At a Glance
- Tasks: Join our team as an Optometrist, providing top-notch patient care and utilising advanced clinical technology.
- Company: Specsavers Gillingham is a community-focused optical store with a commitment to professional development.
- Benefits: Enjoy a competitive salary, performance bonuses, private medical cover, and 33 days annual leave.
- Why this job: Be part of a supportive team that values growth, clinical skills, and exceptional customer service.
- Qualifications: Must be a qualified and GOC registered Optometrist, eager to develop and provide excellent care.
- Other info: Accredited as a Platinum Employer, ensuring a fantastic employee experience and career progression opportunities.
The predicted salary is between 52000 - 78000 £ per year.
Location: Gillingham, Kent
Salary: Up to £65,000 per annum depending on experience + performance related bonus
Working hours: Monday to Friday – full time and part time considered
Experience level: This role is open to both newly qualified and experienced Optometrists who are registered with the GOC.
Specsavers in Gillingham are looking for a driven Optometrist to join their community focused team. Whether you’re newly qualified or have years of experience, they are looking for someone who is passionate about their career and providing excellent patient care.
You will be joining a fully trained and experienced team including Optical Assistants, Dispensing Opticians, a regular Contact Lens Optician as well as a weekly audiology team meaning everyone is in place to let you focus on what you do best.
The store opened in 2006 and consists of 3 test rooms, all fully equipped with the newest clinical technology including Nidek Retina DUO II OCT, Nidek and Frost Phoropters in all rooms and Nidek Tonoref III to name a few.
Our directors in Gillingham are very keen advocators of clinical skills and are heavily involved in local NHS schemes including MECS, Repeat IOP and Post-Op Cataract Assessments.
For Optometrists, they believe 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.
Gillingham has 3 sister stores – Chatham, Strood and Hempstead Valley. 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 their 4 stores have completed at least one post graduate course such as Medical Retina or Glaucoma.
What’s on offer?
- Up to £65,000 per annum depending on experience
- A strong performance related bonus scheme
- Monday to Friday – full time or part time considered
- 33 days annual leave
- Professional fees paid
- Private medical cover
- Death in service
- Specsavers Perks Plus
- 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
- Paid parking permit
- 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.
Platinum employer:
Our store is an accredited Platinum Employer – this means you can expect an exceptional employee experience every single day you work here. The Platinum Employer Scheme is part of the Specsavers drive to become a famous place to work. Stores with this accreditation have been verified on five key employer standards: Recruitment, Performance Management and Reward, Talent Management, Learning and Development and Employee Engagement.
If you like the sound of this opportunity, get in touch, we’d love to tell you more about it.
Optometrist employer: Specsavers
Contact Detail:
Specsavers Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Optometrist
✨Tip Number 1
Familiarise yourself with the latest clinical technology mentioned in the job description, such as the Nidek Retina DUO II OCT and Nidek Tonoref III. Being knowledgeable about these tools will not only impress during your interview but also show your commitment to providing excellent patient care.
✨Tip Number 2
Research Specsavers' community involvement and local NHS schemes like MECS and Repeat IOP. Understanding their role in the community will help you align your values with theirs and demonstrate your passion for patient care during discussions.
✨Tip Number 3
Connect with current or former employees of the Gillingham store on professional networking platforms. They can provide insights into the work culture and expectations, which can be invaluable when preparing for your interview.
✨Tip Number 4
Prepare to discuss your career development goals, especially regarding enhanced optical services and postgraduate qualifications. Showing that you are eager to grow within the company will resonate well with the directors who value professional development.
We think you need these skills to ace Optometrist
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your CV: Make sure your CV highlights relevant experience and skills specific to the role of an Optometrist. Include any clinical qualifications, patient care experiences, and your registration with the GOC.
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter: Write a cover letter that reflects your passion for optometry and patient care. Mention why you want to join Specsavers in Gillingham and how your values align with their community-focused ethos.
Highlight Continuous Professional Development: Emphasise any ongoing training or courses you are undertaking, especially those related to enhanced optical services, as this shows your commitment to professional growth and development.
Showcase Team Collaboration Skills: Since the role involves working closely with a team, provide examples of how you have successfully collaborated with colleagues in previous roles. This will demonstrate your ability to integrate into their community-focused team.
How to prepare for a job interview at Specsavers
✨Show Your Passion for Patient Care
Make sure to express your enthusiasm for providing excellent patient care during the interview. Share specific examples of how you've gone above and beyond for patients in the past, as this aligns with the company's ethos.
✨Highlight Your Clinical Skills
Discuss your clinical judgement and hands-on approach. Be prepared to talk about any relevant experience you have with advanced technologies or procedures, especially those mentioned in the job description like OCT or IOP assessments.
✨Demonstrate Team Spirit
Since the role involves working closely with a team, emphasise your ability to collaborate effectively. Share experiences where you contributed to a team environment or helped colleagues, showcasing your commitment to teamwork.
✨Ask Insightful Questions
Prepare thoughtful questions about the practice's approach to professional development and the support available for further qualifications. This shows your interest in growth and aligns with their focus on career progression.