Sessional Optometrist

Sessional Optometrist – Make a difference!

Location:

South East London Schools

Salary:

£250 per day plus benefits

Hours:

7.5 to 37.5 hours per week , (1- 5 days a week)- School term time only

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

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

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

SeeAbility is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of the people we support. We expect all staff to uphold this commitment and have a strong understanding of their roles and responsibilities in safeguarding.

Safer Recruitment

SeeAbility is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of the people we support. All colleagues are expected to uphold this commitment.

Successful applicants will be subject to safer recruitment checks, including:

Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS) check (where appropriate)

Identity, current address and right-to-work verification

Health declaration to ensure that you are medically suitable for the role you have been offered

Employment references relating to work with this role or similar roles

All checks are completed at SeeAbility’s expense before a start date is confirmed.

Diversity & Inclusion

We are proud to be a Disability Confident Employer and are committed to creating a diverse and inclusive workplace.

We welcome applications from people of all backgrounds, identities and experiences, including those with disabilities or who are neurodivergent.

Reasonable adjustments are available throughout the recruitment process.

In exceptional circumstances, a genuine occupational requirement may apply under the Equality Act 2010 (Schedule 9, Part 1)