Optometrist Consultant , Head of Optometry Service

NHS Greater Glasgow and Clyde is one of the largest healthcare systems in the UK employing around 40,000 staff in a wide range of clinical and non-clinical professions and job roles. We deliver acute hospital, primary, community and mental health care services to a population of over 1.15 million and a wider population of 2.2 million when our regional and national services are included.

The shift pattern for this position is Mon-Fri Hours, 9-5.

A unique and exciting opportunity to work within the NHS GGC Ophthalmology Service as the Head of Optometry has arisen. This post will replace the retiring Head of Department.

We seek a highly motivated and experienced individual who will lead three Deputy Heads of Department and collaborate with the Ophthalmology Clinical Service Manager, the Clinical Directors of Ophthalmology, as well as the Orthoptic and Nursing team leads. The post holder will assume responsibility for the operational and strategic leadership of the service and its team of approximately 40 staff members who operate across eight Ophthalmology department sites within NHSGGC. This entails ensuring the achievement of activity, financial, and staff performance targets, as well as maintaining quality standards. Budget and staff management, along with business planning, are integral to this role.

Additionally, the Head of Optometry will maintain their own clinical commitment. Currently, this involves five sessions per week, tailored to the individual's clinical expertise, including at least one Clinical Specialist role.

Our Optometry department is well-established and efficiently organised within the broader Ophthalmology service. We provide clinical services to the greater Glasgow and Clyde population, as well as some of NHS Highland through a service level agreement. Our Core and Specialist Clinical Services cater to both Adults and Paediatrics, functioning independently and in collaboration with Consultant Ophthalmology Clinical Specialties.

Applicants should hold an Honours degree in Optometry and be registered with the General Optical Council. Postgraduate qualifications or equivalent specialist knowledge in at least one area of Hospital Optometry, acquired over 10+ years of experience, are essential. Independent prescribing or progress toward this qualification is desirable.

Key training AVand experience include clinical and people management, financial and clinical governance, and leadership skills. A decade of Hospital Optometry experience in both core and specialised areas is expected.

Informal enquiries and visits are welcomed. Please contact: Liza Campbell, Clinical Services Manager on or email liza.campbell2@ggc.scot.nhs.uk

Details on how to contact the Recruitment Service can be found within the Candidate Information Packs.

NHS Greater Glasgow and Clyde encourages applications from all sections of the community. We promote a culture of inclusion across the organisation and are proud of the diverse workforce we have.

By signing the Armed Forces Covenant, NHSGGC has pledged its commitment to being a Forces Friendly Employer. We support applications from across the Armed Forces Community, recognising military skills, experience and qualifications during the recruitment and selection process.

NHS Scotland is reducing their full time working week from 37.5 to 37 hours per week from 1 April 2024 but with no change in pay.  This reduction will also be applied pro rata for part time staff.  This advert and any subsequent offer/contract of employment therefore reflects the new working hours.  However, as not all service areas will be able to adopt the 37 hour working week immediately from 1 April 2024, you may be required to work up to an additional 30 minutes per week for a temporary period for which you would be paid until the service you are working in changes rosters or working patterns to accommodate the new reduced working week.  If you have any questions or concerns please contact the Recruiting Board.

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.

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