Role Description
Optometrist – Make a difference!
Location:
Schools across Thames Valley Region
Salary:
£250 per day plus benefits
Hours:
7.5 to 37.5 hours per week , (1- 5 days a week)- School term time only
Types of Contract:
Annualised Term Time or Bank
About SeeAbility
SeeAbility is the UK’s leading specialist eye care charity for people with learning disabilities, autism, visual impairment and complex support needs. With over 226 years of experience, SeeAbility delivers expert, inclusive eye care services in Special Schools across Thames Valley Region.
What you bring
To be a part of SeeAbility’s Special School’s Eye Care team in a Thames Valley school or schools. You will be responsible for regular visits to the same school(s) during school term times only. SeeAbility Special Schools Eye Care team training will be provided to all successful applicants.
Role Overview: Special School Optometrist
You will work as part of SeeAbility’s Special Schools Eye Care Team, delivering specialist eye care in special schools in Thames Valley during term time only. You’ll visit the same schools regularly, with occasional need to cover other schools, and will receive full specialist training upon appointment.
This is a highly autonomous clinical role requiring expert judgement, advanced communication skills, and the ability to work confidently with children who have complex physical, learning, sensory and behavioural needs.
Core Responsibilities
Clinical Care & Decision‑Making
Deliver specialist eye care in line with NHS England Special School Eye Care Service Specifications
Manage an independent caseload using evidence‑based practice
Make complex clinical decisions
Refer appropriately to ophthalmologists, orthoptists, GPs and other healthcare professionals
Use and handle specialist equipment with a high level of technical skill
Communication & Family Engagement
Communicate sensitively and effectively with children with complex needs
Deliver information to parents and carers, often despite communication barriers
Liaise directly with parents, carers, and schools (using secure NHS mail and GDPR‑compliant systems)
Produce written clinical reports within 5 working days for parents, schools, and professionals
Multidisciplinary & Collaborative Working
Work closely with:
Dispensing Opticians
Orthoptists and ophthalmologists
GPs and paediatricians
Speech & Language Therapists
Occupational and Physiotherapists
Educational and social care professionals
Promote interdisciplinary cooperation to enhance patient‑centred care
Training, Quality and Service Development
Complete SeeAbility City, St George’s University Eyecare Training
Complete mandatory organisational SeeAbility training
Deliver annual training sessions to assigned schools where possible
Participate in clinical audit and service improvement initiatives
Participate in risk assessments with the service manager
In time, mentor new team members
Attend at least three SeeAbility team meetings per year
Governance, Safety & Professional Standards
Maintain accurate, confidential clinical records in line with:
Data Protection Act
NHS Information Governance Toolkit
Report and investigate incidents, near misses, or safeguarding concerns
Adhere to infection control, health & safety, and safeguarding policies
Maintain CPD and stay up to date with developments in eye health, disability and legislation
Uphold SeeAbility’s values
Physical and Mental Demands of the Role
Transporting specialist equipment between school sites
High levels of concentration for prolonged periods (2–3+ hours)
Managing interruptions and challenging behaviours
Emotional resilience when discussing permanent visual loss
Our Benefits
Our colleagues at SeeAbility are extremely valued, and so everyone has access to a fantastic package of benefits.
Recognition & Rewards – Celebrate your achievements
Financial Perks – Discounts & cashback offers
Wellbeing Support – 24/7 Employee Assistance Programme
Safeguarding and Promoting…