Job summary An exciting opportunity has arisen within Aneurin Bevan University Health Board to work collaboratively with Primary and Secondary Care Eye Care Services. We are looking to appoint at least two highly motivated WGOS Referral Optometrists to join the Ophthalmology Team on a sessional basis. As WGOS Referral Optometrists you will support Wales General Ophthalmic Services (WGOS) by providing clinical validation of Hospital Eye Service (HES) referrals to ensure patients are seen by the most appropriate professional within Primary Care or HES. The post holder will work collaboratively with Health Board Senior Managers and clinicians to achieve agreed outcomes including the implementation of the Future Approach to Optometry and contract reform. The post holder will be expected to demonstrate knowledge, skills, training, competence and clinical experience to support the provision of high quality eye health care across the Health Board. If you would like to discuss any aspect of the post, please contact either: Clare Conaty, Principal Optometrist, Royal Gwent Hospital clare.conaty4wales.nhs.uk or Catherine McNamara, Optometric Advisor, Primary Care Contracting Team Catherine.McNamara1wales.nhs.uk Main duties of the job The Post will be registered with the General Optical Council and have professional knowledge acquired through Degree, clinical placement plus advanced clinical training and experience to Masters level equivalent. The post holder will support WGOS Services in Primary Care by providing clinical validation and completing thorough regular audit of HES to ensure patients are seen by the most appropriate professional within Primary Care of HES To have a high level of clinical training, knowledge, skill and experience in order to routinely advise Primary Care and Secondary Care colleagues on the appropriate patient pathway for large volumes of patients. It therefore demands a high level of individual professional responsibility and efficiency within clinical optometry and extensive knowledge, skills and experience particularly in relation to WGOS and patient care pathways over the entirety of the eyecare pathway The ability to speak Welsh is desirable for this post; Welsh and/or English speakers are equally welcome to apply. About us Aneurin Bevan University Health Board is a multi-award-winning NHS organisation with a passion for caring. The Health Board provides an exceptional workplace where you can feel trusted and valued. Whatever your specialty or stage in your career, we have opportunities for everyone to start, grow and build your career. The health board provides integrated acute, primary and community care serving a population of 650,000 and employing over 16,000 staff. We offer a fantastic benefits package and extensive training and development opportunities with paid mandatory training, excellent in-house programmes, opportunities to complete recognised qualifications and professional career pathways including a range of management development programmes. We offer flexible working and promote a healthy work life balance, provide occupational health support and an ambitious plan for a Wellbeing Centre of Excellence to support you at work. Our Clinical Futures strategy continues to enhance and promote care closer to home as well as high quality hospital care when needed. Join us on our journey to pioneer new ways of working and deliver a world-class healthcare service fit for the future. Date posted 13 March 2025 Pay scheme Agenda for change Band Band 7 Salary £46,840 to £53,602 a year per annum pro rata Contract Fixed term Duration 12 months Working pattern Full-time, Part-time Reference number 040-HS009-0325 Job locations Royal Gwent Hospital Cardiff Road Newport NP20 2UB Job description Job responsibilities You will be able to find a full Job description and Person Specification attached within the supporting documents or please click Apply now to view in Trac Job description Job responsibilities You will be able to find a full Job description and Person Specification attached within the supporting documents or please click Apply now to view in Trac Person Specification Qualifications and Knowledge Essential General Optical Council registration Professional knowledge acquired through Degree, clinical placement plus advanced clinical training and experience to Masters level equivalent Desirable Hold / or demonstrate a willingness to work towards relevant specialist postgraduate qualifications Experience Essential Relevant clinical experience Evidence of ongoing professional development. Desirable Evidence of managing clinical session workload Specialist clinical experience Multidisciplinary team working Clinical audit / research experience relevant to specialist practice Skills and Attributes Essential All specialist skills required for the scope of practice outlined in JD Highly developed interpersonal and communication skills; ability to communicate complex, sensitive and potentially emotive information to patients and other stakeholders in an appropriate manner independent of their level of understanding Able to reach decisions regarding management of sight threatening disease when guided by knowledge of principles of sub-specialist clinical care and care provision algorithms Able to work within a multidisciplinary team, prioritise work & gain credibility with all staff. Desirable Evidence of leadership skills Evidence of research and audit activity Knowledge of ABUHB policy and procedures Ability to speak Welsh Other Essential Additional demonstrable qualities that may be beneficial to the role, e.g. care, compassion, competence, communication, courage and commitment Ability to travel between sites in a timely manner Person Specification Qualifications and Knowledge Essential General Optical Council registration Professional knowledge acquired through Degree, clinical placement plus advanced clinical training and experience to Masters level equivalent Desirable Hold / or demonstrate a willingness to work towards relevant specialist postgraduate qualifications Experience Essential Relevant clinical experience Evidence of ongoing professional development. Desirable Evidence of managing clinical session workload Specialist clinical experience Multidisciplinary team working Clinical audit / research experience relevant to specialist practice Skills and Attributes Essential All specialist skills required for the scope of practice outlined in JD Highly developed interpersonal and communication skills; ability to communicate complex, sensitive and potentially emotive information to patients and other stakeholders in an appropriate manner independent of their level of understanding Able to reach decisions regarding management of sight threatening disease when guided by knowledge of principles of sub-specialist clinical care and care provision algorithms Able to work within a multidisciplinary team, prioritise work & gain credibility with all staff. Desirable Evidence of leadership skills Evidence of research and audit activity Knowledge of ABUHB policy and procedures Ability to speak Welsh Other Essential Additional demonstrable qualities that may be beneficial to the role, e.g. care, compassion, competence, communication, courage and commitment Ability to travel between sites in a timely manner 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 Aneurin Bevan University Health Board Address Royal Gwent Hospital Cardiff Road Newport NP20 2UB Employer's website https://abuhb.nhs.wales/ (Opens in a new tab)