Senior Emergency Ophthalmic Practitioner

Posting date:	14 May 2026
Salary:	£49,387.00 to £56,515.00 per year
Additional salary information:	£49387.00 - £56515.00 a year
Hours:	Full time
Closing date:	26 May 2026
Location:	Exeter, EX2 5DW
Company:	NHS Jobs
Job type:	Permanent
Job reference:	C0023-26-0595

Summary

For more information on the Job Description and Responsibilities please click the link below. More detail about the role Our Emergency Eye Service (EES) provides assessment and treatment for emergency and urgent, sightthreatening conditions. As a Senior Emergency Ophthalmic Practitioner, you will autonomously assess, diagnose and manage patients, working independently and alongside Ophthalmologists within the service. The role also includes supporting the management of the EES telephone triage service. We receive referrals from a wide range of services including Community Optometrists, GP practices, Minor Injury Units, NHS 111, Emergency Departments, and postoperative patients. This is a vital service ensuring patients receive timely and appropriate care. We run a variety of clinics, with opportunities to develop specialist interests and work in extended roles within Consultantled clinics. Our service has a strong commitment to education and professional development. We facilitate student placements and teaching for a range of healthcare professionals (including student and preregistration optometrists, nurse practitioners, independent prescriber optometrists and medical students), as well as delivering training to referring services. This creates excellent opportunities for team members to build experience in teaching, training and mentoring. About You You will be a Band 6 or 7 registered nurse, optometrist or paramedic, with strong emergency eye care skills in anterior and posterior eye examination, ophthalmic imaging, and test interpretation. You will be accountable for your own professional practice, working within your scope of competence and exercising sound clinical judgement. You will either hold an Independent Prescribing qualification or be willing to undertake this qualification in the near future. Not Quite Ready for a Band 7 Post? For the right candidate, we offer a developmental post, with structured training, development and mentoring. Candidates who do not yet meet all the criteria will be appointed at Band 6 and progress to Band 7 upon completion of the required competencies. Career Development and Progression We actively support ongoing professional development, whether your interests lie in clinical expertise or leadership development. CPD is strongly encouraged, with opportunities to work alongside our specialist teams and access a wide range of learning and development pathways. Love Where You Live and Work Based in the beautiful South West of England, we offer an exceptional worklife balance. From the cultural city of Exeter to the rolling landscapes of Exmoor and Dartmoor, and stunning beaches close by, the region has something for everyone. The area benefits from low crime rates, excellent schools and further education colleges, and Exeter is home to a top Russell Group university. If youre ready for a new professional challenge combined with an outstanding quality of life, wed love to hear from you. Working Pattern: The Emergency Eye Service operates Monday to Saturday, 8am6pm, including Bank Holidays, from the West of England Eye Unit, with Sunday opening planned in the foreseeable future. This is a fulltime post, working condensed hours over a fourday week. Parttime working may also be considered. We have a flexible working policy and are happy to discuss arrangements that work for you and the service. Interview Date: 8th June For Further Information, Please Contact: Please contact Caitlin Newitt and Emily Venner, Joint Heads of Emergency Eye Service on rduh.ees.hods@nhs.net As an inclusive employer, the Royal Devon values diversity and is committed to creating a culture of inclusivity where everyone can be themselves and reach their full potential. We believe in fostering a sense of belonging and actively encourage applications from individuals of all backgrounds, cultures, and abilities. We recognise the advantages of having a diverse workforce that reflects the communities we serve. Preference will be given to staff with Priority and 'At Risk' status including NHS At Risk staff throughout Devon. The Royal Devon University Healthcare NHS Foundation Trust reserves the right to close vacancy when sufficient applications have been received. The Royal Devon University Healthcare NHS Foundation Trust was established in April 2022, bringing together the expertise of both the Royal Devon and Exeter NHS Foundation Trust and Northern Devon Healthcare NHS Trust. Benefits We will work together to maintain a culture that develops and supports you and your team. This might include funding for a care certificate, a degree or leadership qualifications. Or it might include days off to study, engage in CPD or rotational placements to help you hone your skills. Wherever you are heading in the NHS, we'll help you get there. Looking after you is important to us. We strive to help our staff create a healthy work-life balance through flexible working schemes and our family friendly policies. If you're starting out in the NHS, you'll start with 27 days paid annual leave (plus bank holidays), rising to 33 days plus bank holidays. You'll benefit from access to our own comprehensive occupational health services, including counselling, onsite wellbeing activities and groups. Salary is not the only financial benefit You'll have access to an extensive range of staff discounts on shopping, fitness and leisure options and you can spread the cost of technology and home appliance purchases from major retailers. You will also have access to other benefits including: National discount services such as the Blue Light Card and Health Service Discounts. Salary sacrifice options including our OFSTED rated outstanding nursery onsite at Exeter Car lease schemes. The NHS Pension scheme (one of the most generous and comprehensive in the UK). Cycle to work scheme These are just a few of the benefits available if the role is something you are interested in, we'd love to hear from you.