Role: Hospital Optometrist
Location: The Edge, Fifth Avenue, Team Valley, Gateshead, NE11 0XA ( requirement to travel throughout the region when needed.)
Hours: 37.5 hours a week between Monday to Saturday, 5 days a week 9am-5pm
(Saturdays 1 week in every 4) (Any weekend working will allow for a rota day off) (On call duties will be included as part of your rota)
Salary: £54,609 - £57,159 depending on experience and qualifications
Looking for a new direction in your optometry career?
SpaMedica is the UKS largest provider of NHS cataract surgery and we are looking for a Hospital Optometrist to join our team.
As a Hospital Optometrist at SpaMedica, its all about patient care, not sales targets or KPIs. Plus, no prior hospital experience is needed, we provide full training and you will always have senior optometrists by your side to support you.
You will be part of our 150 hospital optometrist team, supporting our cataract service, across a range of clinics (Pre‑op, Post‑op and YAG laser treatments). There’s also the opportunity for development and explore areas like Medical Retina, Glaucoma, as well as our private service, Freedom vision. We also offer the opportunity to work from home on occasion too.
If you love variety, Ocular disease was your favourite subject and you’re keen to learn advanced skills like YAG laser, this role is for you.
About the role:
As a Hospital Optometrist, you will:
- Perform pre and post operative assessments for cataract surgery patients.
- Conduct pre op assessments for YAG laser capsulotomy referrals.
- Obtain informed consent in a professional and ethical manner.
- Participate in the on call and weekend rota as needed.
- Ensure your clinical area is ready, with equipment checked before and after clinics.
- Complete basic life support and manual handling training.
- Collaborate with the multi‑disciplinary team in the day to day operations of the clinic.
What we are looking for:
- A qualified optometrist with current GOC registration.
- People that are passionate about learning and have developed themselves with higher qualifications.
- Previous hospital optometry experience is a plus, but not essential – we provide full training!
Why work with us?
- Join a team that lives our values of safety, integrity, kindness and transparency.
- All of SpaMedica’s hospitals inspected by the CQC have been rated as ‘Good‘ or ‘Outstanding’.
- We have recently been awarded investors in people Platinum accreditation.
- Opportunities to grow, learn new skills and advance your career.
- Be part of a caring, community focused team involved in charity work.
Benefits:
- 33 days holidays (inclusive of bank holidays) increasing with length of service.
- Performance bonuses twice a year (up to 10%).
- CPD provided internally.
- Competitive pension and maternity benefits.
- Recommend a friend scheme (£350 reward for both).
- Free quarterly snacks, flu vaccinations and DBS checks.
- Benefits and discounts at a large selection of retailers/hospitality.
- Continuous training and development programme through our internal learning management system and clinical training team to help enhance your skills.
- Paid travel expenses.
We may close this vacancy early if we receive a sufficient number of applications or successfully appoint a candidate.
Important Information: This post is subject to the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act (Exceptions Order) 1975. Therefore, a submission for Disclosure to the Disclosure and Barring Service (formerly known as CRB) will be necessary to check for any previous criminal convictions.
Equality and Diversity: SpaMedica is committed to promoting equality of opportunity, celebrating and valuing diversity, and eliminating any form of unlawful discrimination across our workforce. We ensure our people are truly representative of the communities we serve. All individuals, regardless of age, disability, gender reassignment, marriage and civil partnership, pregnancy and maternity, race, religion or belief, sex, and sexual orientation, are encouraged to apply for this post. As an inclusive employer, we are here to support you. If you have any special requirements to help you with your application, email our team at careers@spamedica.co.uk.
Our Commitment: Our organisation is committed to safe and fair recruitment, safeguarding, and protecting those we care for and serve. We ensure all our staff are vetted, selected, trained, and supervised fairly and to a high standard so that they can provide safe, effective, and compassionate care.
Disability Confidence: We are a Disability Confident employer and are committed to inclusive recruitment practices. We welcome applications from individuals with disabilities and will provide reasonable adjustments throughout the recruitment process.
For more about us, SpaMedica.
IND002
Optometrist in Gateshead employer: SpaMedica
SpaMedica is an exceptional employer, offering a dynamic work culture that prioritises professional growth and collaboration. Located in Bolton, the company provides generous benefits such as 25 days of holiday, performance bonuses, and reimbursement for professional membership fees, making it an attractive place for B2B marketing professionals to thrive and make a meaningful impact in the healthcare sector.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Optometrist in Gateshead
✨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 SpaMedica 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 SpaMedica
✨Get Clinical Knowledge Sharp
Brush up on your clinical knowledge, particularly in areas relevant to the role at SpaMedica. 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 SpaMedica.
✨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 SpaMedica.
✨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 SpaMedica.
