Job Description

About Optilase:

Optilase is Ireland's leading Eye Surgery Clinic and has carried out more than 50,000 Laser and Lens Eye Surgery procedures. Optilase is Irish owned and offers access to the most experienced Consultant Ophthalmic Surgeons, Refractive Optometrists and medical staff in the world.

Laser Eye Surgery and Lens Replacement Surgery are some of the most commonly performed procedures, with millions of people world-wide choosing to undergo these life-changing surgeries. Thousands of people across Ireland have benefited from having Laser and Lens Eye Surgery and are now enjoying life, free of glasses and contact lenses.

Job Overview:

We are seeking an experienced Registered General Nurse (RGN) to take on the role of Surgery Manager in our Belfast clinic, where Laser Eye Surgery procedures are performed. The Surgery Manager will lead and coordinate all aspects of the surgery team, surgical procedures, and clinical governance processes. This role is critical in ensuring the highest standards of patient care, safety, and compliance with relevant healthcare regulations.

The successful candidate will provide direct patient care, oversee the surgical environment, manage equipment and stock, and foster an environment of continuous professional development and operational excellence.

Please note: Previous experience as a Nurse Manager is not required. We welcome applicants with the right leadership potential, RGN qualification, and a commitment to delivering exceptional care.

Key Responsibilities:

Patient Care & Clinical Oversight

Provide competent, compassionate, evidence-based care before, during, and after surgery. Support and assist surgeons during procedures, ensuring patient safety and clinical best practice. Deliver emotional support to patients and clear post-op education. Administer medications and monitor patients throughout surgical procedures. Maintain sterility of surgical field and ensure all care aligns with best practice guidelines (e.g. WHO, GMC, RCOphth).

Surgical List & Diary Management

Oversee preparation and accuracy of surgical files and informed consent documentation. Manage and coordinate efficient surgical diaries, preparation days, and staffing needs. Conduct daily pre-operative huddles and ensure strict adherence to the WHO Surgical Safety Checklist Ensure seamless patient journey through collaboration with optometrists, consultants, and admin staff.

Team Leadership & Staff Development

Lead a multidisciplinary surgical team, fostering a culture of safety, professionalism, and openness. Recruit, train, and appraise surgery staff including consultants, nurses, HCAs, and technicians. Design and deliver comprehensive induction, mandatory training, and competency sign-offs. Plan staff rosters to ensure appropriate skills mix for each surgical list. Facilitate monthly team meetings to review performance, patient feedback, and learning.

Regulation, Quality & Compliance

Ensure compliance with all relevant standards and regulatory bodies: General Medical Council (GMC) Royal College of Ophthalmologists (RCOphth) Health and Social Care Northern Ireland (HSCNI) WHO, MHRA, COSHH, GDPR, etc. Lead infection prevention and control (IPC) measures across all clinical areas. Maintain and audit clinical documentation, policies, and quality standards. Report adverse events, near misses, and manage incident investigations using the Quality Management System.

Audit, Reporting & Clinical Governance

Lead and contribute to clinical audits: surgical outcomes, hand hygiene, medication management, and tracer audits. Manage operative and post-operative data collection and reporting. Actively engage in continuous improvement, clinical risk management, and compliance monitoring.

Stock & Equipment Management

Oversee ordering, stock rotation, and inventory of surgical supplies and medications. Schedule and coordinate maintenance and calibration of all surgical equipment (e.g. Lasers, UPS, defibrillators). Action relevant MHRA and supplier alerts, ensuring all equipment is safe and compliant.

Required Skills & Attributes:

Qualified Registered General Nurse (RGN) with active NMC registration. Strong leadership skills and the ability to manage multidisciplinary teams. Excellent interpersonal, communication, and delegation skills. A proactive, organised, and compassionate approach to patient care. Confidence to take initiative and drive continuous clinical improvement. Able to adapt quickly, problem-solve and maintain composure under pressure. Punctual, reliable, and professional at all times.

Desirable but not essential:

Previous experience in a surgery, theatre, or nurse manager role. Experience in ophthalmology or working within private healthcare settings.

Location

: 36-40 Ann Street, Belfast, BT1 4EG

Job Type:

Part-time, 24 hours per week

Salary:

21 per hour (based on experience)

Reports to:

Clinic Manager

Work Location:

On-site

This role offers a unique opportunity to lead surgical operations in a highly respected refractive eye surgery clinic. If you're a Registered Nurse ready to step into leadership and drive outstanding patient care - we would love to hear from you!

Job Type: Part-time

Pay: 21.00 per hour

Expected hours: 24 per week

Benefits:

Additional leave Employee discount Health & wellbeing programme
Schedule:

10 hour shift 12 hour shift 8 hour shift Holidays Monday to Friday Weekend availability
Work Location: In person

Application deadline: 25/07/2025