Job summary
- Main area
- Ophthalmology
- Grade
- NHS AfC: Band 6
- Contract
- 12 months (fixed term to 30-Aug-2026)
- Hours
- Part time
- Job share
- Job ref
- 425-25-7149302
- Employer
- Sheffield Children's NHS Foundation Trust
- Employer type
- NHS
- Site
- Sheffield Children's NHS Foundation Trust
- Town
- Sheffield
- Salary
- £37,338 - £44,962 per annum pro rata
- Salary period
- Yearly
- Closing
- 01/06/2025 23:59
- Interview date
- 18/06/2025
Employer heading
Specialist Optometrist
NHS AfC: Band 6
Job overview
Fixed Term: 12 months | 22.5hrs per week | Proposed interview date Wednesday 18-Jun-2025
We are looking for someone to become a valued member of our Ophthalmology team, providing paediatric eye care in Sheffield and across the region. We are family centred in our approach, driving forward service improvements, and are a supportive team who care for and look after each other.
About the Role: You will work in orthoptic/optometry clinics and specialised ophthalmic clinics, performing refraction and fundus examinations. You may also support surgical theatre sessions for children requiring checks under anaesthetic. You may be based at Sheffield Children’s Hospital or another Trust location.
About You: You will have a degree in Optics/Optometry and will be registered with the GOC, along with experience in paediatric assessment and treatment. We are looking for someone who is committed to child and family-centred approaches, aligning with the values of our Trust.
Join our fantastic team - we look forward to receiving your application!
Main duties of the job
You will report to the Head Orthoptist, and responsibilities include:
-
Conduct refraction and fundus examinations in clinics (training in the use of the indirect ophthalmoscope and other techniques available).
-
Assist Consultant Ophthalmologist in surgical theatre sessions.
-
Prescribe glasses under hospital eye service and local protocols.
Working for our organisation
At Sheffield Children’s, our purpose is clear: to provide healthier futures for children and young people. Our three strategic aims are Outstanding Patient Care, Brilliant Place to Work, and Leaders in Children’s Health.
We work with partners across local, regional, and national levels to deliver physical and mental healthcare in both acute and community settings. Many of our clinicians are nationally and internationally recognised for their expertise.
We’re proud that 73% of colleagues would recommend Sheffield Children’s as a place to work, placing us among the top five NHS trusts in England — and the top-ranked trust in the North East and Yorkshire — in the latest NHS Staff Survey.
Our nearly 4,000 colleagues bring our CARE values — Compassion, Accountability, Respect, and Excellence — to life every day, creating a kind, welcoming environment where patients and families feel safe and supported.
As we approach our 150th anniversary in 2026, we’re excited to keep building our leadership in children's health, improve experiences for patients and staff, and focus on our communities and population health.
We also offer excellent benefits to support your wellbeing, with generous annual leave and pension schemes, health and wellbeing programmes, and exclusive discounts — helping you thrive at work and beyond.
Detailed job description and main responsibilities
For more information on the main responsibilities for this post, please refer to the job description and person specification.
Please note that Sheffield Children's uplift pay to meet the Real Living Wage, which is £12.60 per hour.
Diversity Statement
At Sheffield Children’s, we are committed to creating an inclusive environment that celebrates diversity and supports everyone’s success. We prioritise Equality, Diversity, and Inclusion in our recruitment practices, creating a welcoming space for people of all backgrounds, including ethnic minorities, individuals with disabilities, and LGBTQ+ members.
Recognising that inclusivity is an ongoing effort, we review our processes and welcome feedback to enhance our practices. A diverse team strengthens our organisation and the quality of care we deliver. For ideas on how we can improve, please contact our Recruitment Manager at [email protected]. Together, we’re building a workplace where everyone belongs.
#LI-Onsite
Person specification
Experience
Essential criteria
- Experience working practice as a qualified Optometrist
- Experience and interest in paediatric assessment and treatment
Desirable criteria
- Clinical experience in secondary healthcare
- Experience in using indirect ophthalmoscope
- Clinical teaching experience
- Research/Audit experience
Knowledge & Skills
Essential criteria
- Good verbal and written communication skills with parents, children and all staff disciplines
Desirable criteria
- Techniques for assessment of visually impaired children and children with special needs and disability
Personal attributes
Essential criteria
- Caring and sensitive to child’s and carer’s needs and wishes
- Commitment to child / family centred approach
- Reliable and able to take responsibility for delegated tasks
- Ability to work within a team
- Adaptable and able to work under pressure and to clinical schedules
Qualifications and Training
Essential criteria
- BSc Optics or Optometry or equivalent qualification recognised by GOC
- Registration with the General Optical Council (GOC)
- Evidence of CPD
Desirable criteria
- Attendance at relevant clinical meetings
- Membership, or Fellowship of the College of Optometrists
Employer certification / accreditation badges
Applicant requirements
You must have appropriate UK professional registration.
This post is subject to the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act 1974 (Exceptions) Order 1975 (Amendment) (England and Wales) Order 2020 and it will be necessary for a submission for Disclosure to be made to the Disclosure and Barring Service.
Documents to download
Further details / informal visits contact
- Name
- Julia Ennis
- Job title
- Head Orthoptist
- Email address
- [email protected]
- Telephone number
- 0114 271 7468
- Additional information
Olympia Haralambous - Principal Optometrist
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