Job summary
We are looking for a highly skilled and motivated optometrist for a principal Optometrist post working within our City Road The post will consist of delivering highly specialist clinical care. Applicants need to have prior experience working in the hospital service and already have the relevant higher qualifications from the College of Optometrists or be working towards them (see Person Specification).
The successful applicants will be joining an enthusiastic and friendly team of consultants, optometrists, orthoptists, ophthalmic nurses and technicians working within the hospital. As well as joining the largest hospital optometry department that delivers sub-speciality care, research and education within the optometry sector. Moorfields provides high quality ophthalmology services across the full range of sub-specialities in hospital and community settings.
There are full and part time vacancies available.
Main duties of the job
To be the lead optometrist in the designated clinic/service for the Optometry Department.
To develop the role of optometrists within the service in conjunction with the Consultant Ophthalmologists within the clinics and the Service Lead and Head of Optometry.
To represent the hospital and the optometric profession in the teaching the management of conditions, by developing UK wide models of eye care.
To have overall responsibility for the clinical care and supervision of patients seen in the clinic.
To undertake highly specialist clinical activity requiring extensive knowledge, experience and expertise in management that includes a high proportion of tertiary referrals.
To have overall responsibility of the clinical supervision of clinical staff; To supervise all patient examinations carried out by the support/resident/placement/new to clinic Optometrist unless/until such time that the support/resident/new to clinic
To provide expert opinion to optometric and non-optometric colleagues on the management of complex cases within the designated Clinics and the Optometry Department.
About us
At Moorfields, we provide more than just an excellent career and great colleagues to work with. We also offer:
- Salary including High-Cost Area Supplement
- Opportunity to join the NHS Pension Scheme
- Free 24/7 independent counselling service
- Learning and development opportunities
- Easy and quick transport links
- A range of attractive benefits and discounts
- Access to Blue Light Card and other NHS Discount Schemes
- Free Pilates classes
- Full support and training to develop your skills
- Flexible working friendly organisation
And so much more! To see the full range of benefits we offer please see our Moorfields benefits document.
Details
Date posted: 10 September 2026
Pay scheme: Agenda for change
Band: Band 8a
Salary: £66,274 to £73,496 a year
per annum incl. HCAS, Will be pro rota'd if part time
Contract: Fixed term
Duration: 12 months
Working pattern: Full-time, Part-time
Reference number: 273-DC-8270294
Job locations: Moorfields Eye Hospital NHSFT, City Road, London, EC1V 2PD, United Kingdom
Job responsibilities
To deliver highly specialist clinical patient care requiring extensive knowledge, experience and expertise in management that includes a high proportion of tertiary referrals. This activity requires regular use of a wide range of advanced clinical techniques requiring dexterity, precision and intense concentration; and the judgement, analysis and interpretation of the complex clinical findings with a range of management options.
Patient examinations will be comprehensive and commensurate with clinical experience beyond Masters Level (i.e. College of Optometrists Diploma in Glaucoma, College of Optometrists Diploma in Independent Prescribing). Skills and knowledge are commensurate with those of sub-specialty medical ophthalmology staff.
To make independent, patient-centred clinical decisions on management in the presence of uncertainty (for example where patients are unable to cooperate fully in clinical assessments or the evidence for management options is unclear).
To be autonomously responsible for medical treatment (including prescribing) and management of patients. To recognise when patient clinical findings require Consultant Ophthalmic opinions (eg regarding surgery). To refer patients with ocular comorbidity to other ophthalmological services appropriately.
As Clinic Lead in Optometrist-, to supervise all patient examinations carried out by the support/resident/placement/new to clinic Optometrist unless/until such time that the support/resident/new to clinic Optometrist has attained the appropriate College of Optometrists certificate or completed their competency sign off. To review all prescribing decisions unless the prescribing optometrist has the correct qualifications together with The College of Optometrists Diploma in Independent Prescribing and their scope of practice /area of prescribing is in that service.
To organise the session by reviewing all clinical records at the start of an Optometrist-led clinic to determine necessary additional clinical tests (eg: visual fields, imaging, auto-refraction) utilising the different staff groups efficiently (admin, technical, optometric).
To provide expert opinion to optometric and non-optometric colleagues on the management of complex cases within the designated Clinics and the Optometry Department.
To undertake a comprehensive range of complex optometry services at Moorfields and out-reach clinics. These include refraction (complex, diagnostic and paediatric), low vision clinics (paediatric, complex, employment). The post holder maintains a personal clinical workload within these services.
To refer patients for appropriate appliances (contact lenses, spectacles, low vision aids) and provide appropriate advice to patients on needs, treatment and corrective aids.
Person Specification
Qualifications
Essential
- BSc (Hons) Optometry
- Specialist College of Optometrist Prof Cert Qualifications
Desirable
- Specialist College of Optometrist Prof Cert Qualifications
- Specialist College of Optometrist Higher Qualifications
- Specialist College of Optometrist Diploma in Independent Prescribing
- MSc/PhD in Optometry/Ophthalmology
Professional Registration
Essential
- General Optical Council Registration
Experience
Essential
- Post-qualification Hospital experience > 5 years
- Hospital extended role experience >3 years
- Experience of examining vulnerable groups of patients e.g. CYP / additional needs
- Experience with clinical teaching
- Experience with supervision of junior staffExperience in audit
Desirable
- Experience with line management and appraisal
- Experience in research
- Experience of dealing with quality and safety issues e.g. complaints, incidents, risk assessment
- Experience of formal undergraduate/postgraduate teaching
- Experience of presenting at national and international meetings and conferences
- Experience of writing protocols, competencies and Standard Operating Procedures
Skills
Essential
- Competent use of a slit-lamp to examine the anterior and posterior eye with specialist lenses
- Competent performance of retinoscopy
- Ability to analyse and interpret ocular imaging e.g. OCT, visual fields, topography to an expert clinical level e.g diagnosis and formulate management plans
Desirable
- Ability to write detailed clinical summaries
- Excellent interpersonal skills highlighting the complexity of multidisciplinary team working, in challenging work environments, and the overall needs of the service. multidisciplinary working
- Advanced planning and organisational skills
- Ability to sensitively manage staff and patients with respect to their emotional well being
- Expertly and effectively communicate sensitive and complex information in a range of situations e.g. clinical information to patients, unwelcome & bad news, or where there may be barriers to understanding e.g. patients with additional needs and other sensory impairments.
- Ability to identify service improvement needs and innovate solutions
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.
UK Registration
Applicants must have current UK professional registration. For further information please see NHS Careers website (opens in a new window).
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.
Applicants must have current UK professional registration.
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Principal Optometrist London employer: Meeveem Limited
Meeveem Limited is an excellent employer for general practitioners, offering a supportive and flexible work environment that prioritises professional growth and work-life balance. With full indemnity cover, NHS Pension, and generous leave, our team members enjoy a culture of collaboration and continuous development across our two sites, making it an ideal place for those seeking meaningful and rewarding employment.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Principal Optometrist London
✨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 Meeveem Limited 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 Meeveem Limited
✨Get Clinical Knowledge Sharp
Brush up on your clinical knowledge, particularly in areas relevant to the role at Meeveem Limited. 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 Meeveem Limited.
✨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 Meeveem Limited.
✨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 Meeveem Limited.
