At a Glance
- Tasks: Deliver specialist eye care to children in special schools across the Isle of Wight.
- Company: SeeAbility, a leading charity focused on inclusive eye care for those with complex needs.
- Benefits: Earn £250 per day, enjoy flexible hours, and access wellbeing support.
- Other info: Join a supportive team with opportunities for professional development.
- Why this job: Make a real difference in children's lives while gaining valuable experience.
- Qualifications: Optometry qualification and strong communication skills required.
The predicted salary is between 45000 - 65000 £ per year.
Location: Schools across Isle of Wight
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 Isle of Wight.
What You Bring
To be a part of SeeAbility’s Special School’s Eye Care team in Isle of Wight 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 Isle of Wight 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
- Clinical Care & Decision‑Making
- 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 Eye Care Training
- Complete mandatory organisational SeeAbility training
- Deliver annual training sessions to assigned schools where possible
- Participate in clinical audit and service improvement initiatives
- Participate 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 and 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
Our 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
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 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).
Sessional Optometrist in Tonbridge employer: SeeAbility
SeeAbility is an exceptional employer, offering a unique opportunity for Sessional Optometrists to make a meaningful impact in the lives of children with complex needs across the Isle of Wight. With a strong commitment to employee growth through comprehensive training and a supportive work culture that values diversity and inclusion, SeeAbility ensures that its staff are well-equipped and recognised for their contributions. Enjoy competitive pay, flexible working hours during term time, and access to wellbeing support, all while being part of a dedicated team focused on delivering specialist eye care services.
