This role leads and manages the optometry service in the Department of Ophthalmology and Visual Sciences, ensuring smooth delivery of eye care services across hospital and community settings in a new hospital environment. It includes planning, daily operations, and overseeing the clinical work of all optometry staff while maintaining high standards of patient care. The role works closely with, and reports to, the Head of Department and the Primary Eye Care Lead Consultant.
Responsibilities
Clinical Practice & Service Management
- Provide advanced clinical optometry services including complex refractions, biometry, and specialized diagnostic procedures
- Oversee clinical quality and safety standards across all optometry services
- Ensure efficient operations of Supplementary Primary Eyecare Clinic (SPEC), Community & Home Eye Screening Service (CHESS), and Diabetic Retinopathy Photography (DRP) services
- Maintain clinical competency in advanced optometric procedures and equipment
- Lead clinical practice improvement and quality improvement projects at department and inter-department levels
- Develop and implement evidence-based clinical protocols and guidelines
Leadership & Management
- Plan and manage human resources to achieve optimal service delivery at department level
- Supervise and deploy all optometry staff including Principal, Senior, and Optometrists, Ophthalmic Technologists and Technicians
- Conduct performance management, coaching, and professional development for senior staff
- Plan, develop, review, and implement optometry services and programs to meet department and hospital strategic goals
- Manage departmental budgets, resources, and equipment procurement
- Lead inter-department and inter-professional workgroups to deliver and improve eye care services
Collaboration & Strategic Development
- Work under guidance of Head of Department and Primary Eye Care Lead Consultant on strategic initiatives
- Initiate and lead collaborations with external stakeholders to improve patient care and outcomes
- Represent optometry services in hospital committees and strategic planning meetings
- Develop and maintain partnerships for community eye care programs
GENERAL
- Ensure compliance with hospital policies, JCI standards, and professional optometry guidelines
- Participate in continuing professional development and maintain clinical competencies
- Mentor and develop junior optometry staff and students
- Support hospital-wide initiatives including quality improvement, community outreach, and staff development programs
- Contribute to research activities and evidence-based practice development
- Maintain professional registration and participate in professional organizations
JOB REQUIREMENTS
- Degree in Optometry from recognized institution
- Minimum 7-10 years of relevant optometry experience with demonstrated clinical competencies
- Minimum 3-4 years experience in supervisory or leadership roles
- Experience in service management and quality improvement initiatives
- Advanced training in specialized optometric procedures preferred
- Management or leadership qualifications advantageous
PROFESSIONAL LICENCE
- Current professional registration where applicable
- Membership in relevant professional optometry organizations highly recommended
- Commitment to continuing professional development and competency maintenance
