Optometry Clinical Advisor
| Posting date: | 20 November 2025 |
|---|---|
| Salary: | £76,965.00 to £88,682.00 per year |
| Additional salary information: | £76965.00 - £88682.00 a year |
| Hours: | Full time |
| Closing date: | 02 December 2025 |
| Location: | Wakefield, WF1 1LT |
| Company: | NHS Jobs |
| Job type: | Permanent |
| Job reference: | D9475-ICB-652 |
Summary
The Optometry Clinical Advisor will provide expert clinical advice, leadership and strategic support to the NHS West Yorkshire Integrated Care Board (ICB) for the commissioning and quality assurance of General Ophthalmic Services (GOS) across Yorkshire and Humber. Working as part of the Primary Care Team within the Strategy and Partnerships Directorate, the post holder will support delivery of high-quality, safe, and effective optometric services in line with national regulations and the NHS England Eye Health Policy Book. The role will offer credible and objective clinical leadership, acting as the interface between the ICB, contractors and professional networks, supporting quality improvement, service development and patient safety. The post holder will contribute to commissioning decisions, contract assurance, and policy implementation to ensure high standards of service provision and patient experience. Key responsibilities include advising on GOS contract applications and variations, leading contract and quality assurance visits, promoting Quality in Optometry (QiO), and supporting investigations, complaints and incidents. The post holder will contribute clinical input to procurement processes, improvement plans and policy development, ensuring alignment with national and local eye health priorities. The role will require close collaboration with Primary Care colleagues, the Medical Director, and Associate Director of Primary Care to promote integrated, patient-centred eye care pathways. The Clinical Advisor will provide leadership in clinical governance, supporting the development of audit frameworks, quality indicators and performance standards. They will guide the management of clinical incidents and concerns, ensuring lessons are learned and best practice is embedded. The post holder will review and interpret complex data and performance metrics, providing evidence-based advice to inform commissioning and assurance decisions. They will also contribute to continuous quality improvement through peer review, professional development initiatives and engagement in education and training activities. The role will involve representing the ICB at regional and local professional meetings, including Local Optical Committees, Local Professional Networks and other relevant forums, providing clinical insight and leadership. The post holder will build and maintain strong professional relationships across optometry and related sectors, ensuring effective communication and collaboration between primary, community and secondary care. The role requires handling complex, sensitive and sometimes contentious information with diplomacy and professionalism, particularly in relation to contractual or performance issues. The post holder will play a key role in advancing equality, diversity and inclusion, upholding the organisations values of dignity, respect and openness. They will foster a culture of transparency and continuous improvement, ensuring that all activities reflect the principles of patient safety, clinical excellence and value for money. To be effective, the Clinical Advisor must have significant clinical leadership experience, be a registered optometrist with the General Optical Council, and possess an in-depth understanding of GOS practice, regulation and quality improvement. They will be skilled at analysing complex data, managing professional relationships and influencing change across organisational boundaries. The role requires the ability to travel across the West Yorkshire ICB area and wider region to support visits, meetings and collaborative work. The post holder must adhere to all relevant organisational policies including safeguarding, infection prevention, health and safety, and data protection. They are expected to maintain confidentiality, demonstrate professional conduct, and participate in ongoing appraisal and development to sustain clinical and leadership competence. This job description outlines the main responsibilities and expectations of the role and is not exhaustive. Duties may be amended to meet evolving organisational needs following consultation with the post holder.