Principal Optometrist - Cataract Lead

Job summary

We are pleased to offer an opportunity to combine a rewarding and exciting job in Optometry with an unrivalled lifestyle in the heart of one of the most beautiful areas of the country.

We are looking for an ambitious and experienced individual to lead our non-medical cataract service at Torbay Hospital. This job is an excellent opportunity for an Optometrist wanting to gain experience working with a busy but dynamic team.

This role will involve working alongside a multidisciplinary team of Ophthalmologists, Orthoptists, nurses and technicians to ensure an excellent Cataract service is provided. Responsibility of producing and maintaining clinical protocols, organising teaching and carrying out audits are also part of the job role.

Specific to this role we are open to discussing flexibility in the hours that you work. Please talk to us at the interview about the flexibility you need, and we will explore what is possible for the role and service.

For further information or to arrange an informal visit, please email tsdft.headorthopticsoptometry@nhs.net, Heads of Orthoptics and Optometry Katrina Farmer and Hannah Stewart

Main duties of the job

• The post holder will have clinical responsibility and act as the lead of the Non-Medical Cataract Service ensuring that the Optometry service aligns with the Ophthalmology strategy.
• You will be required to provide education, audit, research and clinical governance at the requirement of the Ophthalmology service.
• You will also be expected to have experience in a comprehensive range of core optometric services and may be asked to provide support to other sub-specialities within the ophthalmology department.
• You will possess relevant post-graduate professional specialist qualifications at appointment e.g. Independent Prescribing, College of Optometrists higher qualifications, OPT advanced practitioner qualifications, or alternatively to be able to demonstrate training and experience consistent with highly developed specialist knowledge.

About us

We are a forward thinking, ambitious and well supported department with a successful team of highly trained Orthoptists and Optometrists working in extended roles including:

• Glaucoma
• Medical retina
• Diabetic retina
• Cornea and anterior segment
• Paediatric Ophthalmology
• Stroke
• Adults and Children with Learning difficulties
• Low vision
• Contact lens
• Marfan's screening
• Keratoconus / ectasia virtual monitoring

Torbay and South Devon NHS Foundation Trust (Torbay Hospital) is a busy, successful and progressive hospital located on the English Riviera, South Devon's beautiful bay which is surrounded by stunning coast and countryside. We are famous for our award-winning beaches and vast countryside waiting for you to explore. The cities of Exeter and Plymouth are also close by with access to all major cities via excellent rail links. Opportunities for outdoor activities both on and off the water abound, with easy access to the neighbouring centres of Plymouth and Exeter.