Ophthalmology Veterinary Nurse

About the Role

You'll join Southern Counties Veterinary Specialists as an Ophthalmology Nurse, delivering advanced nursing care within a specialist-led small animal hospital. This part-time role working approximately 34 hours per week offers flexibility in your chosen working days and shift times, with a 1:5 Saturday rota covering inpatients and procedures.

The practice has recently expanded with a new purpose-built theatre complex, 10 consulting rooms, rehabilitation centre, and planned diagnostic suite and ICU areas. You'll work collaboratively with recognised specialists across multiple disciplines and a dedicated rehabilitation team providing physiotherapy and hydrotherapy support.

Key Responsibilities

• Lead ophthalmology-specific inpatient care and case management
• Assist clinicians during consultations and in theatre, including occasional scrub assisting
• Manage patient admission and discharge
• Prepare and administer perioperative and postoperative medications
• Assist in induction and monitoring of anaesthesia
• Prepare patients for procedures and manage recovery care
• Contribute specialist nursing expertise to clinical decision-making and share knowledge with colleagues

Requirements

• Registration as a Veterinary Nurse with the RCVS
• Significant experience in clinical practice with an interest in ophthalmology
• Experience working with complex ophthalmology cases in a referral or advanced-care setting (advantageous)
• Strong communication skills and ability to work effectively within multidisciplinary teams
• Commitment to evidence-based practice, clinical governance, and continuous improvement

Benefits

• 6.8 weeks annual leave with increasing allowance based on length of service
• Enhanced family-friendly policies including maternity, paternity, adoption, shared parental and surrogacy pay
• Private Medical Insurance
• Healthcare Cash Plan and Cycle to Work scheme
• 550 pounds CPD allowance plus 24 hours paid leave
• RCVS and VDS fees covered
• Pension scheme
• Discounted veterinary care
• Voluntary benefits including Green Cars salary sacrifice and retailer discounts
• Clear career pathways with progression opportunities in referral nursing and leadership roles
• Ongoing learning and development for advanced clinical and professional growth

About the Practice

Southern Counties Veterinary Specialists (SCVS) is a specialist referral centre based in Ringwood, Hampshire, serving veterinary practices across the south. The hospital provides referral services with recognised specialists in cardiology, dermatology, internal medicine, neurology, orthopaedics, diagnostic imaging, spinal surgery, soft tissue surgery, and physiotherapy.

Part of inspiring vet care, the UK's number one vet care provider trusted with the care of over 2 million animals, SCVS houses the most advanced facilities in the region. The dedicated advanced nursing team provides excellent patient care, supported by veterinary care assistants who ensure patients feel reassured during their stay.