Optometry Wales is seeking an experienced and motivated optometrist to join our team as a Regional Engagement Officer. This is a unique opportunity to play a key role in supporting and strengthening the delivery of NHS optometry services across Wales.
Working closely with Regional Optical Committees (ROCs), Local Health Boards, contractors, performers and stakeholders, you will help drive engagement, collaboration and service improvement across the profession. You will act as a key link between optometry practices, health boards and national representatives, ensuring effective communication, problem-solving and implementation of NHS eye care initiatives.
This is a predominantly home-based role with regular travel throughout Wales and occasional evening meetings.
Key Responsibilities
- Coordinate, attend and support the three Wales Regional Optical Committee meetings.
- Build and maintain effective relationships between Regional Optical Committees and Local Health Boards.
- Support ROC representatives attending meetings with Local Health Boards, Eye Care Collaborative Groups and other stakeholder forums.
- Provide advice and support to committee members representing ROCs at external meetings.
- Act as a primary contact for optometry practices across Wales, offering support and gathering feedback on local and national issues.
- Work with contractors and stakeholders to identify barriers to service delivery and support solutions that improve access to NHS-funded optometry services.
- Encourage engagement with new services, policy developments and contractual requirements.
- Collaborate with Optometry Collaborative Leads to share best practice and provide professional support.
- Assist with the planning and delivery of continuing professional development (CPD) activities regionally and nationally.
- Contribute to the development of guidance documents, briefings, position papers and support materials for contractors and stakeholders.
- Support communication, public affairs and stakeholder engagement activities, including engagement with Members of the Senedd and Members of Parliament.
- Work collaboratively as part of the Optometry Wales team, providing support across the organisation when required.
About You
We are looking for an enthusiastic and knowledgeable professional who is passionate about the future of optometry in Wales and has the ability to engage effectively with a wide range of stakeholders.
Essential Requirements
- Registered Optometrist with the General Optical Council (GOC).
- Registered on the Wales Performers List.
- Current or recent experience delivering WGOS 1 and WGOS 2 services in Wales following Contract Reform.
- Member of the College of Optometrists.
- Excellent verbal and written communication skills.
- Strong networking, relationship-building and stakeholder engagement skills.
- Good understanding of Optometry Contract Reform and the challenges facing optometry contractors in Wales.
- Ability to work both independently and as part of a close-knit remote team.
- Full UK driving licence and ability to travel throughout Wales.
- Based in the UK.
Desirable Skills and Experience
- Accredited and/or experienced in delivering WGOS 3, 4 or 5 services.
- Experience as an Optometry Collaborative Lead or participation in collaborative groups.
- Recent attendance at ROC meetings as a committee member or observer.
- Welsh language skills.
- Experience presenting to professional audiences.
- Demonstrable ability to influence and engage senior stakeholders.
- Based in Wales.
What We Offer
- Opportunity to influence the future development of optometry services across Wales.
- Flexible, primarily remote working arrangement.
- Competitive salary aligned to NHS Wales Band 8a-8b.
- Collaborative and supportive team environment.
- Meaningful work that directly supports practitioners, patients and eye care services throughout Wales.
How to Apply
Please email your CV and a covering letter explaining your interest in the role to:
[email protected]
Closing Date: Thursday 20 August 2026
Optometry Wales welcomes applications from all suitably qualified candidates and is committed to creating an inclusive working environment.
Pay: £58,379.00-£67,583.00 per year
Work Location: Remote
