At a Glance
- Tasks: Support NHS optometry services and drive engagement across Wales.
- Company: Join Optometry Wales, a key player in eye care delivery.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, remote work, and opportunities for professional development.
- Other info: Dynamic role with travel across Wales and a supportive team environment.
- Why this job: Make a real impact on eye care services while working flexibly.
- Qualifications: Must be a registered optometrist with experience in Wales.
The predicted salary is between 53938 - 65924 £ per year.
Optometry Wales is seeking an experienced and motivated optometrist to join our team as a Regional Engagement Officer. This is a unique opportunity to play a key role in supporting and strengthening the delivery of NHS optometry services across Wales. Working closely with Regional Optical Committees (ROCs), Local Health Boards, contractors, performers and stakeholders, you will help drive engagement, collaboration and service improvement across the profession. You will act as a key link between optometry practices, health boards and national representatives, ensuring effective communication, problem-solving and implementation of NHS eye care initiatives. This is a predominantly home-based role with regular travel throughout Wales and occasional evening meetings.
Job Role: Regional Engagement Officer
Location: All Wales (Mainly remote working)
Contract: Permanent
Hours: Full-time (Monday to Friday, with majority during standard office hours but with regular evening meetings)
Reporting jointly to: Optometry Wales CEO and the ROC Chairs
Salary: £58,379 – £67,583 based on experience Equivalent to NHS Wales Band 8a – Band 8b
Job Description:
- To arrange, attend and support the three Wales Regional Optical Committee meetings.
- To support Regional Optical Committee members in attending meetings with the seven Local Health Boards within the Regions and maintain good working relationships and effective communication channels between the ROCs and Health Boards.
- To provide advice/support to Committee member(s) who represent the ROC at meetings with the LHB(s) including Liaison group meetings, Eye Care Collaborative Groups etc.
- To work alongside the (relevant) ROC Chair and Optometry Wales CEO to address issues or concerns raised by contractors and performers across Wales.
- To be a contact for all optometry practices within the regions to receive feedback on local and national issues, provide support on issues being faced and to encourage attendance at ROC meetings.
- To regularly link with the Optometry Collaborative Leads across each of the Regions/ Local Health Board areas to provide advice and support, share best practice and discuss issues as they arise (and escalate as appropriate).
- To support in the delivery of Continued Professional Development at a Regional level and Nationally as required.
- To work with contractors across the Regions in order to maximise the amount of NHS funding spent on NHS optometry services each year and to identify any obstacles to the successful delivery of those services and work with the ROC and LHBs in identifying solutions to those barriers as required.
- To work with contractors across the Regions to ensure engagement with the roll-out of any new services or requirements.
- To work as a member of the Optometry Wales team to ensure consistency of approach and application throughout Wales.
- To be engaged, together with the other members of the OW team, in developing briefings for contractors in relation to specific services’ delivery to improve awareness, delivery and solutions for overcoming obstacles.
- To be engaged, together with the other members of the OW team in developing briefings and position papers on optometry issues (including those to support contract negotiations); creating support materials for practices on delivering all contractual requirements, creating materials to support Optometry Collaborative leads and in supporting development of the Optometry Wales website and the preparation of Board and Council reports.
- To support in communication/PR & media relations including relationships with MSs/MPs including the attendance as appropriate at political visits across Wales.
- To act as deputy to the Optometry Wales Optometric Advisor (and other members of the Optometry Wales team where appropriate) as required and to undertake any other tasks as reasonably requested.
- With reasonable notice, to undertake broader duties of the Optometry Wales team, where temporary cover for this is required in the event of absence or peak workload.
Application Process: Apply by email to including CV and covering letter detailing why you are interested in the role by Thursday 20 August 2026.
Person Specification:
Essential Criteria:
- Optometrist registered with GOC.
- Registered on the performers list in Wales.
- Current or recent experience practising as an optometrist providing WGOS 1 and 2 within Wales (since Contract Reform introduced).
- Member of the College of Optometrists.
- Ability to travel across Wales, possess a current UK driving licence.
- Experience of networking and relationship building.
- Knowledge of Optometry Contract Reform and current issues facing optometry contractors in Wales.
- Well-developed, effective, oral and written communication skills.
- Happy to balance working as a member of a close-knit team, with independent, remote working as a ROC/OW representative at various contractor and stakeholder group meetings.
- Based in the UK.
Desirable Criteria:
- Will continue to remain on the performers list in Wales.
- Has attended ROC meetings recently as either a Committee member or Observer.
- Accredited to provide WGOS 3, 4 or 5.
- Current or recent experience practising as an optometrist providing WGOS 3, 4 or 5 within Wales (since Contract Reform introduced).
- Has undertaken an Optometry Collaborative Lead role and/or attended optometry collaboratives in their primary care cluster.
- Ability to speak Welsh.
- Experience of presenting to professional audiences.
- Can demonstrate a high level of ability in influencing stakeholders.
- Based in Wales.
Regional Engagement Officer in Wales employer: Optometry Wales
Optometry Wales is an exceptional employer that fosters a collaborative and supportive work culture, making it an ideal place for professionals passionate about optometry. With a focus on employee growth and development, the role of Regional Engagement Lead offers opportunities to engage with local health boards and contribute to meaningful improvements in eye care services across Wales. The organisation values strong communication and relationship-building skills, ensuring that employees are well-equipped to make a positive impact in their communities.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Regional Engagement Officer in Wales
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Join local community health events or volunteer for organisations like public health agencies. This not only builds your experience but also helps you network with industry professionals who might know of openings at places like Optometry Wales.
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We think you need these skills to ace Regional Engagement Officer in Wales
Some tips for your application 🫡
Highlight Your Relevant Experience:When applying for a role in health sciences administration, it's super important to spotlight any relevant experience you have in healthcare settings. Whether you've worked in a hospital, a clinic, or any related environment, make sure to detail those roles in your CV – focusing on your responsibilities and achievements that align with the job at Optometry Wales.
Showcase Your Administrative Skills:Administrative skills are key in this field, so don’t hold back! Make sure your CV reflects your proficiency in things like scheduling, data management, and compliance with health regulations. Mention specific software you’ve used, such as patient management systems, as this will demonstrate your hands-on abilities and readiness for the role at Optometry Wales.
Craft a Meaningful Cover Letter:Your cover letter should reflect your passion for the health sciences field and your eagerness to contribute to Optometry Wales. Share a bit about why you’re drawn to this sector, any impactful situations or challenges you’ve encountered, and how they’ve shaped your desire to work in health sciences administration. This personal touch can really set you apart!
Tailor Your Documents to the Job:Don't use a one-size-fits-all approach! Make sure your CV and cover letter are specifically tailored for this role. Highlight any certifications you have relevant to health administration, and ensure you clearly connect your previous roles to the skills needed for the full-time position at Optometry Wales. This way, you're showing them you’ve done your homework and are genuinely interested in being a part of their team.
How to prepare for a job interview at Optometry Wales
✨Showcase Your Administrative Skills
In health sciences administration, being organised is key. Make sure you can demonstrate your skills in managing schedules, paperwork, and data accurately. Be ready to discuss specific tools you've used, like electronic health record systems or scheduling software, and how they improved efficiency in your past experiences.
✨Know Your Regulations
Familiarity with healthcare regulations and compliance is crucial. Brush up on HIPAA, GDPR, or other relevant policies before your interview. We recommend preparing examples of how you've ensured compliance or handled sensitive information in past roles—this will show you're not just knowledgeable but also responsible.
✨Prepare for Scenario Questions
Interviews for administrative roles often involve scenario-based questions to assess your problem-solving skills. Practice responses to common situations you might face, such as dealing with a challenging patient or managing a sudden schedule change. This will not only demonstrate your ability to think on your feet but also highlight your interpersonal skills.
✨Align Your Goals with the Organisation
As a full-time candidate, employers will want to know how your long-term career goals align with their mission. Take some time to research Optometry Wales’s values and be ready to tie your passion for health sciences administration into their objectives. Demonstrating enthusiasm and career alignment can be a game-changer in this competitive field!
