The Team
The Royal Hobart Hospital Low Vision Clinic provides specialist assessment, person-centred rehabilitation advice and clinical management for people experiencing significant vision impairment from across Tasmania. Working closely with Ophthalmology, Orthoptics, Allied Health professionals, rehabilitation providers and community organisations, the service delivers person-centred care that supports independence, participation and quality of life.
The Role
This role is ideal for an experienced Optometrist and presents an opportunity to expand their clinical impact through specialist a statewide service, while maintaining an existing private practice or other professional eye care role.
You will need
- High-level interpersonal, written and verbal communication skills, including the ability to liaise effectively with patients, hospital staff and external stakeholders
- Demonstrated interest in low vision rehabilitation and a willingness to practice in on-the job training and mentoring. Prior experience in low vision is ideal but not essential.
- Demonstrated ability to apply person-centred rehabilitation assessment and therapeutic intervention planning.
- Proven ability to practice in the absence of general professional guidance, exercising sound professional judgement whilst working within a multidisciplinary team and environment.
- Demonstrated commitment to continuing professional education. As a teaching hospital, staff at the Royal Hobart Hospital require an ability and willingness to undertake teaching and mentoring of students and staff.
Note: - Please refer to the Statement of Duties for all the selection criteria of this position to address in your application.
Why Apply?
- A rare opportunity to specialise in a highly niche area of rehabilitation optometry practice within Tasmania Public Health System.
- Working hours that compliment an existing private practice, academic or other professional commitments.
- Opportunity to make a meaningful difference to patients of all ages with vision impairment.
- Contribute to statewide clinical services, education and service development.
- Competitive salary with salary packaging and professional development benefits.
Why Tasmania:
The Department of Health Tasmania oversees various hospitals across the state, including the Royal Hobart Hospital, Launceston General Hospital, Northwest Regional Hospital, and Mersey Community Hospital, as well as district hospitals and ambulance services. Additionally, it provides community health, mental health, and primary healthcare services to the Tasmanian community through more than 300 sites.
Tasmania, Australia's only island state, offers unparalleled natural beauty and a luxurious lifestyle. Pursuing your health career in Tasmania’s public health system means building strong connections with colleagues and patients. It also means embracing a lifestyle where you can enjoy extraordinary experiences outside of work while making a significant impact on the community during work.
Details of appointment:
Permanent part time, day worker position, working 3.34 hours per fortnight, commencing as soon as possible.
*Notwithstanding hours to be negotiated with the successful applicant.
Applicants should note that, for a period of twelve months from the date of publication, this selection process may be used to fill subsequent or similar full time, part time, and casual vacancies.
Salary
$131,122 to $138,984 per annum (Pro rata). Our Employer 12% superannuation contribution is on top of this amount.
- Salary range is in accordance with Allied Health Professionals Public Sector Unions Wages Agreement No. 2 of 2025
Salary Packaging
You’ll have access to salary package a range of benefits including living expenses up to $9,010 + $2,650 in meal entertainment each FBT year + other benefits if eligible.
Allowances
- Please note that access to salaries beyond $135,445 is subject to qualifications and/or application to the personal upgrade scheme
In addition, the following allowances calculated on the salaried incremental point may be available:
- Professional Development Allowance of up to $1000 per annum
Benefits available to eligible candidates
- Professional development and accelerated pathways.
- A range of leave entitlements, including study leave and Professional Development Support.
- Fitness Passport – You, and your family can access 40+ fitness facilities across Tasmania for just $14.50 per week per person, or $28.05 for a family.
More information about our Employee Benefits can be found here
Eligibility
Successful applicants will be required to meet the essential criteria.
Applicants should note the following criteria are desirable:
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Membership of the Optometrists Association Australia or able to demonstrate the same level of professional indemnity insurance cover
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Endorsed for scheduled medicines by the Optometry Board of Australia as part of general registration and endorsed as a Participating Optometrist under the Federal Government’s ‘Common Form of Undertaking’ under the Health Insurance Act 1973.
Note: - Please refer to the Application Guide for more information of pre-employment check.
Download the Statement of Duties and any Associated Documents
We encourage you to review the Statement of Duties, Applicant Guide, prior to applying for an overview of the duties, program, selection process and application guidance.
Statement of Duties:
Application Guide:
How to apply
Apply Online. Please click the "Apply" button on this screen to ensure that important questions about you are answered.
You will be prompted to complete a 1–2-page application detailing your experience, skills and knowledge as they relate to the attached Statement of Duties. A separate statement addressing the selection criteria in the Statement of Duties is not required.
For more information
Applicants who require further information are encouraged to contact the Contact person for detailed information about the vacancy.
Name: Luke Burns
Position: Consultant Optometrist - Low Vision
Phone: 0424 680 654
Email address: luke.burns@ths.tas.gov.au
What it is like working at the Department of Health?
Compassion, Accountability, Respect, Excellence are the key values to work in Department of Health. Listen to some of the lived experiences from within the department through some of our wonderful staff and hear about their journey in relocating to Tasmania!
Move to Tasmania | Tasmanian
One Health Podcast - Spotify
One Health Podcast - Apple
Tasmanian Health Careers | Tasmanian
Department of Health has achieved the “Carer Accredited Employer Status” providing support to employees with caring responsibilities. (Find out more under the Carer Recognition Act 2023).
Respecting diversity is the foundation of everything that Department of Health do. This allows us to instil trust and collaborate through honest and fair communication and helps cultivate an environment of growth and innovation. We strongly encourage applicants from key communities including Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islanders, LGBTIQA+ people, and people living with disabilities.