Specialist Optometrist

Job overview

This post is an ideal opportunity for an enthusiastic specialist optometrist to join our large, friendly and supportive team.

Manchester Royal Eye Hospital is a leading teaching hospital and centre of excellence for ophthalmic care, with around 50 consultant ophthalmologists working in a range of ophthalmic sub-specialities. The optometry team consists of over 40 optometrists who work within the multi-disciplinary team to deliver outpatient care. Core optometry services include refraction, complex medical contact lens management and low vision rehabilitation.  Specialist optometrists contribute extensively towards clinical activity by way of extended roles in cataract, glaucoma, macular treatment, diabetes, corneal, paediatric and acute services.

Optometrists also have the opportunity to undertake research, clinical audit and engage in teaching.  The department has strong links with optometry and medicine at the University of Manchester. We have a strong track record of supporting professional development opportunities.

Previous hospital optometry experience is desirable and extensive clinical experience is essential.  You must be registered with the GOC and hold a degree in Optometry.

Applications for part time positions may be considered, some Saturday work will be required.

Main duties of the job

Qualified to BSc in ophthalmic optics or optometry, with significant clinical experience, you will bring advanced theoretical knowledge in ocular pathology, together with considerable clinical experience in the various ophthalmological subspecialties.

You’ll be working in a fast-moving environment where experience, strength of character and co-operation really matter. But you’ll take all this in your stride and embody our values as you work with pride, respect, empathy, consideration, compassion and dignity.

• Undertake highly specialist clinical activity requiring extensive knowledge, experience and expertise.
• Participate in the critical analysis of the quality of care within Optometry Services  3. To work closely with the Principal and Lead Optometrists to ensure that professional standards are achieved and always maintained.
• To assist the Principal and Lead Optometrists in the provision of training for pre-registration optometrists, other optometrists and personnel involved in Optometry and to contribute to the delivery of optometry teaching programs to optometry, visiting optometrists and medical undergraduate students at MREH.
• To contribute to clinical research programmes in collaboration with the Department of Ophthalmology and Department of Optometry at the University of Manchester.

Detailed job description and main responsibilities

To find out more about the key responsibilities and the specific skills and experience you’ll need for this role, take a look at the Job Description & Person Specification attachments under the ‘Documents to download’ heading.

Explore ‘Inside MFT – Your Candidate Place’

To help you feel confident, prepared and fully informed before you apply, we invite you to explore Inside MFT – Your Candidate Place.  This welcoming one‑stop hub gives you a real sense of who we are, what we stand for, how we reward and support you, and the many ways we care for you as you care for others.  You’ll also find practical hints and tips for submitting a great application, along with the essential information you need to know before you apply.

To access ‘Inside MFT – Your Candidate Place’, simply click on the relevant PDF document under the ‘Documents to download’ heading and once opened, you can either scan QR code or click on the link provided.

Closing vacancy listings early

We welcome applications from a wide range of backgrounds and experiences. To help us manage applications fairly and give each one the time it deserves, our adverts may close early if we receive a high level of interest. Early applications are therefore encouraged.

Diversity Matters MFT is committed to promoting equality of opportunity, celebrating and valuing diversity and eliminating any form of unlawful discrimination across our workforce, ensuring our people are truly representative of the communities we serve. All individuals regardless of age, disability, gender reassignment, marriage and civil partnership, pregnancy and maternity, race, religion or belief, sex and sexual orientation are encouraged to apply for this post. As an inclusive employer, we are here to support you. If you have any special requirements to help you with your application, please contact the manager named below.

Use of Artificial Intelligence (AI) in your application

Here at Manchester University NHS Foundation Trust, we’re proud to be ALL HERE FOR YOU, for our patients, our communities, and each other. As part of our commitment to fairness, transparency, and personal integrity, we ask all applicants to ensure that their job applications reflect their own experiences, skills, and motivations. While AI tools can support spelling, grammar, or formatting, we expect that the content of your application, especially personal statements and responses to role specific questions is written by you. This helps us get to know the real you and ensures that our recruitment process remains equitable and meaningful for everyone.

Thank you for helping us uphold the values that make our Trust a place where people belong, grow, and thrive. We look forward to receiving your application.

Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS) check

As part of our commitment to safeguarding patients and staff, many roles at Manchester University NHS Foundation Trust (MFT) require a Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS) check. This is a standard process across the NHS and helps us ensure a safe environment for everyone.

What is a DBS Check?

A DBS check is a background check that reveals any criminal convictions, cautions, reprimands, or warnings. The level of check required depends on the role:

Standard DBS: Checks for spent and unspent convictions, cautions, reprimands, and final warnings.

Enhanced DBS: Includes the above, plus any additional information held by local police that’s considered relevant to the role.

Enhanced with Barred Lists: Includes all of the above, plus checks against the children’s and/or adults’ barred lists.

Who Needs a DBS Check

Most roles involving direct patient contact, working with children or vulnerable adults, or access to sensitive information will require a DBS check. The job advert and recruitment team will let you know if this applies to your role.

The Costs for a DBS

At Manchester University NHS Foundation Trust (MFT), roles that require a DBS check are subject to a cost recovery policy. This means that the cost of submitting and processing a DBS application if you are successful and join us, will be deducted from your salary within the first three months of employment.   If, however, you withdraw from a conditional offer after the DBS process has begun, you will still be liable for the cost incurred.

For more information about the cost of the various types of DBS, please visit: https://www.gov.uk/government/news/dbs-fees-are-changing-in-december

DBS Update Service

Candidates are also expected to register with the DBS Update Service which must be completed within 30 days of the certificate being issued. This helps streamline future employment checks and supports safer recruitment practices.  For more information, please visit the DBS Update Service.