County Durham & Darlington NHS Foundation Trust
Optometrist
The closing date is 24 November 2026
TheOrthoptic and Optometry team at County Durham and Darlington NHS FoundationTrust consists of a team of seven Orthoptists and three part time Optometristsworking closely together with the Consultant Ophthalmologists to provide a highstandard of care to our paediatric and adult patients. We work to the Trustsethos of providing the patient with safe, compassionate, joined-up care. Thisis a dynamic department with a strong focus on quality which is constantlystriving to improve services for our patients and ensure that their experienceis as good as possible.
Main duties of the job
Thisband 6 role is involved in the provision of core optometry work to theOrthoptic and Ophthalmology departments and patients; predominantly involvingthe core paediatric elements of hospital optometry. You will be providingmulti-disciplinary clinics with the consultant Paediatric Ophthalmologist,providing optometry paediatric review refraction clinics and also working in acollaborative clinic with the Orthoptist. All clinics involve a mix of new andreview patients of all ages and abilities, including children with learningdifficulties, and involve strong collaborative team working. In addition toskills with dilated retinoscopy you will be required to perform ophthalmoscopyon dilated paediatric patients and work closely with the other team members to manage clinical care. This role gives a unique opportunity to use yourknowledge in strabismus and BSV and gain valuable experience in the managementof complex cases not available in the private setting. There may be the opportunity to support lowvision clinics and undertake formal training to expand into the area of medicalcontact lenses and support clinical research in conjunction withOphthalmologists.
About us
You must be able to produce ALLcertificates stated essential in the person specification or you will not be able to complete pre-employment checks.
We provide hospital services from two acute sites - Darlington Memorial Hospital and University Hospital of North Durham. We have a centre for planned care in Bishop Auckland and provide care from community hospitals in Chester-le-Street, Shotley Bridge, Barnard Castle, Sedgefield and Weardale as well as over 80 other community based settings and providing care in patients' homes.
We particularly welcome applications from disabled and Black, Asian and Minority Ethnic (BAME) candidates as BAME and disabled people are currently under-represented.
Full Job Descriptions can be found in the adverts supporting documents.
Over reliance onAI-generated content is discouraged and may diminish the applicant's chances ofsuccess.
For the most up-to-date information on visa requirements and eligibility, please check online to determine whether you can apply.
Please note that we may close any vacancy early once a sufficient number of applications have been received.
Job responsibilities
We are looking an enthusiastic Optometrist whocan undertake all aspects of the core paediatric Optometry hospital role. You may be providing multi-disciplinaryclinics with the consultant Paediatric Ophthalmologist, providing Optometrypaediatric review refraction clinics and also working in a collaborative clinicwith the Orthoptist. All clinics involve a mix of new and review patients ofall ages and abilities, including children with learning difficulties, andinvolve strong collaborative team working. In addition to skills with dilatedretinoscopy you will be required to perform ophthalmoscopy on dilatedpaediatric patients and work closely with the other team members to manage thecases. This role gives a unique opportunity to use your knowledge in strabismusand BSV and gain valuable experience in the management of complex cases notmanaged in the private setting. Additionally we may be able to offer theopportunity through formal training to expand into medical contact lensclinics. We would encourage you to contact the department for more informationon the possible working hours and responsibilities and duties of the post viaemail. We would consider appointing more than one candidate to share the 0.45WTE (19 hours) of clinical work so please consider applying if you wanted lessthan the full advertised hours with the hospital setting.
Qualifications
- Bsc Hon (Optometry) MCOptom
Statutory Registration
- Current GOC Registration
Special Requirements
- Able to meet all travel requirements of this post.
- Able to travel across Trust sites to meet the requirements of the post
Special Skills & Knowledge
- Experience in paediatric refraction
- Good communication and organisational skills.
- Good interpersonal skills.
- Experience in low vision aids / willingness to undertake additional training if required
- Experience/interest in specialist contact lens work/ willingness to undertake additional training if required
Experience
- Experience in paediatric refraction
- Experience in low vision aids
- Experience/interest in specialist contact lens
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.
County Durham & Darlington NHS Foundation Trust
£39,959 to £48,117 a yearper annum, pro rata
#J-18808-Ljbffr
Optometrist employer: Cddft
At County Durham & Darlington NHS Foundation Trust, we pride ourselves on being an exceptional employer, offering a supportive and dynamic work environment for our Specialty Doctors in Emergency Medicine. Our commitment to professional development is evident through flexible working hours, opportunities for research funding, and a culture that encourages continuous learning and collaboration within a dedicated team. Join us in making a meaningful impact in the community while advancing your career in a vibrant healthcare setting.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Optometrist
✨Join Medical Networks
Get involved in local and national medical associations, like the Royal College of Physicians. These networks can help you connect with mentors and colleagues who might know of openings, plus they're great for staying updated on the latest in medicine and clinical practices.
✨Attend Healthcare Conferences
Make it a habit to attend medical conferences and seminars. These events are fantastic for networking and often feature job boards where hospitals and clinics post their openings. Plus, it’s a good way to get your face recognised in the industry.
✨Leverage Your Medical School's Resources
Don’t forget to use your medical school’s career services! They usually have great connections with hospitals and clinics looking to fill full-time physician positions and can help you with mock interviews or networking events.
✨Apply Directly Through Hospital Websites
When you're ready to apply, make sure to check the careers section of hospital websites directly. Hospitals like Cddft often post their job openings there first, and applying directly can sometimes give you an edge over other applicants.
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Off Your Credentials:When applying for a physician role, make sure to highlight your medical qualifications and any special certifications you have. We want to see your medical degree, residency training, and any additional certifications that set you apart, like specialised training in paediatrics or geriatrics. Don’t leave out those all-important letters after your name!
Tailor Your CV to Medicine:Your CV should reflect your experience and skills as a doctor. Be specific about your clinical rotations, medical practice, and any research work you've done – we love seeing quantifiable impacts, so mention how you've improved patient care or led successful treatment plans.
Craft a Personal Statement with Heart:In your cover letter, let us know why you chose medicine and what drives your passion for patient care. Personal stories about transformative experiences—like a memorable patient encounter or a moment that defined your career path—can really make you shine. Remember, we're looking for someone who genuinely cares about their patients!
Demonstrate Continuous Learning:In the medical field, showcasing your commitment to continuous learning is essential. Mention any recent courses, workshops, or conferences you’ve attended, and highlight your willingness to stay updated on medical advancements. This shows us that you’re not just a physician; you're a lifelong learner, ready to adapt and grow.
How to prepare for a job interview at Cddft
✨Get Clinical Knowledge Sharp
Brush up on your clinical knowledge, particularly in areas relevant to the role at Cddft. Expect questions about diagnosis, treatment plans, and patient management. Be ready to discuss case studies or even do some role-playing with hypothetical patient scenarios for a more practical assessment.
✨Know Your Procedures and Protocols
Familiarise yourself with the latest procedures and protocols that are specific to the field of medicine you’re applying to. Whether it’s surgical techniques or patient care protocols, being able to discuss these confidently can really set you apart in the interview at Cddft.
✨Show You're a Team Player
In the medical field, collaboration is key. Have examples ready that showcase your teamwork and communication skills. Talk about how you've worked with nurses, specialists, or other doctors in the past to provide the best care for your patients. This shows you're ready to integrate into the team at Cddft.
✨Stay Current with Medical Trends
Make sure you’re clued up on the latest medical trends, research, and innovations. Not only does this prepare you for technical questions, but it also shows your passion for the field. Be ready to discuss how these trends might affect your practice at Cddft.
