Head of Services (Optometry)

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 proceduresOversee clinical quality and safety standards across all optometry servicesEnsure efficient operations of Supplementary Primary Eyecare Clinic (SPEC), Community & Home Eye Screening Service (CHESS), and Diabetic Retinopathy Photography (DRP) servicesMaintain clinical competency in advanced optometric procedures and equipmentLead clinical practice improvement and quality improvement projects at department and inter-department levelsDevelop and implement evidence-based clinical protocols and guidelinesLeadership & Management Plan and manage human resources to achieve optimal service delivery at department levelSupervise and deploy all optometry staff including Principal, Senior, and Optometrists, Ophthalmic Technologists and TechniciansConduct performance management, coaching, and professional development for senior staffPlan, develop, review, and implement optometry services and programs to meet department and hospital strategic goalsManage departmental budgets, resources, and equipment procurementLead inter-department and inter-professional workgroups to deliver and improve eye care servicesCollaboration & Strategic Development Work under guidance of Head of Department and Primary Eye Care Lead Consultant on strategic initiativesInitiate and lead collaborations with external stakeholders to improve patient care and outcomesRepresent optometry services in hospital committees and strategic planning meetingsDevelop and maintain partnerships for community eye care programsGENERALEnsure compliance with hospital policies, JCI standards, and professional optometry guidelinesParticipate in continuing professional development and maintain clinical competenciesMentor and develop junior optometry staff and studentsSupport hospital-wide initiatives including quality improvement, community outreach, and staff development programsContribute to research activities and evidence-based practice developmentMaintain professional registration and participate in professional organizationsJOB REQUIREMENTSDegree in Optometry from recognized institutionMinimum 7-10 years of relevant optometry experience with demonstrated clinical competenciesMinimum 3-4 years experience in supervisory or leadership rolesExperience in service management and quality improvement initiativesAdvanced training in specialized optometric procedures preferredManagement or leadership qualifications advantageousPROFESSIONAL LICENCECurrent professional registration where applicableMembership in relevant professional optometry organizations highly recommendedCommitment to continuing professional development and competency maintenance