Royal Free London NHS Foundation Trust
Band 7 Specialist Optometrist
Closing date: 16 November 2026

Job summary
Band 7 Specialist Optometrist - Paediatric Ophthalmology, SEN and Keratoconus Virtual Clinics (Part-time, Job Share Considered)

Royal Free London NHS Foundation Trust
Location: Royal Free Hospital, Pond Street, London NW3 2QG
Band: 7
Hours: 17 hours per week (part-time)
Contract: Permanent

Job overview
We are pleased to offer an opportunity for an experienced optometrist to join our friendly team of Orthoptists, Optometrists and Ophthalmic Vision Scientists at the Royal Free London NHS Foundation Trust.

We are seeking to appoint a Specialist Optometrist on a part-time basis (17 hours per week) to work in paediatric ophthalmology, our joint service for children and adults with special educational needs (SEN) and learning disabilities, and keratoconus virtual clinics. The role combines face-to-face and virtual clinics at the Royal Free Hospital site.

Job share will be considered. Please indicate on your application if you wish to be considered for a job share arrangement.

Main duties of the job

• Undertake paediatric optometric assessments, including cycloplegic refraction, prescribing of spectacles and assessment of children referred from ophthalmology and orthoptic clinics
• Provide optometric assessment in the joint Orthoptic and Optometry clinic for patients with SEN, learning disabilities, autism and complex needs, adapting assessment techniques to each patient
• Review patients in keratoconus virtual clinics, interpreting corneal topography and tomography to monitor progression and identify patients needing referral for corneal cross-linking or consultant review
• Work as part of a multidisciplinary team alongside consultant ophthalmologists, orthoptists and nursing staff to deliver high-quality, patient-centred care
• Ensure safe practice and adherence to clinical, departmental and Trust policies and procedures

Please see attached job description for more information about this role and working at Royal Free London NHS Foundation Trust.

About us
The Royal Free London NHS Foundation Trust is one of the UK's biggest and most innovative trusts. Across three main hospitals, our dedicated army of staff care for over 1.6million patients, treat more than 200,000 in A&E, deliver over 8,000 babies and carry out more than 17million tests.

Our size, scale and influence offer you unrivalled career opportunities and a forward-thinking approach to working that works around your lifestyle. From flexible hours and generous benefits, to next level training, we make it easier to take your career to the top. For more information please follow link https://www.royalfreelondonjobs.co.uk/

Details
Date posted: 09 November 2026
Pay scheme: Agenda for change
Band: Band 7
Salary: £58,133 to £65,261 a year
Inclusive of Inner HCAS pro rata, per annum
Contract: Permanent
Working pattern: Part-time, Job share
Reference number: 391-RFL-8375336
Job locations: Royal Free Hospital, 10 Pond Street, London, NW3 2QG, United Kingdom

Job description
Job responsibilities
Clinical

• Manage an independent caseload of paediatric, SEN and keratoconus patients within agreed protocols
• Carry out refraction, ocular health assessment and dispensing advice for children and adults who may be difficult to examine, making reasonable adjustments to support each patient
• Grade and triage keratoconus virtual clinic data, documenting findings clearly and escalating changes in line with the pathway
• Communicate findings sensitively and clearly to patients, parents, carers and support workers, including in accessible formats where needed
• Liaise with schools, community optometrists, GPs and other professionals involved in the patients care

Service development

• Work closely with senior colleagues and the Head of Service to review pathways and identify areas for improvement
• Contribute to audit, clinical governance and service evaluation within the paediatric, SEN and keratoconus services
• Support the development of virtual clinic pathways and protocols

Education and professional development

• Take part in departmental teaching and support the training of students and junior staff
• Maintain your own CPD and keep up to date with developments in paediatric optometry, SEN eye care and corneal disease

Royal Free Shared Commitments

• Demonstrable ability to meet the Trusts shared commitments: care with compassion, champion inclusion, act with integrity and deliver excellence
• Demonstrate these commitments consistently in your day-to-day practice with patients, families, carers and colleagues
• Be flexible in covering cross-site work for the Trust and accepting changes to timetables in line with service need

Person Specification
Qualifications
Essential

• BSc (Hons) Optometry or equivalent
• Registration with the General Optical Council (GOC)
• Further/higher professional qualifications (e.g. College of Optometrists Professional or Higher Certificate in Paediatric Eye Care) or commitment to gaining them

Desirable

• Independent Prescribing (IP) qualification

Experience
Essential

• Previous hospital optometry experience of more than 2 years
• Accurate paediatric refraction (cycloplegic and non-cycloplegic) with an understanding of appropriate prescribing
• Experience of assessing patients with special educational needs (SEN), learning disabilities, autism or complex needs, making reasonable adjustments
• Ability to interpret corneal topography and tomography

Desirable

• Experience in keratoconus or corneal clinics, including virtual review

Skills
Essential

• Ability to demonstrate professional knowledge and skills (able to access, appraise and apply evidence in practice)
• Good understanding of professional issues and NHS policy initiatives, e.g. optical voucher regulations
• A portfolio of career-long learning, experience and education

Desirable

• Primary research skills and interest in clinical research and audit
• Presentations to colleagues/peers and teaching of fellow health professionals

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.

UK Registration
Applicants must have current UK professional registration. For further information please see NHS Careers website.

Employer details
Employer name: Royal Free London NHS Foundation Trust
Address: Royal Free Hospital, 10 Pond Street, London, NW3 2QG, United Kingdom
Employer's website: https://www.royalfreelondonjobs.co.uk/

Employer contact details
For questions about the job, contact: Head of services Orthoptics and Optometry, Safina Rashid, safina.rashid@nhs.net, 02037582000

Supporting documents
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