HealthJobsUK

Job overview

We are excited to offer a two year fixed contract for an optometry graduate wishing to complete their Scheme for Registration with the College of Optometrists.  The two year contract will include a pre-registration optometrist post at Band 4 and once qualified newly qualified post at Band 6. 

We are looking to recruit one pre-registration optometrist with a start date of July 2024.

Full supervision will be given to help the individual pass their Scheme for Registration exams with the College of Optometrists at the same time as offering training in specialist hospital optometry clinics (e.g. Medical Contact Lenses, Low Visual Aids, Paediatric Refractions, AMD). This programme then leads onto a Band 6 Optometrist role once the individual has qualified. The Band 6 role involves more autonomous working in specialist optometry clinics with the possibility of training in ophthalmology roles in the future (e.g. AMD, glaucoma, cataract).

We are excited to offer this post as a 2 year programme, which not only helps the individual through their registration period, but also helps to develop them as a hospital optometrist once qualified. There is a possibility that funding for the Scheme for Registration exam fees could be funded through the employment, but this is only on condition of fulfilling the full 2 year contract. 

Main duties of the job

The Optometry team consist of 14 optometrists, with budget of 10 full time equivalent.  The team provides services at Eastbourne DGH, Conquest Hospital and Bexhill Hospital. Our department has a large involvement with ophthalmology clinics but with a strong background in specialist optometry roles.  The team works alongside a department of consultant ophthalmologists, associate specialists, junior doctors, orthoptists, ophthalmic technicians, ophthalmology trained nurses and dispensing opticians. Our team provides a range of highly skilled specialised services such as low vision, medical contact lenses, complex adult and paediatric refraction. We also provide extended roles contributing to consultant led medical retina, glaucoma, cataract, corneal, eye casualty services, YAG laser and intravitreal injection roles. 

Our optometry team has a strong focus on training and development and a passion for patient care.  Our Trust instils strong Trust Values which we uphold in our daily work and one of our optometrists is also a Trust Ambassador.

Working for our organisation

We are proud to provide ‘Outstanding’ care and be a great place to work

We provide safe, compassionate and high quality care to half a million people living or visiting East Sussex. We are one of the largest organisations in East Sussex, the only integrated provider of acute and community care in Sussex. Our extensive services are provided by  7000 + members of staff working from acute hospitals in Hastings and Eastbourne, three community hospitals in Bexhill, Rye and Uckfield, over 100 community sites and in people’s own homes.

In 2020 the Care Quality Commission rated us as ‘Good’ overall, and ‘Outstanding’ for being caring and effective. The Conquest Hospital and our Community Services are rated ‘Outstanding’. Eastbourne DGH rated ‘Good’.

In 2020, the Trust launched its ambitious ‘Building for our Future’ programme. This once in a lifetime programme aims to repair, redevelop and expand our hospitals, transforming the environment in which we provide care for generations to come.