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thinking about your next optometrist role?

From full-time optometrist vacancies and part-time roles, to newly qualified optometrist jobs with strong clinical mentoring, we cover the full spread of permanent optometry recruitment across the UK.

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We know the UK’s optical sector inside and out, from high-street brands to independents, and we can help you spot the opportunities that actually match your career goals and are worth your time.

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We’ll connect you with optometrist roles that suit your skills, experience, and work style. Looking for flexible hours, modern testing equipment, or a practice that values patient care as much as you do? We’ll guide you to the right fit.

let's get started...

Finding the right role can be tricky. Different practices, setups, and expectations make it hard to know what’s worth your time.

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That’s where we come in. We get to know you, your skills, and what matters most in your career — then connect you with roles where you can do your best work and feel valued. Let's get started...

trusted by leading optical brands.

types of optometrist jobs 
we help you find and land.

We work with independent practices, regional groups and national multiples across the UK, placing optometrists into roles that match where they are in their career and how they want to work.

newly qualified roles

Structured first roles with strong clinical mentoring, protected CPD time, and a supportive team.

senior & lead roles

Clinical lead, resident optometrist and senior positions in established practices.

full-time & part-time 

Four- and five-day permanent positions, family-friendly hours and no-weekend rotas.

specialist & advanced practice

IP, mecs, glaucoma, contact lens and paediatric specialisms — demand for IP is climbing fast.

where we work: optometry roles across the uk.

We recruit for practices across the UK, from high-street multiples in major cities to independents in quieter market towns. 

london & the south east

Greater London and the surrounding Home Counties.

the midlands

Both the East and West Midlands.

yorkshire & the north east

Including Leeds, Sheffield, York and Newcastle. 

the south west

Cornwall, Devon, Somerset and Dorset.

the north west

Including Cumbria and Cheshire. 

scotland, wales & NI

Opportunities across each of these countries.

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Some of the strongest roles we place are in semi-rural and coastal practices that rarely advertise widely. Relocating? Tell us and we'll work from there.

understanding optometrist salaries in the UK.

There's no single "going rate" for an optometrist. Packages in 2026 are shaped most by location, then by the type of setting you're in and the clinical responsibility that comes with it.

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The figures below are a rough guide to what we're currently seeing across the optical industry — useful as a starting point, not a benchmark to hold any one role to.

newly qualified

£32k - £44k+

Expect lower salaries in competitive hubs like Birmingham, Yorkshire, and parts of London compared to rural areas.

mid-career (3-7 yrs)

£42k - £60k+

Commission, cl bonuses and cpd allowances can lift the package further.

senior & lead roles

£60k - £80k+ (location dependent) 

Partnership and JVP routes vary widely by opportunity.

what increases a salary in optometry?

IP qualification — adds £3k–£5k, opens mecs/mec contracts.

Clinical lead responsibility — practices pay for cpd cover and mentoring.

Complex cl experience — especially in specialist practices.

Location scarcity — rural and semi-rural often pay above average.

why
choose talentshed when job hunting.

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1/ we know the practices,
not just the postcodes.

With years of experience in the optical industry and strong connections across the UK, we know where optometrists will thrive, and we can guide you toward opportunities you might not find on your own. That's the context you can't get from a job board.

2/ we act on your terms,
not a deadline.

Your CV is never sent anywhere without your explicit go-ahead. We won't put you forward for five roles to see what lands — we'll put you forward for the right one. We take the time to understand your skills, your ambitions, and what makes a role feel right.

3/ we stay with you past job offer.

Counter-offer conversations, resignation letters, first-week check-ins, career planning — we keep in touch. Our best placements are the ones where you're still happy 18 months in.​ Also, we're proud members of APSCo (Association of Professional Staffing Companies), which holds us to a professional standards framework for the recruitment industry.

Reviews

what people are saying.

optometrist news.

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frequently asked
questions.

optometrist FAQs

Do I need to pay for your service?

No – it’s completely free for jobseekers. We’re here to support you, whether that’s giving career advice, helping you find the right role, or guiding you through the whole application process. Employers cover our fees, so you can focus on finding your next opportunity without any worries

Can Talentshed help me if I’m a newly qualified optometrist?

Absolutely. Your first role as a newly qualified optometrist is a big step – it sets the tone for your career. We work with a mix of independent and high-street optical businesses who are keen to support newly qualified professionals, and we know the industry inside out. We’ll guide you to the roles that best match your skills, ambitions, and the kind of career you want to build.

What’s your recruitment process? How does it all work?

We get to know you – your skills, experience, and exactly what you’re looking for in your next role. From there, we don’t just send you jobs; we speak directly with employers who we think would be a great fit for you. We ask the questions you might not have time for, handle the legwork, and make sure your application lands in the right hands. We’ll support you every step of the way, giving advice, guidance, and a little encouragement too – all to help you make a career move that’s right for you.

Do you work with the NHS or private employers?

We work exclusively with private employers – from independent clinics to high-street brands. That means you’ll have access to roles that often offer greater flexibility, commission potential, and a more personal environment.

Can I talk to you about salary expectations?

Of course. We’re experts in this area and can advise on what salary you should realistically be aiming for based on your experience and the current market. We’ll have an open, honest chat about your current package and where you could be earning more.

How long does the process take? And when will I hear back?

It depends on the role and the employer. Some employers move fast; others take a little longer. Either way, we will keep you updated at every stage so you always know what’s happening.

Will I have a main contact at Talentshed?

Yes. You’ll have a dedicated partner who gets to know you and supports you through every step. And if they’re ever unavailable, there’s always someone able to help, already up to speed, so you can always see what’s happening with your search.

Can Talentshed help with interview preparation or CV advice?

Absolutely. Whether it’s shaping up your CV or running through interview questions, we'll support you every step of the way. With our industry expertise and connections, we know what works and will share that with you. We’ll give you honest feedback, practical tips, and real insight for what to expect and how to put your best foot forward – so you can walk into an interview feeling prepared and confident.

Will you ask me before sending my CV?

Always. Your privacy matters and looking for a new role is a big deal – we respect that. We’ll talk you through every opportunity and only share your CV once you’ve given the go-ahead. Unlike some agencies, you’re always in control of where your details go.

What happens after I accept an offer?

Once you accept, we’ll stay in touch to make sure everything runs smoothly – from contracts to start dates and beyond. And our support doesn’t stop there; we’re here to help you settle in and thrive in your new role.

Will I get feedback if I’m not successful?

Yes. We’ll always do our best to get feedback and share it with you. Being honest is part of who we are, and it’s a key part of the support we provide. Even if you don’t land the job, you’ll know what to work on for next time.

Are flexible hours, weekends off, or school-hours contracts an option?

It depends on the role and the employer, but we work with a range of opportunities that offer flexible schedules, no weekends, or school-hour patterns. Share what works for you, and we’ll help find a role that fits your lifestyle.

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