Clinical Director Optical Express

Optical Express Group; Bristol; On-site; GBP 150,000 - GBP 200,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading eye care provider in the UK seeks a Clinical Director to provide strategic and operational leadership in optometry services. The role requires clinical excellence and patient-centered care, ensuring compliance with standards. Ideal candidates will possess a GOC registration and Independent Prescribing qualification. Responsibilities include leading clinical governance and driving a culture of safety. Competitive compensation and professional development support are offered.

Benefits

Market leading salary

33 days annual leave

Private healthcare cover

Company pension

Substantial discounts on services

Ongoing professional development

Qualifications

• GOC registration and IP qualification are mandatory.
• Significant experience in refractive and cataract surgery is required.
• Experience managing ocular disease using IP skills.

Responsibilities

• Provide clinical leadership and direction to eye care teams.
• Act as a senior clinical decision-maker.
• Drive a culture of patient safety and clinical excellence.

Skills

Clinical judgment

Communication skills

Leadership capability

Data analysis

Education

GOC‑registered optometrist

Independent Prescribing qualification

Job description

Job Title: Clinical Director

Location: Bristol/South West region

Salary: DoE

For the over 35 years, millions of patients have trusted Optical Express with their eye care. We are focused on delivering exceptional patient care, outstanding clinical outcomes and continued investment in our people and technology.

As the UK’s leading private provider of laser eye, premium intraocular lens and cataract surgery, our expert Surgeons undertake more procedures collectively than any other national provider.

The Optical Express team work together, collectively and consistently striving for excellence whilst providing life changing treatments to our patients. We support and respect each other and are committed to a culture of care, trust and integrity.

Our culture extends to our local communities, through our range of charitable and environmental projects. We focus on doing what is right for our patients, our colleagues, our local communities and our planet.

We are seeking an experienced and motivated Clinical Director, who as part of our senior management team, will provide strategic and operational clinical leadership across Optical Express optometry services, ensuring the delivery of safe, effective, and patient‑centred eye care. As an Independent Prescribing (IP) qualified optometrist, the post‑holder will lead on clinical governance, advanced clinical pathways, and the ongoing development of optometric practice across the company.

This role combines hands‑on clinical expertise, leadership, and strategic influence, supporting Optical Express’s commitment to clinical excellence, innovation, and continuous improvement.

Our ideal candidate will be an experienced Senior Optometrist who will already be working in a senior management role with an ophthalmology or ophthalmic business and have the ability to lead and motivate their team to achieve outstanding results.

Candidates MUST be registered with GOC and IP qualified, with extensive refractive and cataract surgery experience.

Key Responsibilities

Clinical Leadership & Governance

• Provide clinical leadership and direction to optometrists and wider eye care teams across your division.
• Act as a senior clinical decision-maker, supporting complex case management and escalation
• Lead, develop, and maintain robust clinical governance frameworks, ensuring compliance with:
  • GOC standards and CPD requirements
  • Company policies, SOPs, and clinical pathways
• Serve as a clinical ambassador for Optical Express with external stakeholders where required

Independent Prescribing & Advanced Practice

• Utilise IP qualification to:
  • Support optometrists in managing ocular disease safely and effectively
  • Champion expanded and enhanced optometric services where appropriate
• Provide guidance and mentorship to clinicians working towards higher qualifications

Quality & Patient Safety

• Drive a culture of patient safety, clinical excellence, and continuous improvement
• Oversee incident reporting, investigations, and learning outcomes
• Monitor clinical KPIs, audit outcomes, and patient feedback to improve service quality

Strategic & Operational Input

• Collaborate with senior leadership on clinical strategy and service development
• Provide optometric expertise in relation to new services, technologies, or pathways
• Support recruitment, retention, and succession planning of optometrists
• Contribute to policy development and organisational change initiatives

Essential Requirements

Qualifications & Registration

• GOC‑registered optometrist
• Independent Prescribing (IP) qualification (mandatory)

Experience

• Significant experience of refractive and cataract surgery
• Experience managing or treating ocular disease using IP skills
• Demonstrable experience in clinical leadership, governance, or management
• Experience working within a multi‑site or large clinical organisation

Skills & Competencies

• Strong clinical judgment and decision‑making ability
• Excellent communication and influencing skills
• Proven leadership and people‑management capability
• Ability to analyse clinical data and drive improvement
• High standards of professionalism, integrity, and patient focus

What Optical Express Offers

• Market leading salary
• 33 days annual leave
• Private healthcare cover
• Company pension
• Substantial discounts across the brands, including laser eye surgery, IOL surgery and eyewear
• Ongoing professional development and leadership support

If you are keen to further your career with the market leader in premium private eye surgery, then Optical Express is the place for you.