Specialist Optometrist – **14.5% recruitment & retention premium**: Sponsorship Available

Norfolk and Norwich University Hospital

Job summary

**A 14.5% recruitment & retention premium will be included with this post.**

An opportunity has arisen for an experienced, enthusiastic optometrist with an interest in hospital optometry to provide clinical services within the ophthalmology directorate of this NHS foundation trust. The post is 37.5 hours per week, but we will consider applications for part-time work.

The post will be based within the Ophthalmology department at the Norfolk & Norwich University Hospital. The friendly, vibrant city of Norwich has excellent social and cultural facilities for all ages, with the Riverside development and large shopping malls. The surrounding countryside and Norfolk Broads are within easy reach and is less than 2 hours by train to London (or less than two hours by car to London’s North Circular Road). The City of Norwich was voted ‘Best place to live in the UK’ by the Sunday Times in 2026′

Main duties of the job

The successful candidate will possess excellent clinical and communication skills, will be able to function effectively within a multidisciplinary team, and will be able to demonstrate initiative in delivering a high standard of patient care.

In addition to the ‘core’ hospital optometrist roles within specialist contact lens and low vision clinics, optometrists at this trust also work within several ophthalmic clinics in an ‘extended role’ capacity.

Optometrists staffing these clinics work with the support of formal clinical protocols which can allow extended role optometrists to manage patients with a significant degree of autonomy. Current extended roles include Anterior Segment Laser Clinic (LPI, SLT & YAG capsulotomy), Cataract, Cornea, Glaucoma, Medical Retina, OERS (Ophthalmic Emergency Referral Service or ‘Eye Casualty’), Paediatric and Research.

Previous experience of specialist contact lens and low vision practice would be an advantage. Previous experience of work in the extended roles referred to above and/or relevant post-graduate qualifications would be an advantage. Appropriate training and supervision will be provided in-house. Funding is available for independent prescriber qualifications.

The Ophthalmology Directorate is based at the Colney site; a £229 million PFI hospital facility which opened in 2001. The unit has 15 Ophthalmic Consultants covering all the main clinical sub-specialties.

Informal enquiries for more information are welcome.

Person Specification

Qualifications

Essential

  • BSc Ophthalmic Optics, Optometry or Visual Science
  • GOC Registered Optometrist

Desirable

  • Member of College of Optometrists

Experience

Essential

  • Significant experience post qualification experience preferably within the HES
  • Advanced theoretical and practical experience across a broad range of optometric skills

Skills

Essential

  • Effective communicator

Attitude, aptitude

Essential

  • Effective role model, demonstrating NNUH’s PRIDE values of People focussed, Respect, Integrity, Dedication and Excellence
  • Demonstrates understanding and commitment to Equality, Diversity and Inclusion

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).

Closing Date: 26 September 2026

To apply for this job please visit apps.trac.jobs.