Head of Clinical Services

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.

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

What You'll Do

• 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 stores/practices)
• 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 relations with various stakeholders (such as ICBs/NHS trusts/Health Boards/Primary Care) to optimise patient care

Who Are We?

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're 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.

• 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
• An 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 mentality
• The ability to manage competing priorities with calm and clarity
• Confident user of Office 365 and tech systems (training provided)
• Published research or contributions to optometric journals
• Familiarity with patient electronic medical management systems (e.g. Open Eyes)
• Strategic thinker with a 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.

£75,000 to £90,000 a year, dependent on experience