# BHSCT Principal Optometrist (Coordinator of Optometric Clinical Services in the Cornea Band 8A > NHS job listing from Job Clerk for Belfast Health and Social Care Trust. ## Canonical URLs - **HTML:** https://www.jobclerk.com/job/bhsct-principal-optometrist-coordinator-of-optometric-clinical-services-in-the-cornea-band-8a/cc6026b0-db45-4494-82fa-3b04ffec4422 - **Markdown:** https://www.jobclerk.com/job/bhsct-principal-optometrist-coordinator-of-optometric-clinical-services-in-the-cornea-band-8a/cc6026b0-db45-4494-82fa-3b04ffec4422.md ## Summary - **Status:** Live - **Employer:** Belfast Health and Social Care Trust - **Location:** Royal Victoria Hospital - **Workplace type:** onsite - **Profession:** Optometrist - **Grade:** Band 8 - **Salary:** £55,690 - £62,682 - **Contract type:** Permanent - **Closing date:** 2026-10-21T15:30:00.000Z - **Posted:** 2026-10-08T00:03:11.938Z - **Source information URL:** https://jobs.hscni.net/Job/49537/bhsct-principal-optometrist-coordinator-of-optometric-clinical-services-in-the-cornea-band-8a - **Application URL:** https://jobs-app.hscni.net/sap/bc/webdynpro/sap/hrrcf_a_posting_apply?PARAM=cG9zdF9pbnN0X2d1aWQ9MDA1MDU2OTNGMzJDMUZFMUIwRDNCRDYyRkNGMDI3QTgmY2FuZF90eXBlPWU%3d - **Employer website:** https://belfasttrust.hscni.net ## Job Content ### Job details - Branch: Belfast HSCT - Location: ROYAL VICTORIA HOSPITAL - Salary: Band 8a (£55,690 - £62,682 ) - Contract Type: Permanent - Opening Date: 07/10/26 - Closes: Wed, 21 October 2026 @ 4:30 PM - Interview Dates: To be confirmed ### Notes We accept online applications only. A waiting list may be created for similar posts that may arise while the waiting list is live, this may include temporary or part-time posts. This will be managed in line with the updated HSC waiting list principles effective from 1 April 2026. Where a part-time waiting list is required, one part-time waiting list will be created- regardless of any specific hours advertised, this waiting list will cover all future vacancies where part-time posts arise. A part-time post is defined as any post that has less than 37.5 hours per week. Please remember to save or print a copy of the job description before submitting your application, as it will not be accessible afterwards. Flexible Working We welcome flexible working requests from day one. All HSC organisations offer a range of flexible working options. The options available for this post will depend on the requirements of the role. Find out more about flexible working options on our website. ### JOB DESCRIPTION POST: Principal Optometrist (Coordinator of Optometric Clinical Services in the Corneal Service) LOCATION: Ophthalmology Services HOURS: 37.5 hours per week BAND: 8A REPORTS TO: Head of Optometry RESPONSIBLE TO: Ophthalmology Services Manager and Corneal Clinical Lead Job Summary / Main Purpose The role encompasses patient care, clinical leadership, staff management and service development within corneal and wider optometry services. The post holder will be supported to deliver safe and effective patient care, provide training and professional development, and contribute to service improvement initiatives. This position requires a patient-centred approach, strong leadership skills, and the ability to work autonomously while collaborating across specialties and the multidisciplinary team. The role will include delivery of laser and other surgical treatments for which training will be provided, if required. ### The post-holder will Assist the Head of Optometry in the development, co-ordination and delivery of high quality Optometric care in Corneal Ophthalmology services across sites serviced by the Belfast Health and Social Care Trust. Deliver comprehensive optometric clinical care to patients attending BHSCT Corneal Clinics. Provide clear professional leadership and oversee the coordination of staff within their area. The post holder will provide management responsibility for Optometric Corneal related Services delivered by the BHSCT. Carry overall responsibility for the operational management of optometric services within their sphere of responsibility. Liaise closely with members of the multidisciplinary team to facilitate effective communication, allow maximum utilization of resources, and promote continuity and co-ordination of the services within their sphere of responsibility. Lead on specific components of strategic planning, modernization, performance management and service delivery within their area. Be professionally responsible for all Optometrists within their area providing professional leadership and advice and working with the Head and Deputy Heads of Optometry in the BHSCT. Work as an integral member of the multi-disciplinary team working closely with medical staff and senior optometric, nursing and imaging colleagues to deliver the highest quality of service and standard of care. The post-holder will be responsible for the evaluation and management of patients with corneal pathology. Deputize for the Head and Deputy Heads of Optometry in all optometric services delivered by the Trust, as and when required. Main Duties / Responsibilities ### Setting Direction Support the Head of Optometry in the review, development, implementation and delivery of Optometry care within Corneal Services, ensuring integration with corporate and service group strategies and service delivery priorities. Support the Head of Optometry and Clinical Lead of Corneal Services in the development of strategic and operational plans, service development proposals and business cases, for the delivery of Optometry and Corneal Services, in line with regional strategies, Ministerial and other priorities. Contribute to the Trust's corporate planning, policy and decision-making processes as required and ensure the Trust's objectives and decisions are effectively communicated. ### Service Delivery Support the Head of Optometry and Deputy Heads of Optometry in coordinating the delivery of high quality clinical care in Optometry & Ophthalmology in conjunction with Multidisciplinary Teams within Ophthalmology. Provide clinical leadership in the development of Corneal Services by ensuring the use of evidence-based practice and clinical standards within the Ophthalmology service. In conjunction with the Head and Deputy Heads of Optometry, Service Manager, and Clinical Leads ensure that all relevant internal and ministerial elective targets are achieved within the Ophthalmology Corneal Service. Alert the Head of Optometry & Service Manager to any operational issues within the Ophthalmology Corneal Service relating to access / capacity in a timely manner, to allow any further action to be taken. Ensure that Ophthalmology Corneal Services are delivered to the standard and quality expected by the DHSSPS, SPPG and the Trust. Ensure that Ophthalmology Corneal Services are safe and effective and that risks are identified, quantified and minimized. Ensure that optometric performance within the Corneal Service is monitored in accordance with the Trust's policies and procedures and that corrective action is taken where necessary to address deficiencies. Support the Head and Deputy Heads of Optometry, Service Manager and Clinical Leads in developing collaborative alliances with all stakeholders to ensure the delivery of person-centered care. Ensure that Ophthalmology Corneal Services are reviewed to maintain the emphasis on modernization of corneal services. Promote a culture of continuous improvement which focuses on the provision of high quality safe and effective corneal services, allowing staff to maximize their potential and underpinned by honest, open communication and team working across disciplines. Develop appropriate mechanisms for accessing the views and facilitating the involvement of service users and carers in the development and delivery of Ophthalmology Corneal Services. Provide appropriate clinical assessment and review of patients attending Ophthalmology Corneal Clinics. ### Clinical Act as a highly skilled senior practitioner with expert knowledge in Corneal and other sub-specialities. To have extensive knowledge, experience and expertise in assessing corneal patients in new patient and review clinics. Serve as the optometry lead for the Corneal Service. To be responsible for autonomous independent prescribing or supply of topical investigational and therapeutic drugs. To discuss alternative treatment options including surgery and board and consent patients for laser procedures and ophthalmic surgical procedures. ### Clinical sessions mostly within the department to include - Supporting consultant led clinics (corneal) - Independent treatment clinics (YAG, crosslinking, minor ops) - Independent optometry led clinics (corneal and keratoconus) To support the wider team with triage, telephone queries and other clinical administration. Ensure safe, effective, accountable and holistic clinical care. Uphold clinical standards and confirm staff competencies. Communicate information to patients. Stay current with clinical guidelines and best practice. Deliver training across professional levels and collaborate with medical colleagues. To assess and manage patients attending Corneal Clinics and other Ophthalmology (e.g. Eye Casualty, Glaucoma and Macular Service) and Optometry (e.g. confocal microscopy, contact lens, low vision and paediatric refraction) out-patient clinics when required. To participate in a program for the advanced development of personal clinical expertise in accordance with individual performance objectives which are agreed with the Head / Deputy Heads of Optometry. This will take the form of an annual staff development review. To work in a multi-disciplinary environment and communicate effectively with other relevant healthcare professionals e.g. ophthalmologists, ophthalmic nursing staff, technical staff and administrative staff. To accurately assess and measure visual function, analyze and interpret clinical tests and provide the appropriate intervention. This will involve discussing and advising on alternative appliances and treatment options. To perform techniques requiring highly developed skills with significant levels of hand, eye and sensory co-ordination e.g. slit lamp biomicroscopy, instillation of ophthalmic drugs. To manage own clinical workload and oversee the clinical workload of other Optometrists working in the Corneal Service. Quality Ensure that the needs of patients and their carer's are at the core of the way the Trust delivers its Ophthalmology Services in general and Corneal Services in particular. Ensure high standards of governance, including the assessment, quantification and management of risk. Ensure that Ophthalmology Services within the post holder's area of responsibility comply with all professional regulatory and requisite standards and the discharge of statutory functions. Participate in projects as identified in quality initiatives in relation to Ophthalmology Services and co-ordinate projects within Corneal Services. Contribute to the Trust's overall corporate governance processes to ensure its compliance with public sector values and codes of conduct, operations and accountability. ### Managerial, Developmental and Innovative Duties Liaise closely with professional heads/leads as appropriate to ensure sound governance arrangements across the Corneal Service area and the provision of professional support and advice. Ensure that processes are in place to ensure that all professional policies, procedures and legislative standards relative to optometric aspects of the Corneal Service are issued, implemented and monitored. In conjunction with the Head and Deputy Heads of Optometry, ensure that workforce plans are developed and implemented to ensure the effective and efficient provision of Optometric staff in the Trust's Corneal Service. Contribute to the development and effectiveness of Clinical Networks. Alongside the Head and Deputy Heads of Optometry, Service Manager, Assistant Service Managers, Clinical Director and Clinical Leads for Ophthalmology, lead Optometric staff in the continual review and improvement of Corneal Services. Actively promote new ways of working and models of service delivery to improve Ophthalmology and Optometry services for patients. To collect and collate figures relevant to Optometric involvement in the Trusts Corneal Service and other clinics as required. To develop and implement clinical protocols and best working practice, relevant to aspects of the Corneal Service and other optometry/ophthalmology services. To ensure specialist equipment used within the clinic is in working order and standardized across the Corneal Service. To ensure all optometric staff involved in the Corneal Service keep accurate patient records and record clinical activity appropriately. To abide by all Trust policies and comply with health and safety regulations. ### Teaching and Training To coordinate the supervision of pre-registration optometrists, IP optometrists, optometry students and other staff within the Corneal Service and to assist with supervision and placement within other optometry services as required. To undertake delegated teaching and training of medical, nursing and optometry students and staff. To train registered optometrists within the Belfast Trust in assessment techniques used within the Corneal Service and other optometry/ophthalmology clinics. To participate in continuing education and training as required by the General Optical Council. To complete all mandatory training in line with Trust policies. ### Research and Audit To coordinate the clinical audit of optometric components of the Corneal Service and other services as required. This will involve gathering, collating, analyzing and interpreting data in order to inform project plans. To help develop research projects in conjunction with Consultant Ophthalmologists and the Head / Deputy Head of Optometry. To lead the optometric staff involved in the service in communicating audit and research findings in the most appropriate format (oral/poster presentations and peer-reviewed papers). This may be on a regional or national platform. Financial, Resource and Information Management Support the Head and Deputy Heads of Optometry, Service Manager, Assistant Service Managers, Clinical Director and Clinical Leads in identifying Corneal Service cost pressures and monitoring of delegated budgets, to ensure effective and efficient use of resources, assisting with variance analysis and completion of financial action plans as required, achieving financial targets. Support the Head and Deputy Head of Optometry Service Manager, Assistant Service Managers, Clinical Director and Clinical Leads in participating in Corneal Service contract and service level negotiations with commissioners. Support the Head and Deputy Heads of Optometry, Service Manager, Assistant Service Managers, and Clinical Lead in the development and delivery of Corneal Service capital investment strategies within the Directorate ensuring these reflect and contribute to meeting targets. Leadership Be a visible, assertive and accessible figure within Ophthalmology, Optometry and the Corneal Service. Provide clear leadership to staff and ensure the Trust has a highly skilled, flexible and motivated workforce to provide high quality Corneal Service care. Actively work to support and empower staff to develop and utilize leadership skills, ensuring they are invested in appropriate levels of authority to undertake their role effectively in an accountable manner. Contribute to a culture of positive performance management through leadership, setting and maintaining high standards of practice whilst promoting a culture of effective team-working, continuous improvement and innovation. Facilitate teams to work across professional and organizational boundaries. Develop excellent working relationships with internal and external stakeholders. Be up to date with relevant national, regional and Trust policies, and best practice, and ensure that services are developed locally in line with these. People Management Lead by example in practicing the highest standards of conduct in accordance with Trust policies and the Code of Conduct for HPSS Managers. Identify opportunities and develop programs of work that will support the Trust's commitment to multi-professional education and training in partnership. Assist in the development of an educational strategy relevant to Corneal Services and ensure there are systems in place to identify the education and training needs of staff which are underpinned by service priorities and organisational objectives. Provide guidance on personal development requirements and advise on and initiate, where appropriate, further training for staff involved in the Corneal Service. Ensure that the review of performance identified above is performed for all optometric staff within the Corneal Service in accordance with the Trust Board's policy. In relation to the above, ensure that optometric staff within the Corneal Service have a Personal Contribution Plan, in relation to the Trust's five strategic objectives, and a Personal Development Plan based on a review against their KSF post outline. Ensure the Trust's attendance management / sickness absence policy is implemented and establish an effective mechanism for regularly monitoring levels of sickness and absence, taking corrective action where necessary. Maintain good staff relationships and morale amongst the staff. Where appropriate, review the organisational plan and establishment levels and ensure that each is consistent with achieving objectives and recommend change where appropriate. Delegate appropriate responsibility and authority to the level of staff within your control consistent with effective decision making whilst retaining responsibility and accountability for results. Participate as required in the selection and appointment of staff in accordance with procedures laid down by the Trust. Take such action as may be necessary in disciplinary matters in accordance with procedures laid down by the Trust. Promote the Trust's policy on equality of opportunity through your own actions and ensure that this policy is adhered to by staff for whom you have responsibility. ### General Responsibilities Employees of the Trust are required to promote and support the mission and vision of the service for which they are responsible and: At all times provide a caring service and to treat those with whom they come into contact in a courteous and respectful manner. Demonstrate their commitment by their regular attendance and the efficient completion of all tasks allocated to them. Comply with the Trust's Smoke Free Policy. Carry out their duties and responsibilities in compliance with the Health and Safety Policies and Statutory Regulations. Adhere to Equality and Good Relations duties throughout the course of their employment. Ensure the ongoing confidence of the public in-service provision. Maintain high standards of personal accountability. Comply with the HPSS Code of Conduct. Information Governance All employees of Belfast Health & Social Care Trust are legally responsible for all records held, created or used as part of their business within the Belfast Health and Social Care Trust, including patient/client, corporate and administrative records whether paper based or electronic and also including e-mails. All such records are public records and are accessible to the general public, with limited exceptions, under the Freedom of Information Act 2000, the Environment Regulations 2004, the General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR) and the Data Protection Act 2018. Employees are required to be conversant and to comply with the Belfast Health and Social Care Trust policies on Information Governance including for example the ICT Security Policy, Data Protection Policy and Records Management Policy and to seek advice if in doubt. For further information on how we use your personal data within HR, please refer to the Privacy Notice available on the HUB or Your HR Environmental Cleaning Strategy The Trusts Environmental Cleaning Strategy recognizes the key principle that "Cleanliness matters is everyone's responsibility, not just the cleaners" Whilst there are staff employed who are responsible for cleaning services, all Trust staff have a responsibility to ensure a clean, comfortable, safe environment for patients, clients, residents, visitors, staff and members of the general public. Infection Prevention and Control The Belfast Trust is committed to reducing Healthcare associated infections (HCAIs) and all staff have a part to play in making this happen. Staff must comply with all policies in relation to Infection Prevention and Control and with ongoing reduction strategies. Standard Infection Prevention and Control Precautions must be used at all times to ensure the safety of patients and staff. This includes:- Cleaning hands either with soap and water or a hand sanitiser at the appropriate times (WHO '5 moments'); Using the correct '7 step' hand hygiene technique; Being 'bare below the elbows' when in a clinical environment; Following Trust policies and the Regional Infection Control Manual (found on intranet); Wearing the correct Personal Protective Equipment (PPE); Ensuring correct handling and disposal of waste (including sharps) and laundry; Ensuring all medical devices (equipment) are decontaminated appropriately i.e. cleaned, disinfected and/or sterilised; Ensuring compliance with High Impact Interventions. Values The Belfast Trust aims to recruit staff not only with the right skills but also with the right values to ensure the delivery of excellent patient care and experience. Staff will be expected to be committed to provide safe, effective, compassionate and person centered care by:- Treating Everyone with Dignity and Respect Displaying Openness and Trust Being Accountable Being Leading Edge Maximising Learning and Development By embedding the above values we will make a significant contribution to the delivery of the Trust's Vision. Personal Public Involvement Staff members are expected to involve patients, clients, carers and the wider community were relevant, in developing, planning and delivering our services in a meaningful and effective way, as part of the Trust's ongoing commitment to Personal Public Involvement (PPI). Please use the link below to access the PPI standards leaflet for further information. http://www.publichealth.hscni.net/sites/default/files/PPI_leaflet.pdf Clause: This job description is not meant to be definitive and may be amended to meet the changing needs of the Belfast Health and Social Care Trust. ### PERSONNEL SPECIFICATION Principal Optometrist (Coordinator of Optometric Clinical Services in the Corneal Service) BSc (Hons) in Optometry (2:1 or above) Current GOC registration MCOptom or equivalent Minimum 6 years post qualifying experience Independent Prescribing Qualification Experience in the delivery of Corneal Services Current full driving licence valid for use in the UK and access to a car on appointment and must be able to work in different health service locations relevant to Service need. Shortlisting by Application Form An understanding of how to plan, coordinate and deliver optometric components of Corneal Services. An understanding of the relationship between primary care and secondary care in the delivery of Corneal Services. An understanding of how to assess, evaluate and manage patients presenting to Corneal Clinics. Experience of providing services to patients with anterior and posterior segment pathology and knowledge of current treatment regimes. Ability to work as an autonomous practitioner as well as part of the wider multi-disciplinary team. Past experience of having coordinated and presented research and / or audit findings. And Interview Higher Qualifications with the College of Optometrists. Previous experience of having worked in a multi-disciplinary ophthalmology service. Past experience of preparing and publishing clinically relevant material. Prior involvement in teaching and training of optometrists and / or other professionals. ### NOTE Where educational/professional qualifications form part of the criteria you will be required, if shortlisted for interview, to produce original certificates and one photocopy of same issued by the appropriate authority. Only those certificates relevant to the shortlisting criteria should be produced. If educational certificates are not available an original letter and photocopy of same detailing examination results from your school or college will be accepted as an alternative. If successful you will be required to produce documentary evidence that you are legally entitled to live and work in the United Kingdom. This documentation can be a P45, Payslip, National Insurance Card or a Birth Certificate confirming birth in the United Kingdom or the Republic of Ireland. Failure to produce evidence will result in a non-appointment. Where a post involves working in regulated activity with vulnerable groups, post holders will be required to register with the Independent Safeguarding Authority. INCLUDE the following section Only Where Relevant for Senior Posts i.e. Band 8a or above Healthcare Leadership Competencies Candidates who are shortlisted for interview will need to demonstrate at interview that they have the required competencies to be effective in this demanding leadership role. The competencies concerned are set out in the NHS Healthcare Leadership Model, details of which can be found at: http://www.leadershipacademy.nhs.uk/resources/healthcare-leadership-model. ### Particular attention will be given to the following Inspiring shared purpose Leading with care Evaluating information Connecting our service Sharing the vision Engaging the team Holding to account Developing capability Influencing for results HSC Values Whilst employees will be expected to portray all the values, particular attention is drawn to the following values for this role ## Agent Notes - This Markdown page is generated from the same Job Clerk job record as the HTML job detail page. - Use the canonical HTML URL for user-facing references. - Use the application URL when the user wants to apply on the source NHS site.