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

You’ve done it! After years of study, a pre-reg placement, and exams, you’re finally a qualified optometrist. First off – huge congratulations! 🎉

It’s been a journey. But now comes the big question: what’s next?

Your first job as a qualified optometrist is a big deal. It sets the tone for your career, shapes your skills, and (let’s be honest) determines how much you’re earning. Now that you’re qualified, you might be assuming you’ll stay put with where you did your pre-reg – maybe because of a tie-in or because it feels like the obvious next step.

But here’s something to think about: what if there’s a better fit out there for you? A role that aligns more with the kind of optometrist you want to be – and where you want your career to go.

You’ve got more options than you might think. That’s why we’ve put together five essential tips to help you find the best opportunity (and get the most out of it).

Short on time? Skip to what you want to know:

1. 💰 What salary should I actually be aiming for?

2. 🚫 What do I do about my tie-in?

3. 🔍 How do I find the best jobs (that aren’t on job boards)?

4. 💼 Is LinkedIn actually useful?

5. 🎯 How do I find a job that sets me up for the future?

6. 🤙🏼 What support exploring your options? Chat to us.

1. know your worth (and get the best salary possible).

Let’s talk money. 💰 Now that you’re fully qualified, your earning potential has taken a big step up. This of course depends on where you’re based and the type of employer you work for, but one thing’s for sure: you should be aiming for a package that reflects your skills and potential.

Salaries for newly qualified optometrists vary across the UK – and it often comes down to how competitive or saturated the area is. In regions where there are fewer optometrists (like the South West, Northumberland, or East Anglia), employers tend to offer a bit more to attract optometrists. That said, even in more competitive spots – think West Midlands, Glasgow, London – the starting salaries are still solid.

Curious about what you could be earning in your area? We’ve got the inside scoop on salaries – and we’re happy to share it. Chat to our team and get a clearer picture of what to expect (and what to aim for).

💡 Pro tip: Many employers offer signing bonuses, professional development support, and even relocation packages. If you want a bit of help negotiating and navigating all of it (or just someone in your corner to do the legwork), we’re here for that too.

2. don’t let a tie-in hold you back.

When looking to branch out from your pre-reg placement, you might have a tie-in fee to pay. But here’s the good news – some employers will cover this cost for you.

That means you don’t have to feel stuck. If there’s a better opportunity out there (better salary, better culture, better work-life balance), you may be able to go for it without worrying about financial penalties.

Not sure on how to negotiate this with a new employer (yet)? We’ve got you. We help with this all the time – connecting newly qualified optometrists with employers happy to cover tie-in fees and make the move simple and stress-free. Simply chat to our team for advice on your tie-in.

3. use a specialist recruiter to find those hidden opportunities.

Scrolling through job boards is one way to find a role, but what most newly qualified optometrists don't realise, is that most of the best opportunities aren’t even advertised. That’s where a specialist optometry recruiter (like talentshed – shameless plug!) makes a real difference.

Unlike some recruiters, we don’t just match you with any role. We get to know you – your goals, your strengths, your priorities – then connect you with roles that actually fit. Many of the roles we land for Optometrists are exclusive to talentshed, meaning you won't find them anywhere else, and we can even help you land roles with businesses not currently hiring. That means less competition, stronger negotiating power, and a role that’s shaped around you.

Plus, we give you honest insights into what it’s actually like to work for different employers – so you know what to expect before you even apply.

👉🏻 Chat to our Optometry specialists about careers.

4. make the most of LinkedIn.

LinkedIn isn’t just a digital CV – it’s a great way to discover opportunities, connect with people in the industry, and stay up to date with what’s happening in the world of optometry. A strong profile helps make it easier for employers to find you and can open doors you didn’t even know existed. Aside from the usual - making sure your headline and summary are up to date - here’s how to make LinkedIn work for you:

Showcase your development 🏅

You can use LinkedIn’s ‘Featured’ section to highlight your progress. Whether it’s something you worked on during your pre-reg, a training session you attended, or a relevant article you’ve read, adding these to your profile shows you’re committed to the industry.

Use LinkedIn to learn 🧠

LinkedIn is full of clinical content, industry discussions, and career advice. Following the right people and pages can help you stay ahead.

Build quiet connections 💬

You don’t have to post often to get value from LinkedIn – just connecting with the right people can open doors. Follow optical brands, leaders in the industry, and recruiters you trust (ahem 👀). It’s a low-key way to stay visible without shouting.

5. choose a job that fits your long-term goals.

Your first job is a pivotal moment in your career journey. It sets the foundation for everything that comes next. Whether you see yourself specialising in a clinical area, moving into leadership, or even running your own practice one day, it’s important to choose an employer that can help you meet those goals.

Some things to think about:

🔸 Career progression – Does the employer offer training and development opportunities?

🔸 Work-life balance – Are the working hours and culture right for you?

🔸 The culture and environment – Will you be in an environment where you can learn and grow?

This is something we take seriously at talentshed, helping you find a role that’s not just a job, but a stepping stone to where you want to be. We work closely with independents and big-name multiples (and everything in between), so if you’ve got your eyes set on something specific – don't settle or compromise.

There’s lots of options out there, and you might just need someone (like us) to help you find them.

ready to find the right role for you?

Starting your career as a newly qualified optometrist is an exciting (and slightly overwhelming) time. The good news? You don’t have to do it alone.

We’re here to connect you with employers who match your ambitions – whether that’s securing a great salary, covering your tie-in fees, or setting you up for long-term success.

Want to see what’s out there? Let’s chat.