Research Optometrist (IVCM corneal imaging)

Join Moorfields Eye Hospital NHS Foundation Trust, a leading eye care and research organisation.

The post holder will assist in delivering an innovative clinical–academic study focused on the development and validation of artificial intelligence (AI) diagnostic tools for microbial keratitis using in vivo confocal microscopy (IVCM). The successful candidate will contribute to clinical curation, grading, annotation, and interpretation of large IVCM image datasets, ensuring high‑quality, clinically accurate ground‑truth data to support AI model development. Working closely with the Chief Investigator and data scientists, the Research Optometrist will provide expertise in corneal imaging and microbial keratitis to bridge clinical knowledge and computational analysis, contributing to high‑impact research outputs and future translational studies.

Main Responsibilities

• Lead on‑time completion of trial tasks (recruitment, monitoring, data collection, record keeping, adherence to protocol and research principles).
• Collaborate and coordinate with health professionals, researchers, and support staff on the project.
• Collaborate with colleagues at Moorfields and the Institute of Ophthalmology.
• Represent the hospital and the optometric profession at national and international research meetings.
• Publish research findings in peer‑reviewed journals.
• Perform systematic and critical analysis of the quality of work performed.
• Maintain accurate and full research records.
• Undertake appropriate research training and accreditation courses where needed (e.g., NIHR GCP).
• Manage the project with the Chief Investigator and Principal Investigators.
• Maintain and upload recruitment databases and accruals.
• Participate in continuing professional education and development (as required by the General Optical Council).
• Commit to clinical work.
• Participate in the Trust’s Clinical Governance programme and performance review, including department audits.

Leadership and Management

• Coordinate other professionals and support staff working on the project.
• Liaise with clinicians, reading centre staff, and researchers across Moorfields and the Institute of Ophthalmology/UCL.
• Represent the hospital and optometric profession at national and international research meetings.
• Collaborate with university and hospital departments to develop joint research programmes.

Research & Development

• Curate, review, and organise large‑scale IVCM image datasets from patients with microbial keratitis and normal controls.
• Contribute to development, refinement, and application of SOPs for image grading, segmentation, and ground‑truth labelling.
• Work closely with data scientist to support supervised AI model development and provide clinically informed input.
• Contribute to presentation of research findings, including figures, datasets, data analyses in scientific meetings and manuscripts.
• Undertake innovative research in optometry and visual science.
• Support day‑to‑day delivery of the study under the Chief Investigator, including meetings, documentation, and progress reporting.
• Participate in research audits where required.
• Maintain accurate and full research records.
• Undertake appropriate research training and accreditation courses (e.g., NIHR Good Clinical Practice).

Management of Data

• Ensure secure handling, anonymisation, and management of imaging data in accordance with NHS information governance, GDPR and research ethics.
• Maintain accurate records of image datasets, annotations and quality control decisions.
• Provide management support to the Chief Investigator as required.

Person Specification – Education

• BSc (Hons) Optometry.
• Registration with the General Optical Council.
• Post‑graduate qualification in optometry (Professional Diploma, Independent Prescribing, Fellowship of College of Optometrists).

Desirable Education

• MSc in a related discipline.

Knowledge and Experience – Essential

• Experience operating the in‑vivo confocal microscope (IVCM) and analysing IVCM‑microbial keratitis images.
• Experience managing patients with corneal diseases.
• Advanced theoretical & practical knowledge across a comprehensive range of optometry topics.

Knowledge and Experience – Desirable

• Experience in consultant‑led or optometrist‑led clinic.
• Experience participating in research projects.

Equality, Diversity and Inclusion

Moorfields is committed to equality, diversity and inclusion in all aspects of its employment. Applications from under‑represented groups, including BAME, disabled candidates and others, are strongly encouraged.

Benefits

• 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 skills.

Other Important Information

Proof of eligibility to work in the UK, a satisfactory DBS disclosure and two references are required. We do not offer visa sponsorship for this role. Applicants must hold appropriate UK professional registration. Compliance with the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act 1974 and Disclosure and Barring Service requirements is mandatory.