Job overview

An exciting opportunity has arisen for an enthusiastic and motivated optometrist to join the team at Western Eye Hospital, part of Imperial College Healthcare NHS Trust, as a specialist contact lens optometrist. We are looking for individuals with relevant experience to work alongside our team in the hospital's contact lens service.

The successful candidate will have the opportunity to learn from and collaborate with our award-winning ophthalmology and optometry teams whilst also using their knowledge and skills to support the training and development of other health professionals. The role offers exposure to a wide range of complex corneal pathologies requiring the use of specialist contact lenses to improve vision including specialist soft, RGP, hybrid and scleral lenses.

Applicants must be GOC-registered optometrist with a minimum of 2 years post qualification experience. Experience in fitting and managing specialist/medical contact lenses is essential, and further training will be provided. A diploma in Independent Prescribing is desirable but not essential.

This is a substantive post comprising of  3 fixed clinical sessions (11.25 hours per week). The applicant will be employed to work at The Western Eye Hospital, Marylebone Road, London NW1 5YE and Charing Cross Hospital, Fulham Palace Road, London W6 8RF.

For an informal visit or further information please contact lead optometrists:

Samir Jivanjee - [email protected]

Ella Wyss - [email protected]

Main duties of the job

• Provide specialist examination and contact lens fitting/assessment of patients who present to the medical contact lens clinic.
• The Optometrist will provide specialist care to the contact lens service and support. This will involve dealing with complex situations and having to take appropriate action in a variety of settings.
• Perform investigative techniques such as slit-lamp biomicroscopy, and indirect ophthalmoscopy to examine contact lens patients including those not under ophthalmology review.
• To examine patients who have been referred for contact lens fitting, and assess whether or not specialist contact lenses are required. If required, fit the patient with the appropriate lens type and modality.
• Refer patients back to the care of the ophthalmologist when changes/new pathology are detected/suspected.
• Assess all patients and make appropriate clinical decisions as to the suitability of contact lens wear
• Write out all contact lens orders clearly and concisely so that the correct product can be ordered by the admin team.
• To develop skills to assess and interpret specialist information, diagnosis and takes appropriate action based on protocols.
• Where required, deal with any contact lens complications that present to the contact lens clinics. This may either be via referral to another speciality or the prescribing of appropriate medications.

Working for our organisation

At Imperial College Healthcare you can achieve extraordinary things with extraordinary people, working with leading clinicians pushing boundaries in patient care.  

Become part of a vibrant team living our values - expert, kind, collaborative and aspirational. You’ll get an experience like no other and will fast forward your career.

Benefits include career development, flexible working and wellbeing, staff recognition scheme.  Make use of optional benefits including Cycle to Work, car lease schemes, season ticket loan or membership options for onsite leisure facilities. 

We are committed to equal opportunities and improving the working lives of our staff and will consider applications to work flexibly,  part time or job share.  Please talk to  us at interview.