Highly Specialised Optometrist

Our Medical Retina Team

An exciting opportunity has arisen for an enthusiastic, motivated and patient-focused Optometrist to join the Medical Retina Service within NHS Forth Valley's Ophthalmology Department based in Falkirk Community Hospital.

We are seeking a skilled clinician who is keen to develop and utilise advanced optometric skills within a busy and expanding multidisciplinary service. The post holder will work alongside Consultant Ophthalmologists, Advanced Nurse Practitioners, Orthoptists and administrative staff to provide high-quality care for patients with a wide range of retinal conditions.

This role offers an excellent opportunity to work within a progressive service delivering innovative models of care, supporting timely access to treatment and monitoring for patients with conditions such as age-related macular degeneration, diabetic retinopathy and retinal vascular disease.

Role

As a Band 7 Optometrist within the Medical Retina Service, you will:

• Undertake autonomous assessment, diagnosis and management of patients attending medical retina clinics.
• Participate in virtual and face-to-face review clinics.
• Interpret ophthalmic imaging including OCT, fundus photography and fluorescein angiography where appropriate.
• Support monitoring pathways for patients receiving intravitreal treatment.
• Work collaboratively within the multidisciplinary team to ensure safe and effective patient care.
• Contribute to service development, quality improvement and clinical governance activities.
• Participate in training, supervision and education of colleagues and students as required.

Candidate

Applicants should possess:

Criteria

• Degree in Optometry and registration with the General Optical Council (GOC).
• Significant post-registration clinical experience as an Optometrist.
• Experience in the assessment and management of ophthalmic patients.
• Excellent communication and interpersonal skills.
• Ability to work independently and as part of a multidisciplinary team.
• Commitment to continuous professional development and evidence-based practice.
• Experience in interpretation of OCT and retinal imaging.

Criteria

• Higher qualifications in Medical Retina, Independent Prescribing or other relevant specialist ophthalmic areas.
• Experience working within Hospital Eye Services.
• Previous involvement in virtual clinics or advanced practice roles.

NHS Forth Valley

NHS Forth Valley provides healthcare services to a population of approximately 300,000 people across the Forth Valley region. Our Ophthalmology Service is committed to delivering high-quality, patient-centred care through innovation, collaboration and continuous improvement.

We offer a supportive working environment with opportunities for professional development, clinical supervision and career progression.

We Offer

• NHS Scotland terms and conditions.
• Generous annual leave entitlement and public holidays.
• NHS Pension Scheme.
• Ongoing professional development and training opportunities.
• Supportive multidisciplinary team environment.
• Opportunities to contribute to service innovation and advancement of optometric practice.

Enquiries

For an informal discussion regarding this post, please contact:

Kate Docherty

Principal Optometrist

01324 614676

Katherine.docherty@nhs.scot

NHS Forth Valley

to Apply

Applications are welcomed from enthusiastic optometrists who are passionate about delivering excellent patient care and advancing their practice within Medical Retina services.

NHS Forth Valley is committed to equality, diversity and inclusion and welcomes applications from all sections of the community.

The duties of this post require the successful candidate to be a member of the Protecting Vulnerable Groups (PVG) Scheme. More information on this scheme can be found at www.disclosurescotland.co.uk

Certificate of Sponsorship

Applicants who require sponsorship to work in the UK are advised to carefully review the eligibility criteria for the Skilled Worker or Health and Care Worker visa routes. NHS Forth Valley may be able to offer sponsorship for certain roles, provided the post meets the minimum salary threshold and any other required criteria. If you are currently working in the UK on a Skilled Worker visa, transitional arrangements may apply. Please note that sponsorship is not guaranteed and is assessed on a case-by-case basis following interview and at the commencement of pre-employment checks. For further information on visa requirements and sponsorship eligibility, please refer to the UK Government guidance.

It is also recommend that anyone applying for health and social care jobs in the UK from abroad read the following guidance: Applying for health and social care jobs in the UK from abroad - GOV.UK (www.gov.uk)

Candidates should provide original and authentic responses to all questions within the application form. The use of artificial intelligence (AI), automated tools, or other third-party assistance to generate, draft, or significantly modify responses is strongly discouraged. By submitting your application, you confirm that all answers are your own work, reflect your personal knowledge, skills and experience, and have not been solely produced or altered by AI or similar technologies. Failure to comply with this requirement may result in your application being withdrawn from the application process.

Please note that the majority of correspondence is sent by e-mail, therefore please check your e-mail regularly (including junk folders) and your Jobtrain account for updates.

NHS Forth Valley is positive about disabled people and is committed to offering an interview to disabled people who meet the minimum criteria for the job. Please contact the Recruitment Office on 0330 041 4694 if there are any reasonable adjustments we can make to assist you with your application and/or interview.

NHS Forth Valley is positive about disabled people and is committed to offering an interview to disabled people who meet the minimum criteria for the job. Please contact the Recruitment Office on 0330 041 4694 if there are any reasonable adjustments we can make to assist you with your application and/or interview.