Sessional Optometrist – Make a difference!
Location: Schools across Thames Valley Region
Salary: £250 per day plus benefits
Hours: 7.5 to 37.5 hours per week (1-5 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 Thames Valley Region.
What you bring
To be a part of SeeAbility’s Special School’s Eye Care team in a Thames Valley school or schools. You will be responsible for regular visits to the same school(s) during school term times only. SeeAbility Special Schools Eye Care team training will be provided to all successful applicants.
Role Overview: Special School Optometrist
You will work as part of SeeAbility’s Special Schools Eye Care Team, delivering specialist eye care in special schools in Thames Valley during term time only. You’ll visit the same schools regularly, with occasional need to cover other schools, and will receive full specialist training upon appointment.
This is a highly autonomous clinical role requiring expert judgement, advanced communication skills, and the ability to work confidently with children who have complex physical, learning, sensory and behavioural needs.
Core Responsibilities
- Deliver specialist eye care in line with NHS England Special School Eye Care Service Specifications
- Manage an independent caseload using evidence‑based practice
- Make complex clinical decisions
- Refer appropriately to ophthalmologists, orthoptists, GPs and other healthcare professionals
- Use and handle specialist equipment with a high level of technical skill
Communication & Family Engagement
- Communicate sensitively and effectively with children with complex needs
- Deliver information to parents and carers, often despite communication barriers
- Liaise directly with parents, carers, and schools (using secure NHS mail and GDPR‑compliant systems)
- Produce written clinical reports within 5 working days for parents, schools, and professionals
Multidisciplinary & Collaborative Working
- Work closely with:
- Dispensing Opticians
- Orthoptists and ophthalmologists
- GPs and paediatricians
- Speech & Language Therapists
- Occupational and Physiotherapists
- Educational and social care professionals
- Promote interdisciplinary cooperation to enhance patient‑centred care
Training, Quality and Service Development
- Complete SeeAbility City, St George’s University Eyecare Training
- Complete mandatory organisational SeeAbility training
- Deliver annual training sessions to assigned schools where possible
- Participate in clinical audit and service improvement initiativesParticipate in risk assessments with the service manager
- In time, mentor new team members
- Attend at least three SeeAbility team meetings per year
Governance, Safety & Professional Standards
- Maintain accurate, confidential clinical records in line with:
- Data Protection Act
- NHS Information Governance Toolkit
- Report and investigate incidents, near misses, or safeguarding concerns
- Adhere to infection control, health & safety, and safeguarding policies
- Maintain CPD and stay up to date with developments in eye health, disability and legislation
- Uphold SeeAbility’s values
Physical and Mental Demands of the Role
- Transporting specialist equipment between school sites
- High levels of concentration for prolonged periods (2–3+ hours)
- Managing interruptions and challenging behaviours
- Emotional resilience when discussing permanent visual loss
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
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)
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Sessional 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.
