About this role
Job summary
We are seeking a highly motivated and experienced Band 7 Optometrist to join our dynamic ophthalmology team. In this role, you will work closely with orthoptists and the wider multidisciplinary team to deliver a comprehensive range of high-quality optometric services, including extended roles depending on your experience.
You will practise autonomously, providing expert assessment, diagnosis, and management of patients across all age groups, from infants to older adults, including those with complex clinical needs. The role also offers the opportunity to contribute to specialist optometric services and support the ongoing development of innovative patient pathways.
In addition to clinical duties, you will play an active role in clinical audit, research, and service improvement initiatives. You will also contribute to teaching and training across a range of professional groups, supporting the development of future ophthalmic practitioners.
This is an excellent opportunity for an optometrist looking to further develop their clinical expertise, leadership skills, and involvement in education and service development within a supportive and forward-thinking team.
Main duties of the job
Providing a comprehensive range of core optometric services, including complex refraction (particularly in paediatric patients). Undertaking autonomous assessment, diagnosis, and management of patients across all age groups, including children and individuals with complex communication or additional needs. Developing and implementing individualised management and treatment plans, including prescribing spectacles and making appropriate referrals or discharging patients. Delivering care within paediatric clinics, working collaboratively with orthoptists and ophthalmologists to diagnose and manage a wide range of conditions. Communicating effectively with patients, families, and carers, including explaining sensitive information such as diagnosis and prognosis in a clear and supportive manner. Maintaining accurate clinical records and ensuring patients are managed within appropriate care pathways, including timely follow-up and discharge planning. Contributing to clinical governance through participation in audit, service evaluation, and continuous professional development. Supporting service development by reviewing policies, identifying improvements, and ensuring adherence to Trust protocols. Maintaining and monitoring clinical equipment, reporting faults, and ensuring efficient use of resources. Actively contributing to education and training by supervising students, teaching multidisciplinary staff, and supporting clinical observers.
About us
We are proud to be one of the largest community healthcare providers in the country, with more than 4,500 colleagues caring for over four million people across London and Hertfordshire. Every day, our teams bring their skill, compassion, and determination to the people who depend on us.
What inspires us is at the heart of who we are: when we work together, we can help people move forward in ways that truly matter. Our teams support children as they take their first steps in life, and they stand beside adults as they rebuild strength, confidence, and independence. From newborn health visiting to community nursing, stroke rehabilitation, and palliative care, we are there for people through some of life's most important moments.
Joining Central London Community Healthcare means becoming part of a community that lifts each other up. It means working in an organisation that values compassion, welcomes new ideas, and believes in the potential of every colleague. Your development matters here. Your wellbeing matters. Your voice helps shape the future of the care we provide.
We offer a competitive employment package because the work you do matters. At Central London Community Healthcare, you will join an inclusive organisation that invests in its people, supports development, and helps you thrive while delivering high-quality care.
Job description Job responsibilities
Applicants are expected to present clear and relevant evidence of the competencies and responsibilities detailed in the attached Job Description and Person Specification, together with a demonstrated commitment to the Trusts values of Accountability, Inclusion, Compassion, and Empowerment.
Person Specification
Skills & Knowledge Essential
High level of literacy IT literate Ability to demonstrate professional knowledge and skills (able to access, appraise and apply evidence in practice. Special Aptitudes Teaching/Supervisory skills Excellent communication skills (verbal and written) Multidisciplinary teamwork in a multicultural framework
Education/Qualification Essential
BSc (Hons) Optometry (or equivalent). Registration with General Optical Council. Further/ higher professional qualifications or an interest in gaining further/ higher professional qualifications. Evidence of on-going continuing education and training as required by the General Optical Council Minimum of 1-2 years post registration experience
Experience Essential
Evidence of post registration experience. Evidence of continuing professional development. Previous hospital optometry experience, beneficial not essential Accurate paediatric refractions (cyclopentolate and non- cyclopentolate) with an understanding of appropriate prescribing. Good understanding of professional issues and NHS policy initiatives e.g. voucher regulations. A portfolio of career long learning, experience and education. Primary research skills. Presentations to colleagues/ peers. Teaching to fellow health professionals.
Desirable
Interest in clinical research and audit
Key Attributes Essential
Excellent interpersonal skills with the ability to work within a multi- disciplinary team- willing to seek advice from colleagues. Maintain a professional manner at all times. Sensitivity to an individual's needs - able to communicate complex, sensitive, condition - related information to a patient. Accurate documentation Punctual, reliable and flexible. Self-motivated and able to work on own initiative Receptive to further training and development. Able to organise and prioritize own workload. Openness - Shares information and good practice appropriately Mutual Respect - Treats others with courtesy and respect at all times
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 Central London Community Health Trust
Address Vale Drive Community Eye Clinic
6 Vale Drive
Barnet
EN5 2ED
United Kingdom
Employer's website https://clch.nhs.uk/ (Opens in a new tab)