Job summary
We are seeking an enthusiastic and motivated optometrist to join our friendly Hospital Optometry team during an exciting period of growth and service development.

Our department is a small but ambitious team that values collaboration, innovation and continuous learning. We are committed to delivering high-quality, patient-centred care and expanding the contribution of optometry within the Ophthalmology service.

As a relatively small department, every member of the team has the opportunity to make a meaningful contribution. We recognise that every optometrist brings different experience, strengths and career aspirations and, wherever possible, we will work with the successful applicant to develop a role that reflects both their interests and the evolving needs of the service.

Applicants who do not yet meet all of the competencies required for a Band 7 appointment are encouraged to apply. Appointment may be made at Band 6 with progression to Band 7 through a structured competency framework, supported by regular supervision, mentorship and professional development.

We are looking for someone who is enthusiastic, adaptable and committed to developing both themselves and the service. In return, we offer a supportive working environment where ideas are welcomed, professional development is encouraged and every member of the team can make a genuine difference.

Interviews will take place in September 2026

Main duties of the job
This is an excellent opportunity for an optometrist who wants to develop specialist clinical skills, influence service development and play an active role in shaping the future of our department.

The successful applicant will provide autonomous, evidence-based care within the Hospital Eye Service, managing patients across a range of specialist ophthalmic clinics.

The role offers opportunities to develop and work within extended roles, including glaucoma, cataract, paediatric optometry, emergency eye care, contact lenses and other specialist services, supported by competency-based training and ongoing professional development.

In addition to delivering excellent clinical care, the post holder will contribute to clinical leadership, service improvement, audit, teaching, clinical governance and quality improvement. They will work closely with ophthalmologists, orthoptists, nursing staff and the wider multidisciplinary team to ensure patients receive safe, effective and compassionate care.

About us
South Tees Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust and North Tees and Hartlepool NHS Foundation Trust have come together to form University Hospitals Tees. As a result, post holders may be required to work across sites within both organisations.

Across University Hospitals Tees, our ambition is to be the best place to work, ensuring we have the right staff in the right roles at the right time to deliver outstanding patient care and experience.

We are committed to supporting our staff through an inclusive and supportive working environment, offering health and wellbeing initiatives, staff benefits, and opportunities for personal and professional development.

We support the 'Making Every Contact Count' approach to behaviour change in the promotion of health and wellbeing of individuals and communities.

Job responsibilities
Please see the full job description and person specification document(s) attached for main responsibilities of the role.

Person Specification
Knowledge & Skills
Essential

• Able to work independently and across disciplines as a member of a multidisciplinary team undertaking a comprehensive range of complex hospital optometry core specialist services including diagnostic refraction, specialist medical contact lens, low visual aids for patients of all ages (including those with a wide range of learning disabilities). (Band 6 & 7)
• Ability to undertake extended role in specialist areas such as cataract, glaucoma, paediatrics, medical retina, acute and emergency eye care. (Band 7)
• Evidence of excellent communication and interpersonal skills including effective report writing. (Band 6 & 7)
• Ability to use own initiative and make independent clinical decisions. (Band 6 & 7)
• Good organisational skills and time management skills. (Band 6 & 7)
• Change management skills and involvement in project work with the willingness to implement and lead change where necessary. (Band 7)

Qualifications & Training
Essential

• Degree in Optometry. (BSc or MSc) (Band 6 & 7)
• Registered Optometrist with General Optical Council (GOC) (Band 6 & 7)
• Further highly developed specialist knowledge including theoretical and clinical training e.g. College of Optometrists' Post-Graduate Professional Qualification (such as the Diploma in Ocular Therapeutics). Accredited slit lamp examiner under Diabetic Retinal Screening programme. Highly specialised medically necessary contact lens fitting and after care. (Band 7)

Experience
Essential

• Post registration optometrist experience - which does not have to be Hospital Eye Service (HES) based. (Band 6 & 7)
• Experience of shared care/ extended role in one or more of: glaucoma, cataract, medical retina, complex refraction, low vision, medical contact lenses or clinical trials. (Band 6)
• Previous complex contact lens experience. (Band 7)
• Previous contact lens experience. (Band 6)
• Experience working in a multidisciplinary team. (Band 6 & 7)
• Knowledge and experience of adult/child safeguarding. (Band 6 & 7)
• Knowledge and experience of clinical governance. (Band 6 & 7)

Desirable

• Previous exposure/employment in a Hospital Eye Service (HES). (Band 6 & 7)
• Experience of teaching. (Band 7)
• Knowledge and understanding of relevant NHS policies and procedures. (Band 6 & 7)
• Low vision rehabilitation experience. (Band 6 & 7)

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.

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

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