Sessional Optometrist

Role Description

Location:

Schools across Thames Valley Region

Salary: £250 per day plus benefits

Hours:

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

See Ability is the UK’s leading specialist eye care charity for people with learning disabilities, autism, visual impairment and complex support needs. With over 225 years of experience, See Ability delivers expert, inclusive eye care services in Special Schools across Thames Valley Region.

To be a part of See Ability’s Special School’s Eye Care team in a Thames Valley school or schools. You will be responsible for regular visits to the same school(s) during school term times only. See Ability Special Schools Eye Care team training will be provided to all successful applicants.

You will work as part of See Ability’s Special Schools Eye Care Team, delivering specialist eye care in special schools in Thames Valley 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.

• 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

• 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

• 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

• Complete See Ability City, St George’s University Eyecare Training
• Complete mandatory organisational See Ability 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 See Ability team meetings per year

• 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 See Ability’s values

• 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

Our colleagues at See Ability are extremely valued, and so everyone has access to a fantastic package of benefits.

• Recognition & Rewards – Celebrate your achievements
• Financial Perks – Discounts & cashback offers
• Wellbeing Support – 24/7 Employee Assistance Programme

See Ability 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.

See Ability is…