The Newcastle Eye Centre is a regional centre treating all types of common eye conditions in adults and children, based in the RVI, part of the Newcastle upon Tyne Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust. Our staff oversee over 6,500 patient contacts every day, delivering high standards of healthcare from the following sites:
- Freeman Hospital
- Royal Victoria Infirmary (RVI)
- Health Innovation Neighbourhood (on the former Newcastle General Hospital and Centre for Ageing and Vitality site)
- Newcastle Dental Hospital
- Newcastle Fertility Centre
- Northern Centre for Cancer Care, North Cumbria
- Northern Genetics Service
- Cramlington Manor Walks
These include a range of flagship services which deliver cutting-edge care (supported by state-of-the-art diagnostic services in both radiology and pathology) and are a catalyst for innovation to support pioneering clinical practice in the NHS. We also have offices at Regent Point in Gosforth and community sites.
Newcastle Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust is seeking a motivated newly qualified optometrist to join our dedicated team within the hospital setting. This substantive post offers a structured career path, commencing at Band 6 with progression to Specialist Optometrist (Band 7) expected within 2 years upon successful completion of a residency period.
- Interview Date: 15 August 2025
- 37 hours 30 minutes/week (Part/Time hours will also be considered)
This role provides a valuable opportunity to gain comprehensive experience and develop the necessary skills for a successful career as a hospital optometrist. Your workload will encompass both clinical and non-clinical aspects, including opportunities in teaching, audit, research, and management. You will be actively involved in our core optometry service, developing your expertise in specialist contact lenses (adult and paediatric), low vision, and refraction. Furthermore, you will undertake rotations through our glaucoma, medical retina, and cataract (including YAG capsulotomy) services, with regular sessions in the eye emergency department.
Achieving the theoretical modules for Independent Prescribing is an important element of the residency period, and full support will be provided to help you achieve this. Support for other relevant qualifications may also be available.
As a new member of our team, you will benefit from Newcastle Hospitals' preceptorship programme, designed to support your transition from trainee to registered optometrist. This programme covers topics such as leadership, human factors, and quality improvement, with opportunities to further develop your knowledge and skills in specific areas of interest. You will be encouraged and supported to undertake a quality improvement project during your residency. If you are a newly qualified optometrist with a genuine interest in developing your career within a hospital setting, we strongly encourage you to apply.