Optometrist

Optometrist  – Make a difference! 

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 London 

What you bring 

To be a part of SeeAbility’s Special School’s Eye Care team in a London 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 London special schools 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