NHS Scotland
Specialist Optometrist - OPTOMETRY
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NHS Greater Glasgow and Clyde (NHSGGC)
NHS Greater Glasgow and Clyde (NHSGGC) is one of the largest healthcare systems in the United Kingdom, employing approximately 40,000 staff across a wide range of clinical and non-clinical professions and roles. We deliver acute hospital, primary, community and mental health services to a population of over 1.15 million people, and to a wider population of 2.2 million when regional and national services are included.
The Role
An exciting opportunity has arisen for an enthusiastic and highly motivated Independent Prescribing Optometrist to join our Corneal and Cataract Services within NHS Greater Glasgow and Clyde.
You will become part of a dynamic team of approximately 40 Optometrists working across eight Ophthalmology departments throughout the Health Board, delivering high-quality specialist eye care to a diverse patient population.
We are seeking an Independent Prescriber with experience in the assessment and management of anterior eye disease, ideally within a Hospital Eye Service. Whilst comprehensive support and mentorship will be provided, the successful candidate will be expected to work autonomously, exercising advanced clinical judgement and contributing to patient management decisions, including discussions surrounding surgical pathways where appropriate.
The post holder may contribute to the clinical supervision and development of junior staff, including Optometrists, Pre-Registration Optometrists and Healthcare Support Workers. There may also be opportunities to undertake managerial responsibilities, such as staff appraisals and referral vetting.
As part of a large and progressive Optometry service, staff and clinic rotations may provide opportunities to gain experience within other specialist areas and develop extended roles within Ophthalmology.
The post will be primarily based at Gartnavel General Hospital; however, the successful candidate may occasionally be required to work across other NHS Greater Glasgow and Clyde sites to support service delivery.
A willingness to travel is therefore essential.
This role does not meet the eligibility criteria for a Skilled Worker visa or a Heath and Care Worker visa. NHS Greater Glasgow and Clyde (NHSGGC) is unable to provide candidates or employees with a Certificate of Sponsorship (COS).
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Duration, Location, and Working Pattern:
- Permanent, part-time, 14.8 hours per week
- Shift pattern: 9.00-16.42
- Base location: Gartnavel General Hospital
Key Responsibilities
The successful candidate will work within a range of specialist anterior eye clinics, gaining experience in the assessment, management and ongoing care of patients with complex corneal and cataract conditions. Clinical duties will include:
- Specialist contact lens fitting and management
- Keratoconus monitoring and treatment
- Cataract assessment services
- General corneal clinics
- Management of patients with anterior eye disease
Please refer to the job description for further details.
Knowledge, Training, Qualifications and/or Experience Required to Do the Job:
Essential
- BSc Degree in Optometry
- Current General Optical Council Registration
- Independent Prescribing Diploma
- Advanced slit lamp examination skills
- Advanced experience using VOLK examination techniques
- Excellent communication and interpersonal skills
- Ability to work independently and within a multidisciplinary team
- Strong organisational, prioritisation and time-management skills
- Sound clinical decision-making ability
Desirable
- Hospital Optometry experience
- Experience managing complex contact lens patients
- Full UK driving licence and willingness to travel between sites
Training Provided
- Comprehensive induction and training for the successful candidate.
- Specialist training in corneal confocal imaging.
- Ongoing professional development opportunities and exposure to extended roles within Ophthalmology.
What We Offer
We offer a wide range of supportive policies designed to enhance your employee journey, including a comprehensive Employee Assistance Programme, Cycle to Work Scheme, bursary scheme and extensive learning and development opportunities.
As an NHS Scotland employee, you will be entitled to:
- A minimum of 27 days annual leave, increasing with length of service, plus public holidays
- Membership of the NHS Pension Scheme, including life insurance benefits
- Salary Sacrifice Car Benefit Scheme
- Development opportunities including study bursaries, e-learning and classroom-based courses
- Enhanced pay for working public holidays
- NHS discounts on a wide range of goods and services
- Confidential employee support and assistance, including counselling and psychological therapies
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Interested?
If you would like to find out more, we would love to hear from you.
For An Informal Discussion, Please Contact
- Lynsey Cowan, Deputy Head Optometrist - Lynsey.Cowan2@nhs.scot - 0141 211 1034
Details on How to Contact the Recruitment Service and the Recruitment Process:
This vacancy may close early due to a high volume of applications. We recommend applying as soon as possible to avoid disappointment.
AI Tools
AI tools like ChatGPT or Copilot can be great for planning and preparing your application, but your answers must be your own.
- Show us the real you: Your application should reflect your skills, experience, and motivations authentically.
- Use AI wisely: It’s fine to use AI for ideas or to check spelling and grammar, but don’t let it write your answers.
- Why this matters: Applications that rely on AI-generated content may be withdrawn. By applying, you confirm your responses are based on your own knowledge and achievements.
Tip: Think of AI as a helper, not a substitute. We want to understand you, not an AI tool.
Flexible Working
NHS Greater Glasgow and Clyde (NHSGGC) recognises the importance of work-life balance and is committed to offering a range of flexible working options where service needs allow. For roles where less than full-time hours can be accommodated, and where the tenure is listed as “various”, we encourage applications from individuals seeking flexible working arrangements. Flexible working will be included as a topic for discussion during the recruitment process.
Equality, Diversity and Inclusion
NHS Greater Glasgow and Clyde encourages applications from all sections of the community. We are committed to promoting equality, diversity and inclusion and are proud of the diverse workforce we employ.
Armed Forces Covenant
By signing the Armed Forces Covenant, NHSGGC has pledged its commitment to being a Forces Friendly Employer. We welcome applications from across the Armed Forces Community and recognise military skills, experience and qualifications throughout the recruitment and selection process.
Application Portal or Log-In Issues
For application portal or log-in issues, please contact the in the first instance.
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