Job Description

Overview

The Optometrist will play a central role in delivering high-quality, efficient, and patient-centred ophthalmic care within an optometrist-led service model. As the first clinical point of contact after patient check-in, the Optometrist will undertake history taking, refraction, preliminary assessment, and required diagnostic imaging before the patient is reviewed by the ophthalmologist. This two-stop clinic model is designed to improve patient flow, reduce delays, enhance the patient experience, and support effective clinical decision-making. The Optometrist will work closely with ophthalmologists and the wider clinical team to ensure safe, accurate, and seamless patient care.

Responsibilities

• Act as the first clinical contact for patients following check-in in the optometrist-led clinic model.
• Obtain accurate and relevant ophthalmic and medical history from patients.
• Perform comprehensive refraction and visual assessment as required.
• Carry out preliminary clinical assessment and identify patient needs prior to doctor review.
• Perform ophthalmic diagnostic investigations and imaging, including but not limited to OCT, visual fields, topography, biometry, fundus photography, and other relevant scans depending on clinic requirements.
• Ensure all clinical findings, imaging, and assessment results are documented accurately and clearly in the medical record.
• Prepare patients efficiently for ophthalmologist review, ensuring all necessary information and investigations are completed in advance.
• Recognise abnormal findings and escalate urgent or significant concerns appropriately to the treating doctor.
• Support improved patient flow by helping deliver an efficient two-stop clinic pathway.
• Build a positive rapport with patients, providing a professional, reassuring, and compassionate first clinical interaction.
• Maintain high standards of infection prevention, patient safety, and equipment care.
• Work collaboratively with ophthalmologists, nursing staff, technicians, and administration teams to ensure smooth clinic operations.
• Participate in service development, quality improvement, audit, and departmental initiatives as required.
• Maintain compliance with regulatory, professional, and organisational policies and standards.
  

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree or equivalent qualification in Optometry.
• Valid DOH / HAAD license or eligibility for licensure to practice as an Optometrist in Abu Dhabi, UAE.
• Minimum of 3-5 years of post-qualification clinical experience in optometry, preferably in an ophthalmology or hospital-based setting.
• Strong experience in refraction, patient assessment, and ophthalmic diagnostic testing.
• Experience in contact lens practice, including specialty contact lenses, is highly desirable.
• Good understanding of ophthalmic conditions and patient pathways within a specialist eye care setting.
• Ability to identify urgent clinical findings and escalate appropriately.
• Excellent communication, interpersonal, and patient counselling skills.
• Strong organisational skills and ability to work efficiently in a high-volume clinical environment.
• Ability to work both independently and collaboratively within a multidisciplinary team.
• Good documentation skills and familiarity with electronic medical records.
• Commitment to high standards of patient care, professionalism, and continuous learning.