Research Optometrist (Glaucoma)

Job Overview

The post holder will be tasked with contributing to the work associated with an industry funded randomised control trial investigating the safety and efficacy of high‑versus standard‑power DSLT in the management of OHT and glaucoma. In this role the successful candidate will be expected to contribute to the application for ethical approval for component projects, recruitment, data collection, upload recruitment accruals to relevant databases and disseminate research findings in the form of conference presentations and peer‑reviewed publications. A central part of the role will involve monitoring patients and managing them as per the trial’s protocol.

Main duties of the job

• To lead the on‑time completion of tasks associated with this trial (recruitment, monitoring, data collection, record keeping, adherence to protocol and research principles)
• To collaborate with, and coordinate, other health professionals / researchers / support staff working on project
• Collaborate with individuals in the Hospital and at the Institute of Ophthalmology.
• To represent the hospital and the optometric profession at national and international research meetings
• To publish research findings in peer reviewed journals
• Responsibility for the systematic and critical analysis of the quality of work performed as part of studies
• To maintain accurate and full research records
• To undertake appropriate research training and accreditation courses where needed (e.g., NIHR GCP)
• To have responsibility, with the Chief Investigator (Prof Gus Gazzard) and Principal Investigators (Dr Evgenia Konstantakopoulou, Mr Neil Nathwani), for the management of other staff working on project and to provide management support
• To manage recruitment database for project and upload recruitment accruals to appropriate databases (e.g. EDGE recruitment database)
• To personally participate in continuing professional education and development (as required by the General Optical Council) through approved study leave procedures
• To maintain a personal commitment to clinical work
• To participate in the Trust’s Clinical Governance programme and performance review, including department audits

Benefits

At Moorfields, we invest in you—your growth, your wellbeing, your future.

You’ll join a flexible, supportive organisation offering:

• Competitive salary (including high‑cost area supplement)
• Membership of the NHS Pension Scheme
• 24/7 independent counselling support
• Career‑long learning and development opportunities
• Excellent transport connections
• Access to NHS and Blue Light discount schemes
• Free Pilates classes
• Full support and training to develop your skills

Detailed Job Description and Main Responsibilities

Leadership

• To lead the on‑time completion of tasks associated with this trial (recruitment, monitoring, data collection, record keeping, adherence to protocol and research principles)
• To collaborate with, and coordinate, other health professionals / researchers / support staff working on project
• Collaborate with individuals in the Hospital and at the Institute of Ophthalmology.
• To represent the hospital and the optometric profession at national and international research meetings
• Collaborate with other University and Hospital departments to develop joint research programmes

Research & Development

• Undertake innovative research in the field of optometry and visual science.
• To present research findings at relevant national scientific meetings and to lay audiences
• To publish research findings in peer reviewed journals
• Responsibility for the systematic and critical analysis of the quality of work performed as part of studies
• To participate in research audits where required
• To maintain accurate and full research records
• To undertake appropriate research training and accreditation courses where needed (e.g., NIHR Good Clinical Practice training)

Management

• To have responsibility, with the Chief Investigator (Prof Gus Gazzard) and Principal Investigators (Dr Evgenia Konstantakopoulou, Mr Neil Nathwani), for the management of other health‑professionals/researchers working on project
• To manage recruitment database for project and upload recruitment accruals to appropriate databases (e.g. EDGE recruitment database)
• To provide management support to the study the Chief Investigator (Prof Gus Gazzard) and Principal Investigators (Dr Evgenia Konstantakopoulou, Mr Neil Nathwani), as required

Teaching & Development

• To personally participate in continuing professional education and development (as required by the General Optical Council) through approved study leave procedures
• To represent the hospital to the wider optometric profession (e.g., College of Optometrists, General Optical Council), as required

Clinical

• To maintain a personal commitment to clinical work (where appropriate).
• Clinical supervision of junior staff
• Clinical teaching

Person Specification

Education

• BSc (Hons) Optometry
• Registration with the GOC
• Post‑graduate qualification in optometry (Professional Diploma, Independent Prescribing, Fellowship of College of Optometrists [FCOptom])

Desirable Education

• MSc in related discipline

Knowledge and Experience

Essential criteria

• Independent prescribing certificate
• Diploma in Glaucoma or working towards the Diploma

Desirable criteria

• Experience in Consultant‑led clinics or leading an Optom‑led clinic
• Experience in participating in research projects

Eligibility and Disclosure

Due to the nature of this position, employment is subject to proof of eligibility to work in the UK, completion of a satisfactory DBS disclosure and two references. We do not offer visa sponsorship for roles unless clearly stated in our adverts.

Equality, Diversity and Inclusion Commitment

Our commitment to equality, diversity and inclusion is at the heart of our organisational culture. As part of our pledge to take positive action in recruitment we encourage applications from under‑represented candidates including BAME (Black, Asian, and Minority Ethnic) and Disabled candidates as we work towards a representative workforce that is able to provide the quality, the dignity and respect and to deliver above and beyond.