Role Overview
The Practice Manager will be responsible for the overall operational, financial, and administrative management of a private ophthalmology clinic delivering the full spectrum of ophthalmic services, including outpatient consultations, diagnostics, medical and surgical ophthalmology, laser vision correction and refractive surgery.
This is a senior leadership role accountable for efficient clinic operations, regulatory compliance, commercial performance, and an exceptional patient experience. The Practice Manager will work closely with Consultant Ophthalmologists, optometrists, nurses, and administrative teams, and will report directly to the CEO.
Key Responsibilities
1. Operational & Clinical Support Management
- Oversee the day-to-day running of the private ophthalmology and refractive surgery clinic, ensuring safe, efficient, and high-quality service delivery.
- Manage and optimise patient pathways including consultations, diagnostics, refractive assessments, laser procedures, surgery, and post-operative care.
- Ensure effective scheduling and utilisation of clinic rooms, diagnostic suites, laser facilities, and theatres (where applicable).
- Oversee procurement, maintenance, and servicing of ophthalmic and refractive equipment, ensuring compliance with manufacturer and regulatory standards.
- Develop, implement, and continuously improve operational policies, SOPs, and workflows in line with private healthcare best practice.
- Act as the central point of coordination between clinical teams, administrative staff, suppliers, and external service providers.
2. Staff Leadership, Recruitment & Onboarding
- Lead, manage, and motivate a multidisciplinary team including administrative staff, optometrists, nurses, technicians, and clinic coordinators.
- Recruit, onboard, train, and retain high-quality staff across all clinic functions.
- Oversee the onboarding of new Consultant Ophthalmologists and optometrists, supporting
them in settling into the clinic, understanding patient pathways, systems, governance, and operational processes.
- Ensure HR policies, procedures, and employment legislation are adhered to at all times.
- Contribute to the development, review, and implementation of HR policies and procedures.
- Manage staff rotas, performance reviews, appraisals, and professional development.
- Promote a positive, patient-centred, and commercially aware culture across the clinic.
3. Financial & Commercial Management
- Manage the clinic’s budget, monitoring revenue, costs, and overall financial performance.
- Oversee private billing, invoicing, and payment processes, including refractive surgery packages and self-pay patient pathways.
- Oversee PMI billing, invoicing, and payment processes.
- Ensure that all payments to Consultant Ophthalmologists and other sessional clinicians are accurately recorded, verified, and processed in line with agreed contracts, activity levels, and clinic policies.
- Work closely with administrative and finance teams to ensure accurate, timely billing and revenue collection.
- Identify and implement opportunities to grow revenue, improve efficiency, and optimise service offerings without compromising quality or safety.
- Prepare regular operational and financial reports for the CEO.
4. Governance, Quality & Regulatory Compliance
- Ensure full compliance with all applicable healthcare regulations and standards, including Care Quality Commission (CQC) requirements.
- Lead CQC inspections, audits, action plans, and ongoing compliance monitoring.
- Maintain oversight of health and safety, infection prevention and control, data protection, and patient confidentiality.
- Promote robust clinical governance, risk management, incident reporting, and continuous quality improvement.
5. Patient Experience & Refractive Pathway Excellence
- Champion an exceptional end-to-end patient experience
- Monitor patient feedback, clinical outcomes, and satisfaction, implementing service improvements where required.
- Manage patient complaints and concerns professionally, empathetically, and promptly.
- Work closely with clinical teams to ensure patients receive clear information, education, and support throughout their care journey.
6. Strategic Development & Business Growth
- Support the CEO in the strategic growth and development of ophthalmology and refractive services.
- Collaborate with consultants to introduce new procedures, technologies, and service lines.
- Contribute to marketing, patient acquisition, and referral development initiatives.
- Analyse performance data, capacity, and market trends to inform business planning and expansion.
7. Additional Responsibilities
- Undertake any other reasonable duties required to support the effective operation, development, and reputation of the clinic, commensurate with the seniority of the role.
- Remain flexible and adaptable to evolving business and clinical needs in a private healthcare environment.
Person Specification
Essential / Desirable
- Bachelor’s degree in Healthcare Management, Business Administration, or a related field
- Minimum of 3 years’ management experience, preferably within private healthcare, ophthalmology, or a surgical setting.
- Experience or strong understanding of refractive surgery pathways and private patient journeys is highly desirable.
- Knowledge of healthcare governance, quality standards, and CQC compliance.
- Proven ability to manage budgets, financial performance, and operational reporting.
- Excellent leadership, organisational, communication, and decision-making skills.
- Ability to work effectively in a fast-paced, high-standard private clinical environment.
- Proficient in MS Office, Google Workspace, and practice management systems.
- High levels of professionalism, discretion, and attention to detail.
Working Conditions
- Based primarily within a private ophthalmology and refractive surgery clinic.
- Fast-paced, patient-facing environment.
- Work may involve evening and weekend shifts to meet business, clinic, and patient requirements.
Job Type: Full-time
Pay: £37,000.00-£39,000.00 per year
Work Location: In person
