Job overview

The Eye Department at Luton and Dunstable Hospital is investing in the future of its Optometry team, offering an exciting opportunity to become part of our growing service.  Our department has worked hard in recent years to address the challenges of increasing demand and reduce the waiting list backlog.  As part of this ongoing transformation, we're committed to developing our substantive optometry workforce.

Becoming a registered optometrist is only the beginning of an enriching journey in NHS hospital optometry. It takes dedication, curiosity, and a passion for lifelong learning to thrive in this environment. Hospital optometrists work closely with medical colleagues, contributing their unique perspective to deliver outstanding, multidisciplinary care.

The NHS Agenda for Change pay structure supports clear, experience-based career progression.  Recent reforms have made it easier to progress through pay bands more quickly, and staff benefit from generous annual leave, study support, and a robust pension scheme.

Starting salaries in the hospital setting are lower than those in high street practice, the professional rewards are substantial. The work is diverse, intellectually stimulating, and truly meaningful. You’ll develop advanced clinical skills, manage complex cases, and take on extended roles within a supportive, team-based culture.  Most importantly, working in hospital optometry gives you the chance to make a real impact serving your local community.

Main duties of the job

The post holder will be responsible for delivering optometric services within the Ophthalmology Department, with a particular focus on supporting the clinical areas of cornea, contact lenses, glaucoma and medical retina.

As part of the optometrist service development, we aim to run the acute triage service and all optometrists will be involved for at least one clinical session at week.  Depending on experience and training, the post holder may also be required to support multiple sub-specialties within the department.

This role offers the opportunity to undertake extended responsibilities beyond traditional optometry. These responsibilities carry a high level of autonomy, professional judgement, and accountability. Full training, including face-to-face clinics, virtual consultations, and diagnostic review sessions, will be provided.

The ideal candidate will hold, or be willing to work towards, relevant higher qualifications in accordance with the standards of the College of Optometrists, Royal College of Ophthalmologists, and relevant clinical guidelines such as NICE.

Reporting Structure:

• Reports to: Lead Optometrist

• Professionally accountable to: Lead Consultant for the relevant specialty clinic

Working for our organisation

Bedfordshire Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust provides hospital services to a growing population of around 700,000 people living across Bedfordshire and the surrounding areas across two busy hospital sites in Bedford and Luton.  Both hospital sites offer key services such as A&E, Obstetrics-led Maternity and Paediatrics.

You will be joining a friendly, high performing Trust committed to ensuring the health and wellbeing of staff. As one of the largest NHS Trusts in our region you will have access to a programme of high quality training and development to help you grow your career.

We have state-of-the art facilities placing us at the heart of cutting edge health care. The Trust continues to be committed to delivering the best patient care using the best clinical knowledge and technology available.

Please note that vacancies may close prior to the advertised closing date when sufficient number of applications have been received. Please ensure that you make your application as soon as possible.

All new staff will be subject to a probationary period covering their first six months in post.  

Please review all documents attached to this advert to ensure you familiarize yourself with all requirements of the job.

It is an exciting time to join the newly formed Bedfordshire Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust. We run two busy hospital sites in Bedford and Luton. Our 7,500 staff provide high quality care for a growing population of around 700,000 across Bedfordshire and the surrounding areas.

 

You will be joining a friendly, high performing Trust committed to ensuring the health and wellbeing of staff. As one of the largest NHS Trusts in our region you will have access to a programme of high quality training and development to help you grow your career. Travel between hospital sites may be required. We have state-of-the art facilities placing us at the heart of cutting edge health care. The Trust continues to be committed to delivering the best patient care using the best clinical knowledge and technology available.