Role Summary
An exciting opportunity has become available for an Optometrist to join our expanding Ophthalmology team. Based primarily in North Devon, the post‑holder will deliver core optometry services and undertake a range of extended roles within the optometry service. This is a fantastic chance to be part of a forward‑thinking, supportive, and growing multi‑disciplinary team as we continue to develop and enhance services for our patients.
The post‑holder will provide high‑quality clinical support to Ophthalmology clinics at North Devon District Hospital, Bideford Hospital, South Molton Eye Clinic, and other community locations as required. Working as an autonomous practitioner, the successful candidate will adhere to professional and regulatory standards set by the College of Optometrists, the General Optical Council, and Trust policies, contributing to safe, effective, and patient‑centred care.
This role offers the chance to be involved in service development, extended clinical practice, and a variety of sub‑specialty clinics, with opportunities to shape pathways and influence how care is delivered across the region. You will join a friendly, collaborative team committed to innovation, shared learning, and supporting career progression.
About the Role
For more information on the Job Description and Responsibilities please click the link below.
More detail about the role
This is an exciting opportunity for an enthusiastic and motivated Optometrist to join our expanding Ophthalmology team in North Devon. As an Advanced Optometrist, you will play a key role in delivering high‑quality core optometry services while also contributing to a wide range of extended clinical roles across the department.
You will work autonomously, providing expert refraction for adults and children, advanced fundus and media examinations, and specialist assessments to support Medical Contact Lens, Low Vision, Paediatric, Glaucoma and Corneal pathways. The role also includes interpreting a variety of diagnostic tests such as OCT, corneal topography, visual fields and colour vision assessments, supporting timely patient management across our Ophthalmic services.
You will contribute to glaucoma co‑management, ectasia monitoring and paediatric co‑managed clinics, working closely with Orthoptists and Ophthalmologists. There are further opportunities to develop and deliver advanced skills including scleral lens fitting, paediatric contact lenses, extended‑wear lens management, children’s low‑vision assessments, and leading specialist clinics such as Ectasia Diagnostics.
In addition, the role offers the chance to become involved in medical retina, glaucoma, corneal, paediatric, cataract and emergency eye care pathways—working to consultant‑approved protocols and playing an active part in multidisciplinary clinics. You will help shape the Optometry service locally as we continue to expand and develop new models of care.
This role is ideal for a clinician who is passionate about delivering outstanding patient care, enjoys collaborative working, and is keen to grow specialist skills within a supportive, forward‑thinking team.
Working Pattern: Full time & Part time considered (minimum of 2 days) - working hours to be discussed at interview.
Interview Date: Thursday 7th May 2026
Pay: The salary advertised for this position reflects the Agenda for Change 2026-7 rates, inclusive of a 3.3% pay award implemented from April 2026. If you join before this date,, remuneration will be based on the 2025-6 pay bandings (Pay scales for 2025/26 | NHS Employers)
For further information please contact: Nicola Milhench - Head of Service; Optometry 01271 311714 or nicola.milhench@nhs.net
As an inclusive employer, the Royal Devon values diversity and is committed to creating a culture of inclusivity where everyone can be themselves and reach their full potential. We believe in fostering a sense of belonging and actively encourage applications from individuals of all backgrounds, cultures, and abilities. We recognise the advantages of having a diverse workforce that reflects the communities we serve.
Preference will be given to staff with ‘Priority’ and 'At Risk' status including NHS At Risk staff throughout Devon.
The Royal Devon University Healthcare NHS Foundation Trust reserves the right to close vacancy when sufficient applications have been received.
The Royal Devon University Healthcare NHS Foundation Trust was established in April 2022, bringing together the expertise of both the Royal Devon and Exeter NHS Foundation Trust and Northern Devon Healthcare NHS Trust.
About Us
Stretching across Northern, Eastern and Mid Devon, we have a workforce of over 15,000 staff, making us the largest employer in Devon. Our core services, which we provide to more than 615,000 people, cover more than 2,000 square miles across Devon, while some of our specialist services cover the whole of the peninsula, extending our reach as far as Cornwall and the Isles of Scilly.
We deliver a wide range of emergency, specialist and general medical services through North Devon District Hospital and the Royal Devon and Exeter Hospital (Wonford). Alongside our two acute hospitals, we provide integrated health and social care services across a variety of settings, including community inpatient hospitals, outpatient clinics, and within people’s own homes. We also offer primary care services, a range of specialist community services, and Sexual Assault Referral Centres (SARC).
Our state-of-the-art equipment, leading technologies and strong links to local universities put us at the forefront of research and innovations, enabling us to provide world-class care to our local communities.
Our values are at the heart of everything we do, click here to find out more
It has never been a more exciting time to join the Royal Devon, as you will help to shape our services as we continue along our integration journey.
Benefits
Looking after you is important to us.
We strive to help our staff create a healthy work-life balance through flexible working schemes and our family friendly policies.
If you are starting out in the NHS, you’ll start with 27 days paid annual leave (plus bank holidays), rising to 33 days plus bank holidays.
You will benefit from access to our own comprehensive occupational health services, including counselling, onsite wellbeing activities and groups.
We will work together to maintain a culture that develops and supports you and your team.
This might include funding for a care certificate, a degree or leadership qualifications. Or it might include days off to study, engage in CPD or rotational placements to help you hone your skills. Wherever you are heading in the NHS, we will help you get there.
Salary is not the only financial benefit
You will have access to an extensive range of staff discounts on shopping, fitness and leisure options and you can spread the cost of technology and home appliance purchases from major retailers. You will also have access to other benefits including:
- National discount services such as the Blue Light Card and Health Service Discounts.
- Salary sacrifice options including our OFSTED rated outstanding nursery onsite at Exeter
- Car lease schemes.
- The NHS Pension scheme (one of the most generous and comprehensive in the UK).
- Cycle to work scheme
These are just a few of the benefits available – if the role is something you are interested in, we would love to hear from you.
