Job summary There are so many reasons to join our team at Sunderland Eye Infirmary (SEI). Aside from our fantastic staff, we have lots of exciting things going on. The build of our New Eye Hospital in Sunderland is well under way and will be our new home in 2026. This means Sunderland will remain home to the regions only dedicated standalone eye hospital. It will strengthen our excellent reputation across the NHS, both regionally and nationally as a centre of excellence for ophthalmology care. As one of the few specialist eye hospitals in the country, research and using developing technology is a key part of our work. We encourage innovation and research in everything we do. There is always something to get involved in. If you share our vision for 'excellence in all that we do', wed love you to join us We are seeking to appoint a Head of Optometry/ Optometrist Consultant to join our dedicated team. The post is based at SEI and is responsible for managing and professionally leading the Optometry department who provide services across multiple hospital and community sites in the South Tyneside, Sunderland & Durham localities. The postholder will also be expected to carry a highly complex caseload within their own area of clinical expertise, managing clinics at both SEI and at peripheral sites. If you are a highly motivated individual, with extensive knowledge, experience and passion for hospital optometry, then this is the perfect job for you, and we would welcome your application. Main duties of the job The Optometry department comprises 14 staff including this post, providing advanced clinical roles, in Medical Retina, Cataract, Glaucoma and within the Emergency Department. In addition, they also deliver a wide range of specialist core clinical roles i.e. adult and paediatric refraction, medical contact lenses, low vision rehabilitation and participation in clinical research trials. This role will provide senior leadership to the Optometry department, ensuring the effective and efficient deployment of staff across a range of locations and that the service provided reflects the highest standard of governance, clinical effectiveness, and quality of care. You will be an experienced Optometrist using your advanced knowledge and experience of hospital optometry to guide and support your team whilst actively being involved in the delivery of patient care. We are looking for a dynamic and enthusiastic individual who has extensive post-graduate experience, some of which will have involved managing clinical services who wishes to further develop or consolidate their leadership skills. A degree in Optometry and evidence of post graduate study are essential. For further details / informal visits contact: Fiona McKinley, Directorate Manager via fiona.mckineynhs.net or Ext: 46232 or Mr Ajay Kotagiri, Consultant Ophthalmologist and Clinical Director for Ophthalmology on 0191 5699954 or Ajay.Kotagirinhs.net. About us Please help us by adding your telephone number to your application form this will allow us to contact you quickly if required. One Team One Trust - There are many reasons to work at our Trust. From our commitment to putting people first to our accessible services and award winning teams. We have a passion for research, innovation and tackling inequalities. We are committed to respect, fairness and civility and promote a compassionate, caring and positive culture / working environment. We welcome all applications irrespective of peoples race, disability, gender, sexual orientation, religion/belief, age, gender identity, marriage and civil partnership, pregnancy/maternity and in particular those from under- represented groups. Looking after our workforces health and wellbeing is a priority for STSFT. We also provide access to high quality education, training, career progression and support. Flexible working is supported via the Trust's Flexible Working Policy. The Trust employs around 8,300 people and provides a range of hospital services to a local community of around 430,000 residents. We also provide a range of more specialised services outside this area, in some cases to a population as great as 860,000. We offer our staff outstanding benefits - Fitness Centre (SRH), libraries at both hospital sites, chaplaincy support and access to a Childcare Co-ordinator to help staff with childcare arrangements. The Trust will not accept applications which are found to be AI generated. Date posted 08 April 2025 Pay scheme Agenda for change Band Band 8c Salary £74,290 to £85,601 a year Contract Permanent Working pattern Full-time Reference number C9155-OPMD-0425-8 Job locations Sunderland Eye Infirmary Queen Alexandra Road Sunderland SR2 9HP Job description Job responsibilities PLEASE REFER TO THE ATTACHED JOB DESCRIPTION FOR FULL DUTIES OF THE ROLE. To be the professional and managerial lead for the Department of Optometry. To provide leadership for the department, optimising direct line management, accountability, and governance within the team. To drive the strategic development of the optometry department, working with local and national stakeholders and other professional groups. To be responsible for the provision and delivery of a broad and comprehensive range of core and highly specialist optometry services at central and peripheral locations. To plan and implement short term and long-term strategic adjustments to service provision as needed to meet changing skill mix and demands on service and make adaptations to meet conflicting service requirements as necessary. To ensure provision and delivery of teaching and training for all members of the department. To personally deliver specialist training in area of expertise. To take full management responsibility for all aspects of the service for the department including budgetary, human resources, and clinical governance. To proactively embrace NHS improvement policies, local and national, and instigate change. Work closely with the directorate management triumvirate, ophthalmologists and other heads of service to provide a flexible and adaptable service that is responsive to changes in requirements. To build on research relationships internal and external to the Trust. Encourage research ideas within the department and the presentation and publication of results to relevant national professional forums. To comply with the STSFTs vision, values and behavioural compact. To manage a highly complex caseload within own area of expertise, using advanced specialist skills. Job description Job responsibilities PLEASE REFER TO THE ATTACHED JOB DESCRIPTION FOR FULL DUTIES OF THE ROLE. To be the professional and managerial lead for the Department of Optometry. To provide leadership for the department, optimising direct line management, accountability, and governance within the team. To drive the strategic development of the optometry department, working with local and national stakeholders and other professional groups. To be responsible for the provision and delivery of a broad and comprehensive range of core and highly specialist optometry services at central and peripheral locations. To plan and implement short term and long-term strategic adjustments to service provision as needed to meet changing skill mix and demands on service and make adaptations to meet conflicting service requirements as necessary. To ensure provision and delivery of teaching and training for all members of the department. To personally deliver specialist training in area of expertise. To take full management responsibility for all aspects of the service for the department including budgetary, human resources, and clinical governance. To proactively embrace NHS improvement policies, local and national, and instigate change. Work closely with the directorate management triumvirate, ophthalmologists and other heads of service to provide a flexible and adaptable service that is responsive to changes in requirements. To build on research relationships internal and external to the Trust. Encourage research ideas within the department and the presentation and publication of results to relevant national professional forums. To comply with the STSFTs vision, values and behavioural compact. To manage a highly complex caseload within own area of expertise, using advanced specialist skills. Person Specification Experience Essential Previous experience of management of clinical service. Significant and demonstrable experience in autonomous management a broad range of secondary care and tertiary complex optometric cases in a hospital setting; involving ability to plan appropriate investigations, analyse test results and interpret all data relating to highly complex clinical presentations within area of expertise. Advanced theoretical knowledge, skills, and clinical experience in specialist areas. Previous experience of teaching theoretical knowledge and practical skills in both formal and informal setting. Previous experience as a Senior Hospital Optometrist in leadership role in provision of specialist optometric service. Skills and experience in planning improvement to aspects of a service through liaison with professional groups involved in proposed pathways and positive engagement with co-workers at all levels including consultants, service managers/lead and service users as needed. Experience in formal presentations to large groups of professional peers and other professional groups in formal and informal arenas. Previous budget management experience. Experience of leading service change. Experience in design and execution of prospective/ retrospective clinical audit. Desirable Specialist medical contact lens experience. Low vision rehabilitation experience. Previous clinical experience in chosen specialist area e.g. medical retina. Skills and Knowledge Essential Ability to lead a team and to delegate work under pressure and multi-task. Extensive knowledge/understanding of the wider optometry profession. Ability to undertake highly specialist extended clinical role and formulate specialist care plans in areas of expertise. Motivational skills and ability to mentor & develop others. Teaching and presentation skills. Excellent IT skills across a range of Microsoft Office and Trust IT packages. Ability to demonstrate empathy and professionalism throughout patient consultations and achieve sound clinical outcome, even when receiving/delivering complex or distressing information. Evidence of excellent communication and interpersonal skills including effective report writing. Able to work under pressure. Ability to use own initiative and make independent clinical decisions. Excellent organisational and time management skills, both in clinical and leadership roles. Change management skills and involvement in project work. Willingness to implement change where necessary. Ability to work with patients of all ages but in particular young children (often with learning disabilities) and the elderly. Desirable Counselling skills. Ability to undertake further training to practice other advanced extended clinical roles. To assist in the training of basic optical skills to nurses and junior medical staff. To independently undertake supervision of pre-registration optometrists and other students attending clinics in observational capacities. Ability to understand and interpret performance and activity data to present reports and determine service strategy. Qualifications Essential Honours degree in Optometry. Registration with General Optical Council. Post graduate qualification or Higher Degree in Optometry e.g. MSc / PhD / diploma or equivalent significant specialist knowledge acquired working in an NHS environment at an advanced clinical level across a range of areas of clinical practice. Continuing Education and Training Programme maintained. Extensive experience/ training courses undertaken in Clinical management and leadership skills. Postgraduate College of Optometrists Qualification Independent Prescribing DipTp(IP). Registered College of Optometrists Supervisor for pre-registration graduate optometrist training post as required by the GOC. Desirable Member/ Fellow of The College of Optometrists. Formal management qualification. College of optometrists examiner or experience of delivery of teaching to optometry undergraduates and postgraduates in University setting. Trained to undertake values based interviews and values-based appraisals. Physical Skills Essential Significant levels of dexterity precision and speed, requiring significant levels of hand eye and sensory co-ordination. Able to maintain significant levels of concentration for extended periods. Flexible and adaptable approach to working patterns. Must be able to meet the independent travel requirements of the role. Person Specification Experience Essential Previous experience of management of clinical service. Significant and demonstrable experience in autonomous management a broad range of secondary care and tertiary complex optometric cases in a hospital setting; involving ability to plan appropriate investigations, analyse test results and interpret all data relating to highly complex clinical presentations within area of expertise. Advanced theoretical knowledge, skills, and clinical experience in specialist areas. Previous experience of teaching theoretical knowledge and practical skills in both formal and informal setting. Previous experience as a Senior Hospital Optometrist in leadership role in provision of specialist optometric service. Skills and experience in planning improvement to aspects of a service through liaison with professional groups involved in proposed pathways and positive engagement with co-workers at all levels including consultants, service managers/lead and service users as needed. Experience in formal presentations to large groups of professional peers and other professional groups in formal and informal arenas. Previous budget management experience. Experience of leading service change. Experience in design and execution of prospective/ retrospective clinical audit. Desirable Specialist medical contact lens experience. Low vision rehabilitation experience. Previous clinical experience in chosen specialist area e.g. medical retina. Skills and Knowledge Essential Ability to lead a team and to delegate work under pressure and multi-task. Extensive knowledge/understanding of the wider optometry profession. Ability to undertake highly specialist extended clinical role and formulate specialist care plans in areas of expertise. Motivational skills and ability to mentor & develop others. Teaching and presentation skills. Excellent IT skills across a range of Microsoft Office and Trust IT packages. Ability to demonstrate empathy and professionalism throughout patient consultations and achieve sound clinical outcome, even when receiving/delivering complex or distressing information. Evidence of excellent communication and interpersonal skills including effective report writing. Able to work under pressure. Ability to use own initiative and make independent clinical decisions. Excellent organisational and time management skills, both in clinical and leadership roles. Change management skills and involvement in project work. Willingness to implement change where necessary. Ability to work with patients of all ages but in particular young children (often with learning disabilities) and the elderly. Desirable Counselling skills. Ability to undertake further training to practice other advanced extended clinical roles. To assist in the training of basic optical skills to nurses and junior medical staff. To independently undertake supervision of pre-registration optometrists and other students attending clinics in observational capacities. Ability to understand and interpret performance and activity data to present reports and determine service strategy. Qualifications Essential Honours degree in Optometry. Registration with General Optical Council. Post graduate qualification or Higher Degree in Optometry e.g. MSc / PhD / diploma or equivalent significant specialist knowledge acquired working in an NHS environment at an advanced clinical level across a range of areas of clinical practice. Continuing Education and Training Programme maintained. Extensive experience/ training courses undertaken in Clinical management and leadership skills. Postgraduate College of Optometrists Qualification Independent Prescribing DipTp(IP). Registered College of Optometrists Supervisor for pre-registration graduate optometrist training post as required by the GOC. Desirable Member/ Fellow of The College of Optometrists. Formal management qualification. College of optometrists examiner or experience of delivery of teaching to optometry undergraduates and postgraduates in University setting. Trained to undertake values based interviews and values-based appraisals. Physical Skills Essential Significant levels of dexterity precision and speed, requiring significant levels of hand eye and sensory co-ordination. Able to maintain significant levels of concentration for extended periods. Flexible and adaptable approach to working patterns. Must be able to meet the independent travel requirements of the role. 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). Additional information 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 South Tyneside and Sunderland NHS Foundation Trust Address Sunderland Eye Infirmary Queen Alexandra Road Sunderland SR2 9HP Employer's website https://www.stsft.nhs.uk (Opens in a new tab)