Band 8a - Advanced Practitioner, Ophthalmology

We are seeking a highly skilled and motivated Advanced Practitioner in Ophthalmology to join our Urgent Eye Service at Watford General Hospital.

This senior role combines advanced autonomous clinical practice with leadership and service development, ensuring the delivery of safe, high-quality, patient-centred care.

You will independently assess, diagnose, treat, and manage patients while supporting and developing the wider team and shaping service improvements.

We are looking for an experienced, dynamic clinician with advanced ophthalmic skills, strong leadership capability, and a passion for innovation and quality improvement.

You should be confident working autonomously, committed to delivering excellent patient outcomes, and able to inspire and support others.

In return, you will join a supportive, forward-thinking Trust with a strong focus on staff wellbeing, professional development, and delivering excellent patient care, together.

This is an exciting opportunity to make a real impact in a progressive and patient-focused ophthalmology service.

Full time 37.5hrs,Monday to Friday. Occasional weekend work may be required to meet the needs of the service.

Main duties of the job

Independently manage patients in emergency eye and nurse-led clinics, including triage, assessment, diagnosis, treatment, and discharge.

Undertake comprehensive ophthalmic assessments using specialist equipment (e.g., slit lamp, diagnostic lenses).

Request and interpret investigations and prescribe medications as a non-medical prescriber.

Act as an autonomous clinical expert and resource within ophthalmology.

With a new hospital planned for Watford, work underway to update theatres at St Albans City Hospital and plans for a neighbourhood healthcare centre in Hemel Hempstead, this is an exciting time to join us. We are building on the success of our award-winning virtual hospital and re-imagining models of care, working closely with partners and making the most of advances in digital healthcare. Staff wellbeing and development are a priority, as is the role of innovation in improving clinical care, outcomes and patient experience. Our vision is Excellent patient care, together and our values are to be empowered, compassionate, professional and inclusive. They capture an important balance across what we must all do as individuals and to support others. We offer a variety of flexible working options as we recognise the importance of a good work life balance.www.westhertshospitals.nhs.uk/flexibleworking If you have a disability or long-term health condition and require support or