Hospital Principal Optometrist

Job details

• Job reference: 253842
• Salary: Band 8A (£65,125 - £70,303)
• Job closing date: 02/08/2026
• Job Type: Other Therapeutic
• Location: National Treatment Centre
• Employment type: Permanent
• Hours Per Week: 36
• Job posted date: 14/07/2026
• Employer (NHS Board): NHS Highland
• Department: Optometry

An exciting opportunity has arisen for a Band 8A (1.0wte) Optometrist to join the Optometry Team within the Hospital Eye Service at the National Treatment Centre – Highland (NTC-H) in Inverness.

The successful candidate would work within the Optometry Team to deliver a range of specialist clinics in the NTC-H and across Highland, Orkney and Western Isles in conjunction with our ophthalmology, orthoptic and nursing colleagues, whilst providing clinical leadership in an agreed clinical area(s) with the Head of Service(s).

The candidate should have a minimum of 2 years post-qualification experience within the Hospital Eye Service, with proven advanced theoretical and practical knowledge attained through post-graduate qualifications and clinical experience. The candidate must be a registered optometrists with the GOC and hold post-graduate qualifications in relevant clinical area(s).

The Hospital Eye Service is based at the NTC-H in Inverness, which is a purpose-built facility for Ophthalmology and Orthopaedics and opened in April 2023. This is a fantastic opportunity to work in the new facility with high spec equipment and supportive Team. The Optometry Team deliver clinical services in the NTC-H but also in peripheral parts of the Highlands; including Wick, Portree and Fort William and to the Island Health Boards; Orkney and Western Isles. The successful candidate would gain the experience of travelling to some of these areas, which can entail overnight stays and therefore a driving licence is required.

The role would suit a motivated and enthusiastic Optometrist who is keen to further develop their own scope of clinical practice whilst also developing a leadership role for a clinical area(s).

Informal enquiries to Cora MacLeod – Optometrist Head of Service - cora.macleod@nhs.scot

NHS Scotland is committed to encouraging equality and diversity among our workforce and eliminating unlawful discrimination. The aim is for our workforce to be truly representative and for each employee to feel respected and able to give their best. To this end, NHS Scotland welcomes applications from all sections of society.

ADDITIONAL INFORMATION FOR CANDIDATES

• Please note that this vacancy may close before the advertised closing date if a high number of applications are received. Early application is therefore advised.
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• Applications are welcome from Gaelic speakers. / Tha fàilte air tagraidhean bho luchd‑labhairt na Gàidhlig.
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NHS Highland is geographically the largest of the 14 regional boards of NHS Scotland, covering an area of 12,500 square miles, across Highland and Argyll & Bute.

We employ over 10,700 people, making us one of the biggest employers in the area. As an organisation, we make a very significant contribution to the local economy.

Our staff are also important members of our communities. Our greatest asset is our workforce, and the way we go about our work comes from the values and behaviours we demonstrate on a daily basis. As a board we strive to ensure the environment is conducive to nurturing a positive culture, supported and delivered through our NHS and social care values.

Care and compassion

Dignity and respect

Openness, honesty and responsibility

Quality and teamwork