At a Glance
- Tasks: Provide eye care, run clinics, and support patients through their eye health journey.
- Company: Join Newmedica, a top-rated NHS ophthalmology provider in England.
- Benefits: Enjoy a competitive salary, generous leave, and wellness perks.
- Other info: Work in a supportive, modern environment with great team spirit.
- Why this job: Make a real difference in patients' lives while advancing your career.
- Qualifications: Must be a qualified optometrist with current GOC registration.
The predicted salary is between 65000 - 70000 £ per year.
Based in Ipswich and Bury St Edmunds, Newmedica is one of the leading providers of NHS ophthalmology services in England, delivering outpatient appointments, diagnostic testing and eye surgery to change lives through better sight and eye health. We’re proud to have been certified as a Great Place to Work for the third year running and listed among the UK’s top 30 Best Workplaces™ for 2026.
Our Purpose is to change lives through better sight and eye health, and our Vision is to end avoidable sight loss in every community we serve; we live our values every day—Commercial, Courageous, Compassion, Collaborative and Curious.
We are looking for a new Optometrist to join our sites in Ipswich and Bury St Edmunds. Full-time (40-hours) and part-time options are available, with a working day consisting of 8 hours. This would include weekend work on a rota basis.
Optometrists play a vital role at Newmedica. They run both the pre and post-operative clinics and triage patients. They operate a full range of diagnostic equipment to make clinical assessments and will analyse and interpret specialist diagnostic test results including identifying new or deteriorating eye conditions. They provide advice to patients as well as explaining procedures. The thought of eye surgery can be a daunting prospect for patients to deal with, so our Optometrists need to be empathetic and friendly and able to put patients at ease.
The Optometrist role at Newmedica offers a modern hospital-based environment with opportunities for clinical learning. Our patients have a variety of interesting clinical cases which offer more complex decision-making scenarios. This is therefore a great role for a qualified Optometrist looking for personal development and to expand their professional horizons.
What skills and experience do I need?
- You need to be a fully qualified optometrist (a MCOptom specialist optometry degree, or BSc(hons) in Ophthalmic Optics or Optometry or equivalent qualification is essential) and you need a current registration with the General Optical Council.
- Previous hospital eye service or private eye clinic experience.
- Knowledge of clinical practice and aware of current developments in Optometry.
- Capable of working in a high-volume clinical setting, seeing circa 18-22 patients per day.
- Experience of delivering consistently high standards of specialist optometric diagnostic tests using complex equipment.
- The training and coaching of others.
- The desire for and commitment to continuous professional development.
- A competent user of computer systems and programmes.
- An excellent grasp of the English language both verbally and in written format.
- A good team player – happy to jump in and support others when required.
What we’re offering
- A salary of £65,000.00 - £70,000.00 dependant on experience (FTE).
- 25 days annual leave plus bank holidays and an extra day of birthday leave!
- A company pension scheme.
- A discretionary bonus scheme, paid on a quarterly basis.
- Access to a range of benefits including free eye tests, discounted or free glasses, a free 24/7 well-being/counselling/advice service and a retail/technology discount scheme.
- Cycle-to-work scheme.
- Dental and Permanent Health Insurance.
- Death in service cover of 3 x salary.
- Monthly all-stop days, with team building and educational sessions included.
- An environment where your learning and development is supported through a range of various learning tools, courses and virtual webinars.
- Working with a friendly multi-disciplinary team passionate about improving the lives of our patients.
- Company-funded staff events.
- Fully stocked on-site pantries filled with delicious food and drinks.
- A bright, spacious and modern working environment, built to the highest standards.
- Gym membership discount.
Please note: All staff are subject to a DBS check. We are unable to offer employment to any candidate whose criminal record may pose a risk to patient safety.
If you would like an informal chat about the opportunity or to request a job description, please contact suffolk.hr@newmedica.co.uk.
Our employment offers are subject to receipt of satisfactory pre-employment checks. Applicants must have the right to work in the UK and a Disclosure and Barring Service check will be necessary in the event of a successful application which we will pay for.
At Newmedica, we actively promote diversity and equal opportunities, and we are committed to this in both the running of our services and how we recruit our staff. We actively encourage applications from everyone with the essential requirements of the job, regardless of any protected characteristics.
Newmedica is fully committed to safeguarding the welfare of all people, irrespective of gender, age, disability, sexual orientation, race, language, religion, ethnic or social origin.
Optometrist in Bury St Edmunds employer: Newmedica
Newmedica is an exceptional employer, recognised as a Great Place to Work for three consecutive years, offering a supportive and collaborative work culture that prioritises employee well-being and professional development. With competitive salaries, generous leave policies, and a range of benefits including free eye tests and wellness services, our Optometrists in Ipswich and Bury St Edmunds will thrive in a modern environment dedicated to changing lives through better sight and eye health.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Optometrist in Bury St Edmunds
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to fellow optometrists, join relevant groups on social media, and attend local events. You never know who might have the inside scoop on job openings or can put in a good word for you.
✨Tip Number 2
Prepare for interviews by practising common questions and scenarios specific to optometry. Think about how you’d handle patient interactions and complex cases, as this will show your expertise and empathy during the interview.
✨Tip Number 3
Don’t just apply anywhere—focus on places that align with your values and career goals. Check out our website for opportunities at Newmedica, where we’re all about changing lives through better sight and eye health!
✨Tip Number 4
Follow up after interviews! A quick thank-you email can go a long way in showing your enthusiasm for the role. Plus, it keeps you fresh in their minds as they make their decision.
We think you need these skills to ace Optometrist in Bury St Edmunds
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your CV:Make sure your CV is tailored to the Optometrist role. Highlight your qualifications, experience, and any specific skills that match what we're looking for at Newmedica. This shows us you’re serious about the position!
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter:Your cover letter is your chance to shine! Use it to explain why you're passionate about optometry and how you align with our values at Newmedica. Keep it friendly and professional, and don’t forget to mention your desire for continuous professional development.
Showcase Your Empathy:As an Optometrist, being empathetic is key. In your application, share examples of how you've put patients at ease in the past. This will help us see that you have the right attitude for our team and our patients.
Apply Through Our Website:We encourage you to apply through our website for a smoother process. It’s straightforward and ensures your application gets to the right place. Plus, you’ll find all the info you need about the role and our company!
How to prepare for a job interview at Newmedica
✨Know Your Stuff
Make sure you brush up on your optometry knowledge, especially around diagnostic tests and eye conditions. Familiarise yourself with the latest developments in the field, as this will show your commitment to continuous professional development.
✨Show Empathy
Since you'll be dealing with patients who may be anxious about eye surgery, practice how you can convey empathy and compassion during the interview. Think of examples where you've put patients at ease or handled difficult situations with care.
✨Demonstrate Team Spirit
Newmedica values collaboration, so be ready to discuss your experiences working in a team. Share specific instances where you supported colleagues or contributed to a positive team environment, highlighting your ability to jump in when needed.
✨Ask Thoughtful Questions
Prepare some insightful questions about the role and the company culture. This not only shows your interest but also helps you gauge if Newmedica is the right fit for you. Consider asking about opportunities for clinical learning or how they support professional development.
