Specialist Optometrist

Job Summary

We have a new substantive post opportunity for a Specialist Optometrist (Band 7) up to 37.5 hours per week. St Paul's Eye Unit is the largest eye care provider in Cheshire and Merseyside and is a long established centre of excellence for ophthalmic care serving the North West and beyond. The successful applicant will be based in purposed designed facilities at the new Royal Liverpool University hospital and may also be required to attend satellite clinics.

Main Duties

The post holder will personally deliver direct patient care, including refraction, biometry, medical contact lens practice, low vision services, and involvement in eye emergency, cornea, cataract, glaucoma, diabetic, medical retinal and clinical research activities. May undertake research, clinical audit and teaching/training.

About Us

[Employer hidden — sign up to reveal] comprises Aintree University Hospital, Broadgreen Hospital & Royal Liverpool University Hospital. We are part of NHS University Hospitals of Liverpool Group, formed on 1 Nov 2024 from the coming together of LUHFT and Liverpool Women's NHS Foundation Trust. UHLG is one of the largest employers in the region, with over 16,800 colleagues. We provide general and emergency hospital care, alongside highly specialised regional services for more than two million people in the North West.

Key Details

• Date posted: 06 May 2026
• Pay scheme: Agenda for change Band 7
• Salary: £49,387 to £56,515 a year, per annum, pro rata
• Contract: Permanent
• Working pattern: Full-time
• Reference number: 287-OPHT-22-26
• Location: St Paul's Eye Unit, Royal Liverpool University Hospital, Mount Vernon Street, Liverpool, L7 8YE

Job Responsibilities

• Work closely with the Head of Department to deliver a comprehensive range of specialist optometric services.
• Work as an autonomous practitioner providing optometric assessment, diagnosis and management.
• Deliver complex specialist optometric services meeting changing needs.
• May undertake lead clinician role for a specific service (contact lens, low vision, or ultrasound biometry).
• Coordinate staff deployment and evaluate service delivery.
• Undertake administrative duties as agreed with Head of Optometry.
• Undertake clinical audit and research.
• Be a registered supervisor with the College of Optometrists for Pre-registration Optometrists.
• Provide teaching and training at undergraduate and postgraduate levels.

Person Specification

Qualifications: Registered as an Optometrist with the General Optical Council. Specialist knowledge across a range of optometric procedures.

Experience: Record and analyse own clinical data; carry out formal Research & Development activities; act as independent practitioner; physical ability; concentration; ability to work in distressing circumstances; ability to work in semi-darkness.

Knowledge: Responsibility for specialist equipment and stock; day-to-day management of junior staff.

Skills: Communication of complex information; manage complaints; make complex judgements; organisational ability; highly developed physical skills (stereo bio-microscopy, ultrasound probes, tonometry); implement policies.

Additional Information

This post is subject to DBS check. Applications from job seekers who require Skilled worker sponsorship are welcome. Applicants must have current UK professional registration.

Employer Details

Employer: [Employer hidden — sign up to reveal]
Address: St Paul's Eye Unit, Royal Liverpool University Hospital, Mount Vernon Street, Liverpool, L7 8YE
Website: https://www.liverpoolft.nhs.uk/

For questions about the job, contact: Principal Optometrist David McDaid, [Employer hidden — sign up to reveal], [contact hidden]