattern: Part-time
Reference number: 156-8241929
Job locations: Royal Cornwall Hospitals NHS Trust, Truro, TR1 3LJ, United Kingdom
Job responsibilitiesPLEASE NOTE: To view the full Job Description and Person Specification, please click the supporting document on the right-hand side.To be an employee of the NHS you need to successfully complete the following:- Identity Checks
- Professional registration and qualification checks
- Employment history and reference checks
- Occupational Health clearance
- Satisfactory Disclosure and Barring Service check
- Right to work in the UK
For further information please visit: https://www.nhsemployers.org/topics-networks/employment-standards-and-regulation
We reserve the right to close this advert early.We may be able to offer flexible working. Please discuss at interview.We may be able to offer sponsorship but this is not guaranteed.Person SpecificationQualificationsEssential- Degree level (BSc Hons Optometry or equivalent)
- Registration with General Optical Council
Desirable- Pre-registration year within NHS
- Member of College of Optometrists
- Post graduate specialist qualifications
ExperienceEssential- Post registration optometrist experience or newly qualified
Desirable- Working as an optometrist or pre registration experience within a Hospital Eye Service Setting
- Specialist clinical experience
Disposition/attitudeEssential- Ability to undertake duties in pressurised clinical environment
- Ability to show patience and empathise regarding sight loss and prognoses
Desirable- Ability to teach and supervise
- Good leadership skills
Disclosure and Barring Service CheckThis 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 SponsorshipApplications 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 RegistrationApplicants must have current UK professional registration. For further information please see NHS Careers website (opens in a new window).
Employer detailsEmployer name: Royal Cornwall Hospitals Trust
Address: Royal Cornwall Hospitals NHS Trust, Truro, TR1 3LJ, United Kingdom
Employer's website: https://www.royalcornwall.nhs.uk/ (Opens in a new tab)
Employer contact detailsFor questions about the job, contact:Head Optometrist
Daryl Hume
daryl.hume1@nhs.net
01872253287
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. 
