Ophthalmology Nurse Practitioner

Job overview

An exciting opportunity has arisen for a Band 7 Oculoplastic Nurse Practitioner to join our expanding Ophthalmology service at Whipps Cross University Hospital. We are seeking a motivated, compassionate and clinically skilled ophthalmic nurse with a passion for delivering high-quality care to patients with a wide range of oculoplastic and adnexal conditions.

In this autonomous role, you will undertake comprehensive oculoplastic assessments, manage independent nurse-led clinics, formulate and implement management plans, and coordinate care for patients presenting with conditions such as eyelid abnormalities, blepharitis, entropion, ectropion, chalazion, epiphora and other oculoplastic disorders. You will work within agreed protocols and competency frameworks, providing timely clinical assessment, treatment, referral and follow-up while working collaboratively with the wider multidisciplinary team.

We are looking for an enthusiastic nurse with substantial ophthalmic experience, excellent clinical assessment skills, sound clinical judgement and the ability to work independently within an advanced practice role. Strong communication, leadership and team-working skills are essential. Non-medical prescribing qualification (V300), or a willingness to work towards this qualification, is desirable.

Main duties of the job

The postholder will work autonomously as an Ophthalmic Nurse Practitioner within the designated ophthalmic subspecialty, including but not limited to Glaucoma, Cornea, Oculoplastic, Cataract, Eye Casualty and Medical Retina. Working as part of the multidisciplinary team, the postholder will provide high-quality, patient-centred care and contribute to the development and continuous improvement of patient pathways across the designated specialty area.

Working for our organisation

Barts Health is one of the largest NHS trusts in the country, and one of Britain’s leading healthcare providers.

Our vision is to be a high-performing group of NHS hospitals, renowned for excellence and innovation, and providing safe and compassionate care to our patients in east London and beyond. That means being a provider of excellent patient safety, known for delivering consistently high standards of harm-free care and always caring for patients in the right place at the right time. It also means being an outstanding place to work, in which our WeCare values and behaviours are visible to all and guide us in how we work together.

We strive to live by our WeCare values and are committed to promoting inclusion, where every staff member has a sense of belonging. We value our differences and fully advocate, cultivate and support an inclusive working environment.

Detailed job description and main responsibilities

The full job description provides an overview of the key tasks and responsibilities of the role, and the person specification outlines the qualifications, skills, experience, and knowledge required. For both documents, please view the attachment/s below.

Person specification

Qualifications

Essential criteria

• First‑level degree (BSc/BA) in Nursing or equivalent relevant professional qualification
• Post‑registration ophthalmic specialist qualification, relevant to glaucoma or closely related subspecialties.
• Evidence of advanced clinical practice development, aligned to Ophthalmic Practitioner Training Level 2 framework
• Evidence of continuing professional development (CPD) relevant to advanced ophthalmology nursing practices.
• Must hold current professional registration with the Nursing and Midwifery Council (NMC)

Desirable criteria

• Master’s degree or evidence of working towards a Master’s‑level qualification
• Leadership or management training relevant to advanced clinical practice.
• Independent Non‑Medical Prescribing (V300) qualification or evidence of working towards completion

Experience

Essential criteria

• Post‑registration experience working within an ophthalmology service, including delivery of autonomous or extended nursing roles
• Evidence of managing a defined cohort of patients, such as nurse‑led or advanced practice clinics.
• Experience of advanced ophthalmic assessment, diagnosis and formulation of management plans within agreed protocols.
• Experience working independently, demonstrating clinical judgement, accountability, and escalation where appropriate
• Evidence of contributing to evidence‑based practice within ophthalmology.

Desirable criteria

• Experience undertaking intravitreal injections within the scope of practice
• Experience working across ophthalmology subspecialties (e.g. glaucoma, cornea, retina, eye casualty).
• Experience managing or supporting clinical rotas, staffing or resource allocation.

Multidisciplinary Working

Essential criteria

• Evidence of working collaboratively within a multidisciplinary team, including ophthalmologists, optometrists, AHPs and nursing colleagues, to deliver safe and effective patient care.
• Experience liaising with external services (e.g. optometrists, GPs, community services) to support patient pathways.

Communication Skills

Essential criteria

• Evidence of communicating complex clinical information clearly and sensitively to patients, carers, and relatives.
• Evidence of effective communication with multidisciplinary professionals to support diagnosis, treatment decisions, and care planning.
• Ability to manage complaints or difficult conversations in line with Trust policy and professional standards.

Other

Essential criteria

• Willingness to undertake further training and development required to meet service needs
• Ability to undertake the duties of the post with or without reasonable adjustments, in line with the Equality Act.

Visa Sponsorship Information

This role is subject to UK immigration requirements. Where sponsorship is required, applicants must meet the eligibility criteria for a Skilled Worker visa in accordance with current UK Visas and Immigration rules, including any salary, qualification, and role-specific requirements applicable at the time of appointment. Candidates who require sponsorship will only be considered where the post is eligible and where all sponsorship criteria can be met. Evidence of the right to work in the UK will be required before appointment. Please note that for roles employed under Agenda for Change Terms and Conditions, the High-Cost Area Supplement (HCAS) is not included when calculating the basic salary for the purposes of sponsorship.