Senior Emergency Ophthalmic Practitioner in Exeter

Applications are invited from suitably experienced and enthusiastic professionals to join our compassionate and collaborative multidisciplinary team of Practitioners in the Emergency Eye Service (EES). We have two vacancies available, one at 37.5 hours/week and another at 25 hours/week. The service is open Monday-Saturday 8-6 (including Bank holidays) from the West of England Eye Unit, with Sunday opening in the foreseeable future.

As a department, we are dedicated to the development of a strong multidisciplinary team ready for the future. The post holder will work with the Heads of Service to ensure that the care provided is consistent and of a high standard throughout the patient care pathway, and assist in service developments to achieve this.

Our EES provides treatment for emergency and urgent, sight threatening problems. The successful candidate will assess, diagnose and treat these patients autonomously and alongside the Ophthalmologist in the EES. The role also involves assisting in the management of the telephone triage service for the EES, who receive queries from primary eye care (Community Optometrists, GP practices, minor injuries units, NHS 111, and the main emergency department) as well as post-operative patients. Participating in extended role Consultant lead clinics also forms part of the role.

The post holder should be skilled in anterior and posterior examination and associated ophthalmic imaging and test interpretation. The role requires accountability for your own professional actions when working within their sphere of competence. There is an expectation of the post holder to be qualified as an Independent Prescriber or be willing to complete this qualification in the near future. The post holder will also play an active role in facilitating placements and teaching for other healthcare professionals (student and pre-reg Optometrists, Nurse Practitioners, IP Optometrist placements, medical students).

Working Pattern: Full and part time positions available. 08:00-18:00 Monday-Saturday with Sunday opening in foreseeable future.

Interview Date: 16/02/26

Pay: The salary advertised for this position reflects the Agenda for Change 2026-7 rates, inclusive of a 3.3% pay award implemented from April 2026. If you join before this date, remuneration will be based on the 2025-6 pay bandings.

As an inclusive employer, the Royal Devon values diversity and is committed to creating a culture of inclusivity where everyone can be themselves and reach their full potential. We believe in fostering a sense of belonging and actively encourage applications from individuals of all backgrounds, cultures, and abilities. We recognise the advantages of having a diverse workforce that reflects the communities we serve. Preference will be given to staff with ‘Priority’ and 'At Risk' status including NHS At Risk staff throughout Devon.

The Royal Devon University Healthcare NHS Foundation Trust reserves the right to close vacancy when sufficient applications have been received. The Royal Devon University Healthcare NHS Foundation Trust was established in April 2022, bringing together the expertise of both the Royal Devon and Exeter NHS Foundation Trust and Northern Devon Healthcare NHS Trust.

About Us: Stretching across Northern, Eastern and Mid Devon, we have a workforce of over 15,000 staff, making us the largest employer in Devon. Our core services, which we provide to more than 615,000 people, cover more than 2,000 square miles across Devon, while some of our specialist services cover the whole of the peninsula, extending our reach as far as Cornwall and the Isles of Scilly. We deliver a wide range of emergency, specialist and general medical services through North Devon District Hospital and the Royal Devon and Exeter Hospital (Wonford).

Alongside our two acute hospitals, we provide integrated health and social care services across a variety of settings, including community inpatient hospitals, outpatient clinics, and within people’s own homes. We also offer primary care services, a range of specialist community services, and Sexual Assault Referral Centres (SARC). Our state-of-the-art equipment, leading technologies and strong links to local universities put us at the forefront of research and innovations, enabling us to provide world-class care to our local communities.

It has never been a more exciting time to join the Royal Devon, as you will help to shape our services as we continue along our integration journey. Looking after you is important to us. We strive to help our staff create a healthy work-life balance through flexible working schemes and our family friendly policies. If you are starting out in the NHS, you’ll start with 27 days paid annual leave (plus bank holidays), rising to 33 days plus bank holidays. You will benefit from access to our own comprehensive occupational health services, including counselling, onsite wellbeing activities and groups.

We will work together to maintain a culture that develops and supports you and your team. This might include funding for a care certificate, a degree or leadership qualifications. Or it might include days off to study, engage in CPD or rotational placements to help you hone your skills. Wherever you are heading in the NHS, we will help you get there.

Salary is not the only financial benefit: You will have access to an extensive range of staff discounts on shopping, fitness and leisure options and you can spread the cost of technology and home appliance purchases from major retailers. You will also have access to other benefits including:

• National discount services such as the Blue Light Card and Health Service Discounts.
• Salary sacrifice options including our OFSTED rated outstanding nursery onsite at Exeter.
• Car lease schemes.
• The NHS Pension scheme (one of the most generous and comprehensive in the UK).
• Cycle to work scheme.

These are just a few of the benefits available – if the role is something you are interested in, we would love to hear from you.