Role Description
Senior Optometrist – Make a difference!
- Location: London Schools
- Salary: £275 per day plus benefits
- Hours: 15 hours per week, (2 days a week)- School term time only
About SeeAbility
SeeAbility is the UK’s leading specialist eye care charity for people with learning disabilities, autism, visual impairment and complex support needs. With over 225 years of experience, SeeAbility delivers expert, inclusive eye care services in Special Schools across London
Make a meaningful difference through specialist eye care
At SeeAbility, we are committed to ensuring that children and young people with learning disabilities and additional needs receive the high-quality eye care they deserve. We are looking for an experienced and passionate Senior Optometrist to join our specialist team delivering accessible, evidence-based eye care within special school settings.
This is an exciting opportunity for an experienced clinician who is passionate about improving outcomes for children and young people with disabilities. Alongside providing specialist clinical care, you will act as a senior clinical resource within the service, supporting colleagues through mentoring, training, service development and quality improvement initiatives.
Working closely with the Clinical Lead, Head of Dispensing and Service Managers, you will help shape and develop SeeAbility's specialist eye care services while ensuring consistently high standards of clinical practice across the team.
About the Role
As a Senior Optometrist, you will:
- Deliver specialist eye examinations for children and young people in special schools, adapting your approach to meet a wide range of communication, sensory and behavioural needs.
- Undertake complex clinical assessments, prescribing and clinical decision-making.
- Manage clinic sessions effectively to maximise access and deliver safe, child-centred care.
- Produce clear, accessible reports outlining visual needs and practical recommendations.
- Make appropriate referrals to health professionals and specialist services when required.
- Work collaboratively with dispensing colleagues to support effective spectacle provision and positive outcomes.
- Support the smooth delivery of clinics across multiple school sites.
- Build strong relationships with schools, families and healthcare professionals to encourage engagement and participation.
- Contribute to service improvement, research and quality improvement projects.
- Share best practice and support the collection of service outcome and impact data.
- Work flexibly within special school environments to meet the needs of pupils and the service.
Leadership and Mentoring Responsibilities
In addition to providing exceptional clinical care, you will:
- Act as a senior clinical resource for optometrists and wider clinical colleagues.
- Support the induction and development of new clinicians joining the service.
- Act as a named clinical mentor for optometrists enrolled on the SeeAbility and City St George's Special School Eye Care Clinician Training Programme.
- Deliver training, coaching and clinical support to colleagues.
- Contribute to the development of clinical training resources and service improvements.
- Support clinical governance activities and the promotion of safe, evidence-based practice.
About You
We are looking for a compassionate and skilled optometrist who combines strong clinical expertise with a commitment to inclusive practice and continuous improvement.
Essential Skills and Experience
- Minimum 2 years' experience providing eye care in special school settings.
- Strong clinical skills in eye examination, prescribing and clinical decision-making.
- Experience adapting clinical approaches to meet communication, sensory and behavioural needs.
- Understanding of safeguarding principles and how to raise concerns in line with policy.
- Experience maintaining accurate and timely clinical records.
- Understanding of clinical governance, quality assurance and safe clinical practice.
- Excellent communication skills, with the ability to explain clinical information clearly and accessibly.
- Ability to work independently while contributing positively to a wider multidisciplinary team.
- Practical, organised and solutions-focused approach.
- Commitment to delivering high-quality care and continuous service improvement.
- Willingness to maintain and further develop clinical knowledge and specialist skills.
Personal Qualities
- Patient, calm and able to work at the child's pace.
- Positive, inclusive and respectful approach to disability.
- Flexible and adaptable in busy and changing school environments.
- Passionate about improving healthcare access and outcomes for children and young people with additional needs.
Additional Requirements
- Full UK Driving Licence.
- Access to a vehicle and ability to travel between school sites.
- Ability to provide your own direct ophthalmoscope and retinoscope (a PanOptic ophthalmoscope will be provided).
- Responsibility for SeeAbility-provided specialist testing equipment and ensuring it is stored securely when not in use.
Why Join SeeAbility?
Joining SeeAbility means becoming part of a pioneering organisation dedicated to transforming access to eye care for children and young people with learning disabilities and additional needs. You will have the opportunity to develop specialist expertise, mentor future clinicians and contribute to innovative service delivery that makes a tangible difference to lives every day.
If you are an experienced optometrist looking for a rewarding senior clinical role where your expertise can have a lasting impact, we'd love to hear from you.
Our Benefits
Our colleagues at SeeAbility are extremely valued, and so everyone has access to a fantastic package of benefits.
- Recognition & Rewards – Celebrate your achievements
- Financial Perks – Discounts & cashback offers
- Wellbeing Support – 24/7 Employee Assistance Programme
Safeguarding and Promoting Welfare
SeeAbility is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of the people we support. We expect all staff to uphold this commitment and have a strong understanding of their roles and responsibilities in safeguarding.
Safer Recruitment
SeeAbility is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of the people we support. All colleagues are expected to uphold this commitment.
Successful applicants will be subject to safer recruitment checks, including:
- Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS) check (where appropriate)
- Identity, current address and right-to-work verification
- Health declaration to ensure that you are medically suitable for the role you have been offered
- Employment references relating to work with this role or similar roles
All checks are completed at SeeAbility’s expense before a start date is confirmed.
Diversity & Inclusion
We are proud to be a Disability Confident Employer and are committed to creating a diverse and inclusive workplace.
- We welcome applications from people of all backgrounds, identities and experiences, including those with disabilities or who are neurodivergent.
- Reasonable adjustments are available throughout the recruitment process.
- In exceptional circumstances, a genuine occupational requirement may apply under the Equality Act 2010 (Schedule 9, Part 1)
#J-18808-Ljbffr
Senior Optometrist employer: SeeAbility
At SeeAbility, we pride ourselves on being an exceptional employer, offering a supportive and inclusive work culture in Exeter, Devon. With comprehensive training, career progression opportunities, and a strong focus on employee well-being, we empower our Support Workers to thrive both personally and professionally while making a meaningful impact in the lives of those we support. Join us in a role that is not just a job, but a chance to make every day matter for individuals with learning disabilities and sight loss.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Senior Optometrist
✨Join Medical Networks
Get involved in local and national medical associations, like the Royal College of Physicians. These networks can help you connect with mentors and colleagues who might know of openings, plus they're great for staying updated on the latest in medicine and clinical practices.
✨Attend Healthcare Conferences
Make it a habit to attend medical conferences and seminars. These events are fantastic for networking and often feature job boards where hospitals and clinics post their openings. Plus, it’s a good way to get your face recognised in the industry.
✨Leverage Your Medical School's Resources
Don’t forget to use your medical school’s career services! They usually have great connections with hospitals and clinics looking to fill full-time physician positions and can help you with mock interviews or networking events.
✨Apply Directly Through Hospital Websites
When you're ready to apply, make sure to check the careers section of hospital websites directly. Hospitals like SeeAbility often post their job openings there first, and applying directly can sometimes give you an edge over other applicants.
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Off Your Credentials:When applying for a physician role, make sure to highlight your medical qualifications and any special certifications you have. We want to see your medical degree, residency training, and any additional certifications that set you apart, like specialised training in paediatrics or geriatrics. Don’t leave out those all-important letters after your name!
Tailor Your CV to Medicine:Your CV should reflect your experience and skills as a doctor. Be specific about your clinical rotations, medical practice, and any research work you've done – we love seeing quantifiable impacts, so mention how you've improved patient care or led successful treatment plans.
Craft a Personal Statement with Heart:In your cover letter, let us know why you chose medicine and what drives your passion for patient care. Personal stories about transformative experiences—like a memorable patient encounter or a moment that defined your career path—can really make you shine. Remember, we're looking for someone who genuinely cares about their patients!
Demonstrate Continuous Learning:In the medical field, showcasing your commitment to continuous learning is essential. Mention any recent courses, workshops, or conferences you’ve attended, and highlight your willingness to stay updated on medical advancements. This shows us that you’re not just a physician; you're a lifelong learner, ready to adapt and grow.
How to prepare for a job interview at SeeAbility
✨Get Clinical Knowledge Sharp
Brush up on your clinical knowledge, particularly in areas relevant to the role at SeeAbility. Expect questions about diagnosis, treatment plans, and patient management. Be ready to discuss case studies or even do some role-playing with hypothetical patient scenarios for a more practical assessment.
✨Know Your Procedures and Protocols
Familiarise yourself with the latest procedures and protocols that are specific to the field of medicine you’re applying to. Whether it’s surgical techniques or patient care protocols, being able to discuss these confidently can really set you apart in the interview at SeeAbility.
✨Show You're a Team Player
In the medical field, collaboration is key. Have examples ready that showcase your teamwork and communication skills. Talk about how you've worked with nurses, specialists, or other doctors in the past to provide the best care for your patients. This shows you're ready to integrate into the team at SeeAbility.
✨Stay Current with Medical Trends
Make sure you’re clued up on the latest medical trends, research, and innovations. Not only does this prepare you for technical questions, but it also shows your passion for the field. Be ready to discuss how these trends might affect your practice at SeeAbility.
