Position: Optometrist
Location: Hempstead Valley, Kent
Salary: Up to £65,000 per annum depending on experience + performance related bonus
Working hours: 4-day working week Monday to Friday, with 1 Sunday every 5 weeks
Experience level: This role is open to both newly qualified and experienced Optometrists who are registered with the GOC
Opening in May 2023, Specsavers in Hempstead Valley has become one of the leading opticians in the area and we are looking for a forward-thinking Optometrist to join them on a full or part time basis.
Hempstead Valley have a unique offering on top of no weekend work. Their Optometrists work a 4-day week instead of the traditional 5-day week and cover 1 Sunday every 5 weeks! So, you would have shorter hours of work per week and an extra day off!
As the store only opened last year you will be joining a state-of-the-art practice that is modern, bright, and new. Boasting 9 test rooms over 2 floors you will be impressed with the clinical technology you will have access to including two Nidek Retina DUO II OCT (latest OCT including FAF for HCG scheme), Nidek and Frost automatic Phoropter in all test rooms, Nidek Tonoref III and the latest Henson 9000 field screener to name just some of the equipment.
The directors in Hempstead Valley are very keen advocators of clinical skills and are heavily involved in local NHS schemes including MECS, MECS 2, Repeat IOP, Post-Op Cataract Assessments Hydroxychloroquine screening and soon to be ARMD Monitoring. They believe Optometrists development and career progression is key and will encourage the involvement of enhanced optical services, pre-reg supervision, role of Senior Optometrist and post graduate clinical qualifications.
Hempstead Valley has 3 sister stores – Chatham, Gillingham and Strood. All stores are owned by the same group of 4 directors who have a huge wealth of experience and would be able to offer incredible professional and clinical support and development.
Collectively, they have developed 5 members of the team who are now directors of their own stores, they are currently supporting 3 Optometrists to complete their IP courses and most of the Optometrist team across the stores have completed at least one post graduate course such as Medical Retina or Glaucoma. Could you be the next?
What’s on offer
- Up to £65,000 per annum depending on experience
- A strong performance related bonus scheme
- 4-day working week - Monday to Friday, with 1 Sunday every 5 weeks
- 33 days annual leave
- Private medical cover
- Death in service
- Annual subscription to the Headspace app
- WeCare – UK confidential employee helpline
- Pension contribution
- Outstanding clinical and professional development opportunities
- Support with IP, Medical Retina and Glaucoma certificates
- Access to the latest clinical technology and equipment
- Free parking
- Tier 2 licensed sponsor
What we’re looking for
Alongside being a qualified and GOC registered Optometrist, we are searching for someone who shares our store’s ethos. Someone who wants to grow, develop and offer exceptional customer care along the way. We want a practitioner who prides themselves on their clinical judgment, that isn’t afraid of a hands‑on approach and who is keen to get involved and build rapport with the rest of the team. In summary, we’re looking for a skilled resident Optometrist to join us, be part of the team and assist in driving our practice forward.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Optometrist - Hempstead Valley, Kent
✨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 Specsavers Norge 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 Specsavers Norge
✨Get Clinical Knowledge Sharp
Brush up on your clinical knowledge, particularly in areas relevant to the role at Specsavers Norge. 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 Specsavers Norge.
✨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 Specsavers Norge.
✨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 Specsavers Norge.
