Head of Clinical Services

About us

At Newmedica in Bristol, we believe better sight changes lives.

We’re one of England’s top providers of NHS and private ophthalmology services, delivering outpatient care, diagnostic testing, and advanced eye surgery to thousands of patients every year. With a growing network of specialist clinics across the UK, we are on a mission to make world‑class eye care more accessible for everyone.

We’re proud to be officially certified as a Great Place to Work for the third consecutive year, based on independent feedback from our colleagues. This recognition reflects our commitment to creating an inclusive, collaborative, and empowering workplace where people can thrive.

This role is permanent and full‑time (40 hours), based at our Bristol locations:
Aztec West, Clifton and Langford.

As Head of Clinical Services, you will be a figurehead of the organisation, reporting directly to the clinical directors. You will shape and deliver the clinical vision, drive professional development, and ensure regulatory compliance across all our practices.

• Lead the development and implementation of clinical protocols, standards and training programmes, including Ophthalmic Technician, pre‑reg and IP placements.
• Oversee professional registration, CPD compliance and ICB audit readiness.
• Attend our Clinical Governance Committee and represent the group at industry forums (including CPD events, conferences, and in‑store practice meetings).
• Drive adoption of advanced diagnostic technologies (OCT, biometry, fundus imaging, glaucoma management).
• Mentor ophthalmic technicians and support talent development pathways.
• Collaborate with external agencies to advise on enhanced eye‑care services (e.g. glaucoma referral refinement, cataract, YAG/SLT pathways).
• Monitor clinical KPIs and patient outcomes, lead quality improvement initiatives.
• Oversee all planned outpatient clinical activity across all locations.
• Manage and develop a large multidisciplinary clinical team.
• Build relationships with various stakeholders (such as ICBs, NHS trusts, Health Boards, Primary Care) to optimise patient care.

• Substantial post‑qualification experience including extensive experience in senior clinical leadership.
• Proven track record in clinical governance, audit and training delivery.
• Experience in multi‑site optical stores/practices, NHS/ISP ophthalmology services or ICB commissioning.

• Exceptional leadership, communication and stakeholder management skills.
• Understanding of CQC standards, NHS standards and ICB criteria.
• Great communication skills, both written and verbal.
• A team player with a proactive, solution‑focused approach.
• Ability to manage competing priorities with calm and clarity.
• Confident user of Office 365 and other technical systems (training provided).
• Published research or contributions to optometric journals.
• Familiarity with patient electronic medical management systems (e.g. Open Eyes).
• Strategic thinker with commercial awareness.

• GOC registered Optometrist.
• Higher qualifications (e.g. MOptom, Professional Certificate in Glaucoma, IP qualification) strongly preferred.

This post is subject to the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act (Exceptions Order) 1975 and as such it will be necessary for a submission for Disclosure to be made to the Disclosure and Barring Service (formerly known as CRB) to check for any previous criminal convictions.

Depending on experience: £75,000+.