Optometry Jobs

At Globe Locums we have a large selection of optometry jobs on a locum and permanent basis. If you're a qualified optometrist seeking a new job opportunity, please take a look at our vacancies.

An Overview of Optometry

Globe Locums is proud to match qualified optometrists with Locum and permanent optometry jobs across the UK and Ireland. We are a clinician-led healthcare recruitment agency, giving us unique insight into life as a healthcare professional. Clinically trained members of our team understand the pressures faced by optometrists, which helps us to ensure that the jobs advertised are suitable for our candidates. We can offer:

• Access to exclusive optometry jobs
• NHS and private healthcare work
• Jobs across the UK and Ireland
• A dedicated compliance officer
• A market leading refer a friend scheme
• Weekly payroll
• Expert consultative service

We have a range of Locum and permanent optometry jobs available for suitable candidates in locations to suit you.

Latest Optometry Jobs

What is an Optometrist?

Optometrists used to be known as ophthalmic opticians. They are primary healthcare specialists focusing on eye examinations. An optometrist uses special equipment to look for changes in eyesight or vision, diseases of the eye, signs of injury and any other health issues that can be detected via eye examination. An optometrist can diagnose sight problems such as near or far sightedness and eye diseases such as glaucoma or cataracts. They can also prescribe glasses or assess patients for the suitability of contact lenses.

A patient may require the intervention of an optometrist in the following circumstances:

• A noticeable change in vision
• Increased frequency of headaches
• Straining when using a computer or watching TV
• Complaints of a foreign body in the eye and possible resulting injury.

An optometry career can be varied and exciting every day.

Optometry Qualifications

Optometrists study at university for three years, to obtain a degree in Optometry or similar. They must also undertake a period of supervised clinical training which is assessed before the qualification is awarded. To work in the UK, optometrists must be registered with the General Optical Council (GOC). Optometrists may work in a private optician setting or within a hospital clinic. They may choose to specialise in a distinct area such as children’s optometry. There is plenty of scope for professional development with research and training in a variety of ocular diseases.

Optometrists can be involved in diagnosing serious medical conditions including life changing injuries, serious deteriorations in eyesight, high blood pressure and even life-threatening illnesses including brain tumours. It is therefore of paramount importance that an optometrist is compassionate, caring and diligent in their interactions with patients.

Optometry Job Salary Range

An optometrist may earn between £25,000 and £30,000 at the start of their career. Salaries for specialist optometrists are usually around £40,000, and a consultant optometrist can expect to earn up to £80,000 or more. Locum optometrists usually earn a higher hourly rate than those who are permanently staffed within a healthcare setting. Depending on experience, a junior optometrist might earn at least £25 per hour, rising to £40 or more for those who have been qualified for longer.

Some optometrist job candidates can earn an uplifted hourly rate by working unsocial hours. Optometrists are required for weekend and night shift work in case of emergencies including foreign bodies and injuries to the eye. The uplift may be up to 1.5 times higher than the standard rate, allowing Locum optometrists to supplement their income significantly. Some Locums find that they are able to earn a full-time wage on less than full-time hours. This can offer much-needed flexibility.

Learn more about optometry job salares and what to expect from a career as an optometrist.

What does a Locum Optometrist do?

A Locum optometrist will perform many of the same procedures as a staffed optometrist working in the same department. Patients will be reviewed in clinics and occasionally on the wards for any changes in their vision.

Much of an optometrist’s work is completed in isolation in an equipped examination room. This allows for accurate examination in the ideal setting. Optometrists must therefore be comfortable working alone. However, they must also be confident discussing patients with other members of the team including ophthalmologists, other optometrists, nursing staff, dispensing opticians and healthcare assistants.

As a Locum, there may be little opportunity to get to know a team whilst working, so Locums must be good at quickly building rapport with new colleagues. Working in this way becomes second nature to many Locums, who enjoy meeting new colleagues whilst benefiting from the flexibility of Locum work.

Optometry Jobs

Globe Locums is delighted to offer a range of optometry jobs for suitable candidates worldwide. Optometry jobs might include:

• Optometry clinics within a hospital
• Eye Hospital A&E
• Optometry in the community
• Assessing inpatients with visual complaints.

Key Benefits:

• Expert advice
• 100s of Jobs across the UK & Ireland
• Dedicated Consultant and Compliance Officer
• £1300 Market Leading Referral Scheme
  

There has never been a better time to work in Optometry. Due to a shortage in many countries, your skills are in high demand. By utilising Globe Locums's free service, you will not only benefit from hearing about all the UK & worldwide opportunities as they become available, but you will also benefit from the excellent rates we pay our candidates.