At a Glance
- Tasks: Join our team to provide essential eye care and support patients through their journey.
- Company: Newmedica, a leading NHS ophthalmology provider, recognised as a Great Place to Work.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, generous leave, wellness support, and professional development opportunities.
- Other info: Enjoy a modern workplace with a friendly team and exciting clinical cases.
- Why this job: Make a real difference in patients' lives while advancing your career in a supportive environment.
- Qualifications: Must be a qualified optometrist with current registration and relevant experience.
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 Ipswich 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 Ipswich
✨Get Involved in Local Health Initiatives
Dive into local health initiatives or volunteer at community health events. This not only boosts your practical experience but also gets you noticed among professionals in human medicine who may have leads on full-time positions like Optometrist at Newmedica.
✨Connect with Professionals via Medical Associations
Join professional associations related to human medicine, such as the Royal College of Physicians. Attend their conferences and networking events to meet potential employers in a relaxed setting. Who knows, you might just bump into someone from Newmedica!
✨Showcase Your Passion and Expertise Online
Build a personal website or a professional blog where you can share your insights on human medicine topics. This portfolio can catch the eye of recruiters looking for dedicated individuals for full-time roles like Optometrist.
✨Leverage University Career Services
If you’re still in or recently graduated from university, don’t hesitate to use your career services. They often have exclusive listings and contacts in the human medicine field that can help you land a full-time gig at places like Newmedica.
We think you need these skills to ace Optometrist in Ipswich
Some tips for your application 🫡
Showcase Your Relevant Experience:When applying for the Optometrist at Newmedica, focus on highlighting your clinical experience and any specific training you've undergone. Include any relevant placements or internships you’ve completed, as well as any certifications that bolster your qualifications in human medicine.
Highlight Your Soft Skills:In the field of human medicine, soft skills are just as crucial as technical knowledge. Mention your communication skills, empathy, and teamwork experiences in your CV and cover letter. This shows that you can work well in a clinical setting and with patients, which is super important in this industry!
Tailor Your Cover Letter Thoughtfully:Be sure to personalise your cover letter for the Optometrist at Newmedica. Mention why you’re passionate about human medicine and how you align with the company’s mission. This is your chance to convey your enthusiasm and make a case for why you'll be a valuable addition to the team!
Include Continuing Education:Make sure to mention any ongoing education or courses you’re taking to keep your skills sharp. In human medicine, staying updated with the latest practices is key. It shows you’re dedicated to your field, which employers like Newmedica will definitely appreciate!
How to prepare for a job interview at Newmedica
✨Brush Up on Clinical Knowledge
Since you're aiming for a role in human medicine, make sure you’re sharp on the latest clinical guidelines and practices relevant to the position. Be prepared to discuss case studies or scenarios you might encounter in the role. This will show that you're not just knowledgeable but also ready to apply that knowledge in real-life situations.
✨Demonstrate Soft Skills
In human medicine, technical skills are crucial, but don’t forget to showcase your soft skills like communication, empathy, and teamwork. In your answers, share specific examples of how you've worked effectively with patients or colleagues in the past, as these traits are highly valued in clinical settings.
✨Know Your CV Backwards
As you’re applying for a full-time position, your CV should tell a story. Be ready to discuss every part of it, especially your clinical experiences, the impact you had, and what you learned. Employers want to see how your journey has prepared you for this role, so think of it like you're taking them through your professional narrative.
✨Prepare for Ethical Scenarios
Ethics are a big deal in human medicine, so expect questions that assess your decision-making in tricky situations. Think about how you'd handle ethical dilemmas or patient confidentiality concerns. Prepare a few examples that illustrate your thought process and how you prioritise patient welfare in your decision-making.
