Job summary We are seeking to appoint a Specialist Optometrist to work in both specialist optometric clinics and extended roles within ophthalmology clinics. The successful candidate will provide a broad range of highly skilled core & specialised services. This specific post is one year fixed contract, part time post, for maternity cover. We are excited to offer opportunities for optometrists to join our friendly Optometry Team in East Sussex, enjoying the benefits of a forward thinking department & the delights of living on the south coast with beaches & countryside on the doorstep, but just over an hour from London. Our team strives to support training & development to optometrists through all levels of their career from pre-registration up to advanced practitioner levels.Our team consists of 13 optometrists, with budget of 10 full time equivalent. The team provides services at Eastbourne District General Hospital, Bexhill Hospital & Conquest Hospital. Our department has a large involvement with ophthalmology clinics but with a strong background in specialist optometry roles. The team works closely alongside consultant ophthalmologists, associate specialists, junior doctors, orthoptists, ophthalmic technicians, ophthalmology trained nurses & dispensing optician. Our team provides a range of highly skilled specialised services such as low vision, complex adult & paediatric refraction & medical contact lenses. Main duties of the job The role involves a varied work load with a mixture of specialist optometry clinics (medical contact lenses, refraction and low vision) and extended ophthalmology roles (for example AMD, glaucoma, cataract, intravitreal injections). The specific post vacant currently is for AMD, glaucoma and medical contact lenses, but there are opportunities to have a slight variation and flexibility both ways. We are looking for someone with excellent interpersonal skills, team focus and the drive to deliver a high standard of patient care. You must have current GOC registration and be qualified optometrist with post registration experience. Training and support can be provided in the role as required and we welcome optometrists from the community setting who may be interested in training into hospital work. About us A wide range of staff benefits are available to our staff including staff development, enrolment in the NHS pension scheme, auto-enrolment to our Temporary Workforce Service, access to nurseries at Conquest Hospital and Eastbourne District General Hospital, staff restaurants and on-site staff accommodation. In addition to an internal Occupational Health department, all staff also have access to free psychological support through our confidential Employee Assistance Programme which is available to staff 24 hours a day 7 days a week. Onsite parking is available from £50. There has never been a better time to join East Sussex Healthcare NHS Trust, submit your application today. Date posted 07 April 2025 Pay scheme Agenda for change Band Band 7 Salary £46,148 to £52,809 a year per annum, pro rata Contract Fixed term Duration 12 months Working pattern Part-time, Flexible working Reference number 374-SR3682-A Job locations East Sussex Healthcare NHS Trust - cross site Bexhill Hospital Bexhill-on-Sea TN40 2DZ Job description Job responsibilities Full details found in job description attached. Specialist optometrists are likely to develop to an autonomous level with specialist optometry clinics as well as work in consultant led ophthalmology clinics with some supervision. They are also expected to help teach and train other staff members including pre-registration optometrists and junior doctors. Job description Job responsibilities Full details found in job description attached. Specialist optometrists are likely to develop to an autonomous level with specialist optometry clinics as well as work in consultant led ophthalmology clinics with some supervision. They are also expected to help teach and train other staff members including pre-registration optometrists and junior doctors. Person Specification Qualifications Essential Qualified Optometrist GOC Registered Evidence of CPD/CET in accordance with GOC regulations Evidence of additional specialist knowledge through training/extended study to post graduate level e.g. College of Optometrists higher qualifications or modular MSc Knowledge & Experience Essential Minimum of 3 years post registration experience Previous experience of working in specialist clinical areas, providing expert opinion and making contribution to service development Basic level IT skills including knowledge of Microsoft Office Word, Excel and Outlook Desirable Experience of working in a hospital setting Specific Skills Essential Excellent interpersonal skills Desirable Previous experience of working in or observing specialist optometric clinics Person Specification Qualifications Essential Qualified Optometrist GOC Registered Evidence of CPD/CET in accordance with GOC regulations Evidence of additional specialist knowledge through training/extended study to post graduate level e.g. College of Optometrists higher qualifications or modular MSc Knowledge & Experience Essential Minimum of 3 years post registration experience Previous experience of working in specialist clinical areas, providing expert opinion and making contribution to service development Basic level IT skills including knowledge of Microsoft Office Word, Excel and Outlook Desirable Experience of working in a hospital setting Specific Skills Essential Excellent interpersonal skills Desirable Previous experience of working in or observing specialist optometric clinics 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 East Sussex Healthcare NHS Trust Address East Sussex Healthcare NHS Trust - cross site Bexhill Hospital Bexhill-on-Sea TN40 2DZ Employer's website http://jobs.esht.nhs.uk/ (Opens in a new tab)