Swansea Bay University Health Board

Senior Hospital Optometrist – Specialty Training Year

The closing date is 24 February 2026

Job summary

THIS POST IS FIXED TERM FOR12 MONTHS DUE TO FUNDING

An exciting opportunity for an optometrist to work part time (15 hours per week) as part of the ophthalmology team within Swansea Bay University Health Board.

The successful candidate/ candidates will have weekly sessions working in our consultant led ophthalmic clinics which provide an excellent opportunities to develop higher clinical expertise.

The ability to speak Welsh is desirable for this post; English and/or Welsh speakers are equally welcome to apply.

Main duties of the job

To work as a skilled autonomous practitioner and to gain expert knowledge in the fields of acute eye care, pre-assessment, glaucoma and medical retina. To use highly specialist testing skills, providing patient-centered clinical care. The post is intended to provide improved outcomes for patients by improving timeliness and consistency of care.

To be responsible for diagnosis and planning, implementation and monitoring individual treatment plans/care pathways using advanced clinical reasoning and evidence based practice for both new and follow up patients.

Where professional training permits, undertakes non-medical prescribing within sphere of competence. Complying with the requirements of the non-medicalprescribing policy and professional body guidance e.g. independent prescribing qualification/ medical exemptions qualification

To attend advanced training and specialist courses to maintain and develop skills and maintain evidence based practice.

About us

We believe staff are our best asset and wewant you to be happy and confident about starting your career here in Swansea Bay University Health Board.

As one of the biggest healthcare groups in the UK we can offer a wealth of professional training and development opportunities in an innovative, forward-thinking organisation.

You might be a nurse ordoctor, maybe you specialise in a health science/therapy or can offer skills in one of our support services - wehave a job for you.

There are also apprenticeships, work placementsand volunteering roles available.

We are an inclusive employer and welcome applications from everyone whatever their sex; religion or belief; race; age; sexual orientation; gender identity or, whether they are pregnant or have recently been on maternity leave, married or are in a civil partnership; or, whether they are disabled.

Our values - Caring For Each Other, Working Together and Always Improving, show thatour commitment to equality is at the heart of everything we do.

If you want excellent career and training opportunities while living on the doorstep of some of Europe's most spectacular scenery,with all the benefits of a thriving and cosmopolitan city - look no further.

Details

Date posted

10 February 2026

Pay scheme

Agenda for change

Band

Band 7

Salary

£48,527 to £55,532 a year per annum

Contract

Fixed term

Duration

12 months

Working pattern

Part-time, Job share

Reference number

130-AHP020-0226

Job locations

Singleton Hospital Ophthalmology Department

Sketty Lane

Swansea

SA2 8QA


Job description

Job responsibilities

You will be able to find a full Job description and Person Specification attached within the supporting documents or please click Apply now to view in Trac.

Job description

Job responsibilities

You will be able to find a full Job description and Person Specification attached within the supporting documents or please click Apply now to view in Trac.

Person Specification

Qualifications & Knowledge

Essential

  • Postgraduate degree level education in related Optometry qualification. Current General Optical Council (GOC) registration.
  • WGOS Accreditation and demonstrable experience. Current inclusion in NWSSP Performers/Contractors list.
  • Professional knowledge acquired through degree, clinical placements, and advanced clinical training to Master's level or equivalent.
  • Evidence of ongoing continuous professional development (CPD). Knowledge and understanding of ophthalmic and optometric care provision within Wales. Understanding of the external political and social environment including NHS policies, priorities, and public policy agendas impacting relevant agencies.

Desirable

  • Knowledge of education and training frameworks at undergraduate and postgraduate levels within the UK.
  • MSc in Clinical Optometry or College of Optometrists Higher Qualification in Glaucoma.
  • GOC Independent Prescribing Specialty Registration.
  • Previous experience working in hospital ophthalmology or eye care settings.
  • Experience working as a registered optometrist within Wales.

Experience

Essential

  • Significant post-registration optometry experience, including in paediatric and complex cases.
  • Experience participating in clinical audit, research, and service development initiatives
  • Experience of training and formally supervising staff, students, or junior colleagues.
  • Experience of assessing and testing children and patients with additional learning needs or special requirements.

Desirable

  • Previous employment within NHS ophthalmology departments or similar specialist eye care settings.
  • Experience working within hospital eye services or multidisciplinary ophthalmology teams.
  • Experience using specialist ophthalmic equipment requiring high manual dexterity and handeye coordination.
  • Experience undertaking complex diagnostic procedures such as indirect ophthalmoscopy, gonioscopy, retinoscopy, slit lamp biomicroscopy.

Aptitude and abilities

Essential

  • Excellent interpersonal and communication skills, including ability to convey complex clinical information sensitively to patients and multidisciplinary colleagues.
  • Computer literate with experience using electronic patient records and Microsoft Office suite. Ability to work autonomously and use clinical judgment to make decisions independently within scope of practice.
  • Ability to liaise effectively across multidisciplinary teams, including medical, nursing, orthoptic, and administrative staff.
  • Adhere to and can demonstrate SBU Values & Behaviours.

Desirable

  • Ability to negotiate, motivate, and reassure patients and carers effectively.
  • Strong problem-solving skills and ability to manage change positively.
Person Specification

Qualifications & Knowledge

Essential

  • Postgraduate degree level education in related Optometry qualification. Current General Optical Council (GOC) registration.
  • WGOS Accreditation and demonstrable experience. Current inclusion in NWSSP Performers/Contractors list.
  • Professional knowledge acquired through degree, clinical placements, and advanced clinical training to Master's level or equivalent.
  • Evidence of ongoing continuous professional development (CPD). Knowledge and understanding of ophthalmic and optometric care provision within Wales. Understanding of the external political and social environment including NHS policies, priorities, and public policy agendas impacting relevant agencies.

Desirable

  • Knowledge of education and training frameworks at undergraduate and postgraduate levels within the UK.
  • MSc in Clinical Optometry or College of Optometrists Higher Qualification in Glaucoma.
  • GOC Independent Prescribing Specialty Registration.
  • Previous experience working in hospital ophthalmology or eye care settings.
  • Experience working as a registered optometrist within Wales.

Experience

Essential

  • Significant post-registration optometry experience, including in paediatric and complex cases.
  • Experience participating in clinical audit, research, and service development initiatives
  • Experience of training and formally supervising staff, students, or junior colleagues.
  • Experience of assessing and testing children and patients with additional learning needs or special requirements.

Desirable

  • Previous employment within NHS ophthalmology departments or similar specialist eye care settings.
  • Experience working within hospital eye services or multidisciplinary ophthalmology teams.
  • Experience using specialist ophthalmic equipment requiring high manual dexterity and handeye coordination.
  • Experience undertaking complex diagnostic procedures such as indirect ophthalmoscopy, gonioscopy, retinoscopy, slit lamp biomicroscopy.

Aptitude and abilities

Essential

  • Excellent interpersonal and communication skills, including ability to convey complex clinical information sensitively to patients and multidisciplinary colleagues.
  • Computer literate with experience using electronic patient records and Microsoft Office suite. Ability to work autonomously and use clinical judgment to make decisions independently within scope of practice.
  • Ability to liaise effectively across multidisciplinary teams, including medical, nursing, orthoptic, and administrative staff.
  • Adhere to and can demonstrate SBU Values & Behaviours.

Desirable

  • Ability to negotiate, motivate, and reassure patients and carers effectively.
  • Strong problem-solving skills and ability to manage change positively.

Disclosure and Barring Service Check

This post is subject to the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act (Exceptions Order) 1975 and as such it will be necessary for a submission for Disclosure to be made to the Disclosure and Barring Service (formerly known as CRB) to check for any previous criminal convictions.

Certificate of Sponsorship

Applications from job seekers who require current Skilled worker sponsorship to work in the UK are welcome and will be considered alongside all other applications. For further information visit the UK Visas and Immigration website (Opens in a new tab).

From 6 April 2017, skilled worker applicants, applying for entry clearance into the UK, have had to present a criminal record certificate from each country they have resided continuously or cumulatively for 12 months or more in the past 10 years. Adult dependants (over 18 years old) are also subject to this requirement. Guidance can be found here Criminal records checks for overseas applicants (Opens in a new tab).

UK Registration

Applicants must have current UK professional registration. For further information please see NHS Careers website (opens in a new window).

Additional information

Disclosure and Barring Service Check

This post is subject to the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act (Exceptions Order) 1975 and as such it will be necessary for a submission for Disclosure to be made to the Disclosure and Barring Service (formerly known as CRB) to check for any previous criminal convictions.

Certificate of Sponsorship

Applications from job seekers who require current Skilled worker sponsorship to work in the UK are welcome and will be considered alongside all other applications. For further information visit the UK Visas and Immigration website (Opens in a new tab).

From 6 April 2017, skilled worker applicants, applying for entry clearance into the UK, have had to present a criminal record certificate from each country they have resided continuously or cumulatively for 12 months or more in the past 10 years. Adult dependants (over 18 years old) are also subject to this requirement. Guidance can be found here Criminal records checks for overseas applicants (Opens in a new tab).

UK Registration

Applicants must have current UK professional registration. For further information please see NHS Careers website (opens in a new window).

Employer details

Employer name

Swansea Bay University Health Board

Address

Singleton Hospital Ophthalmology Department

Sketty Lane

Swansea

SA2 8QA


Employer's website

https://sbuhb.nhs.wales/ (Opens in a new tab)

Employer details

Employer name

Swansea Bay University Health Board

Address

Singleton Hospital Ophthalmology Department

Sketty Lane

Swansea

SA2 8QA


Employer's website

https://sbuhb.nhs.wales/ (Opens in a new tab)

Employer contact details

For questions about the job, contact:

Consultant Ophthalmologist

Safa Elhassan

Safa.Elhassan@wales.nhs.uk

20566639553

Details

Date posted

10 February 2026

Pay scheme

Agenda for change

Band

Band 7

Salary

£48,527 to £55,532 a year per annum

Contract

Fixed term

Duration

12 months

Working pattern

Part-time, Job share

Reference number

130-AHP020-0226

Job locations

Singleton Hospital Ophthalmology Department

Sketty Lane

Swansea

SA2 8QA


Supporting documents

Privacy notice

Swansea Bay University Health Board's privacy notice (opens in a new tab)