Senior Lecturer in Optometry and Ophthalmic Dispensing, University of Lancashire

The University of Lancashire delivers a unique Optometry programme for registered Dispensing Opticians wishing to advance their professional qualifications and become optometrists. The programme is the first blended learning Optometry course in the UK, allowing students to remain in employment while undertaking their studies. Located at the Preston campus, the Optometry and Ophthalmic Dispensing programmes sit within the School of Medicine and Dentistry, fostering interdisciplinary collaboration in teaching and research. Both programmes benefit from relatively small cohort sizes, enabling a personalised approach to learning. Academic staff contribute across the Optometry, Ophthalmic Dispensing, and Medicine programmes, creating a rich and collaborative educational environment.

We are seeking an enthusiastic and organised optometrist to join our Optometry team as Clinic Lead (Senior Lecturer), with responsibility for leading the clinical module in Year 2 of the MOptom programme. As Clinic Lead, you will work closely with the on-campus Eye Health Clinic team to deliver an outstanding clinical education experience. The role encompasses both the delivery and oversight of students' clinical learning within the University clinic and the coordination of clinical placement experiences. These activities are underpinned by high-quality academic teaching across the wider Optometry curriculum, ensuring students develop the knowledge, skills, and professional behaviours required for contemporary optometric practice. The successful candidate will have a passion for clinical skills teaching and a broad interest in optometry and vision sciences. You will be highly organised, able to coordinate multiple aspects of clinical education, and committed to supporting students in achieving their full potential. A flexible and collaborative approach to teaching is essential, as the role involves contributing to a range of learning and teaching activities across the programme.
 

Essential criteria:

• registration with the General Optical Council (GOC) as an Optometrist, with a minimum of two years' post-registration experience
• an undergraduate degree (or equivalent qualification) in Optometry
• experience of teaching within Higher Education and a recognised teaching qualification or Advance HE Fellowship (Descriptor 2)
• demonstrable interest and experience in clinical skills teaching. Excellent organisational, communication, and interpersonal skills. A flexible and student-centered approach to learning and teaching

Desirable criteria:

• experience of leading, coordinating, or managing clinical education activities
• experience of developing clinical teaching resources or assessments
• an interest in educational scholarship, curriculum development, or clinical research within optometry and vision sciences