0138-24 - Ophthalmic Project Manager – KTP Associate

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School of Optometry
Location:  Eye Docs Limited, 50 Lode Lane, Solihull, West Midlands, B91 2AW
Salary:  £32,000 per annum
Contract Type:  Fixed Term (30 months)
Basis:  Full Time
Closing Date:  23.59 hours GMT on Wednesday 20 March 2024
Interview Date:  To be confirmed
Reference:  0138-24
Release Date:  Monday 26 February 2024

Please note that applications for part time will be considered.

This KTP project aims to drive growth and improve profitability at Eye Docs, by developing strategies to increase both NHS and private patient numbers, deliver more services through lower-cost staff and improve patient pathways.

The candidate recruited for this role will introduce new non-surgical services, new patient pathways for different patient groups and shared-care of NHS patients. This shared-care model allows NHS patients access to the best Eye Docs surgeons, with their primary eye-care provider (e.g. regional/high-street optometrist) receiving a fee to complete post-surgical assessment. This will free more surgeon time at Eye Docs and establish a mutually beneficial partnership i.e. Eye Docs receive more surgical referrals from local optometrists, who thus increase their own revenue by delivering post-surgical assessment appointments.

This is an exciting position for a qualified clinical optometrist. This is essential to be able to develop appropriate clinical pathways and to learn and train optometrists in new clinical techniques. The academic team will support the Associate in this aspect and identify training needs where necessary to adapt and develop the specialist knowledge and skills.

Candidate Profile: BSc degree (high level 2:1 or above) or a Master’s qualification in Optometry or Ophthalmology or related disciplines. Preference will be given to applicants registered with the General Optical Council.

Skills/ experience required include:

• Experience at the coalface of clinical provision. 
• Some experience of working in a commercial or private optometry setting and knowledge of shared care of private patients
• Experience enhancing business aspects of optometric and ophthalmology practices would be highly desirable. 

Additional Benefits:

• Up to £5,000 for professional and personal development for the duration of the project
• A possibility to obtain a PhD or a DBA (Doctor of Business Administration) depending on successful candidate’s current qualification.
• Travel budget allocation to visit clients and attend relevant events.
• Annual leave (25 days p/a)

This is a Knowledge Transfer Partnership (KTP) funded by Eye-Docs Ltd and Innovate UK. It is essential you understand how KTP works and the vital role you will play if you secure this position. To learn more please visit: www.aston.ac.uk/ktp

The Company: Eye Docs is a leading private ophthalmology clinic providing a comprehensive service for the diagnosis treatment and surgery of all eye conditions through a team of highly experienced ophthalmic consultants. Having recently established a new clinic in Edgbaston in addition to its Solihull facilities, its growth strategy is to increase patient numbers to fully utilise surgical theatre capacity along with the opportunity to offer new non-surgical services for delivery through its optometry staff. More about the company: https://www.eyedocs.co.uk/  

Aston University: You will work in a project team with Prof Shehzad Naroo, Prof Sunil Shah, Prof Prasanta Dey, Dr Yang Zhao and the Senior Management Team at Eye Docs with the support of the IUK’s Knowledge Transfer Adviser.  

Location: You will be based predominantly at Eye-Docs Ltd offices in Solihull and Birmingham and will also have access to facilities at Aston University in central Birmingham. Some travel to key clients may also be required. 

A satisfactory DBS clearance is required. 

For informal enquiries about this role please contact Prof Shehzad Naroo, School of Optometry, e-mail: [email protected]  

Aston University is an equal opportunities employer and welcomes applications from all sections of the community.  It promotes equality and diversity in all aspects of its work. We strive to have robust inclusivity strategies in place, including race and sexual orientation, to encourage colleagues to have the confidence and freedom to be themselves in the workplace. For more information, visit: https://www2.aston.ac.uk/about/inclusive-aston

We recognise the value of flexible working.  Please contact the recruiting manager to discuss what flexible working options are available for particular roles.

If you require the job details document or an application form in an alternative format please contact the recruitment team at [email protected]