DEPARTMENTAL APPOINTMENT DEPARTMENT OF HEALTH

Date published: 8 June 2026

The Department of Health is seeking to appoint an experienced Optometrist to lead the Ophthalmic Committee of the Business Services Organisation (“the BSO”). The term of appointment is for an initial 4 years, with the possibility of reappointment for a further term, subject to performance. 

The BSO was established in 2009 to provide a broad range of regional business support functions and specialist professional services across the Health and Social Care sector in Northern Ireland. 

Under the General Ophthalmic Services (GOS) Regulations (Northern Ireland) 2007, the BSO is required to constitute a committee, known as the Ophthalmic Committee, to advise and assist the BSO and the Strategic Planning Performance Group (SPPG) in the delivery of its functions. 

Role of the Ophthalmic Committee

The Committee provides advice on a regional basis, including:

• Implications of changes to the GOS contract, commissioning proposals and relevant regulations 
• Matters relating to General Optical Council registration and de-registration
• Matters relating to the Ophthalmic and Ophthalmic Practice Lists
• Continued professional development, education and clinical governance 
• Trends in clinical practice service delivery and probity issues 
• Clinical and professional issues affecting GOS practitioners 
• Engagement between Ophthalmic Medical Practitioners and GOS Optometrists 

Chair

The Chair of the Committee is appointed by the Department of Health and is required to devote around 10 days per annum to the appointment. Duties will include regular meetings with the Assistant Director (Family Practitioner Services), and liaison, with the Head of Ophthalmic Services, Strategic Planning and Performance Group, Department of Health. 

In performing the role, opportunities for personal and professional development arise through contacts with HSC bodies, the Department, and other professions. 

Remuneration is £290 per day with travel and other allowances also payable in accordance with the HSC rates set out in the Departmental Circular HSC (F) 24/2024 - Payment of Travelling and Other Allowances to Members Determination (Northern Ireland) 2024. A copy is available from https://www.health-ni.gov.uk/sites/default/files/publications/health/hscf-24-2024.pdf

Essential Criteria

The Chair must be a practicing Ophthalmic Optician with at least 5 years’ experience, currently registered with the General Optical Council, and engaged in the provision of GOS in Northern Ireland. The Chair must also have had previous committee work experience and be able to demonstrate involvement in optometric service development at a regional or national level. 

General Criteria

In general, a candidate would be expected to meet the following criteria:

• Leadership – Providing effective leadership to the Committee, ensuring clear focus, direction, and delivery of outcomes. 
• Influencing and working with others – Building and maintaining effective working relationships, and influencing others to achieve objectives. 
• Committing to the non-executive role – Demonstrating an understanding of the non-executive role and the wider strategic and operational context.
• Analytical thinking and Decision Making– Assessing information, identifying issues and making sound evidence-based decisions in a team and organisational environment.
• Learning and Self-Development – Demonstrating a commitment to continuous professional development and effectiveness as a Committee Chair.

Expressions of Interest

If you have the relevant qualifications and experience, and believe you could make a positive contribution to the work of the Ophthalmic Committee, please request  a nomination form and further details by email quoting reference number BSO 2/26 to:

E-mail: gdoscorrespondence@health-ni.gov.uk.

Completed nomination forms must be received at the above address by 5pm on Wednesday 17^th June 2026. Nominations received after the closing date will not be accepted by the Department.