Do I need to pay for Talentshed's recruitment service?

No, our service is completely free for jobseekers. We support you through career advice, finding roles, and interview prep, with all fees covered by employers.

Does Talentshed recruit for Optometrists across the whole UK?

Yes, we partner with independent practices and high-street brands nationwide, from Cornwall to Scotland. We can help you find a role regardless of your location.

find your next
optometrist job.

optometry roles by region.

Choose your area to see live roles, local salary guidance and vacancies that never hit the job boards.

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

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.

From full-time optometrist jobs 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.

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.

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.

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...

FAQs

optometrist news.

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explore optometrist vacancies.

IP Optometrist - Putney

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£65,000 - £72,000

London, South East

Optometrist - Guildford

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£60,000 - £64,000

London, South East

Optometrist - Colchester

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£74,000

East of England, South East

Optometrist - Maidenhead

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£65,000

South East

Optometrist - East Southampton

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£72,000

South East, South West

Optometrist - Hull

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£60,000 - £65,000

Yorkshire & Humber

Optometrist - Plymouth or Exeter

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£74,000

South West

Optometrist - Halstead area

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£65,000 - £70,000

South East

Optometrist - Colchester

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£65,000

East of England

Optometrist - Bath / Bristol / Gloucestershire

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£60,000 - £64,000

South West

browse all our optometrist jobs

types of optometry 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

3-5 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.

your quick optometrist salary guide.

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.

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 - £48k+

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

mid-career (3-7 yrs)

£42k - £65k+

Commission, bonuses and clinical accreditations like IP 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.

get a salary benchmark

why
optometrists
choose talentshed when job hunting.

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.

trusted by optical & audiology professionals.

optometrist news.

Close-up of a reflective brown eye, with detailed eyelashes and warm tones. The mood is serene and contemplative.

CLiP is changing how optometrists qualify – here's what it means for you.

CLiP is transforming how optometrists qualify. Learn what it means for current professionals, employers, and students - and why this shift is happening now.

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optometry recruitment in 2025 – the capacity crunch just got louder.

With nearly 18,000 optometrists, why is it still so hard to hire? We explore the answer to this question and how this is shedding light on a bigger trend within the industry.

5 tips for finding the best job as a newly qualified optometrist.

Find out more about our top 5 tips for finding (and landing) your perfect new job as a newly qualified optometrist. From salary to LinkedIn wins, let's get you on the right track.

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.

lets talk

01872 309090

find your next
optometrist job.