We are always looking for veterinary professionals and support staff to join the Optivet team.
Please contact hr@optivet.com who will treat your inquiry in confidence.
If you love being a veterinary professional, you think you could own one of these positions and want to be a part of a Practice which is going somewhere, we would love to hear from you.
Specialist in Small Animal Surgery
Optivet Referrals is an independent referral centre staffed by a very friendly and inclusive team – more of a family than a corporate environment. We are aligned around a set of strong core values which help us to deliver leading specialist-led care to our patients and their owners – we truly treat patients as if they are our own pets.
We are one of the world’s leading veterinary ophthalmology centres and also have specialists in surgery, medicine and anaesthesia – we all support each other unreservedly.
If you are a dynamic, people-friendly specialist surgeon looking for an opportunity to shape your future then we would like to talk to you.
We are recruiting a boarded surgeon to work in tandem with our existing boarded surgeon and certificate holder.
You will enjoy providing a broad specialist surgery service, covering orthopaedic, soft tissue, neurosurgical, trauma, and mixed-discipline cases. Experience in general practice prior to specialisation would be advantageous for this generalist role. In terms of support, you will work alongside proactive specialist internal medicine (and cardiology), anaesthesia, and ophthalmology services, high-quality out of hours clinical teams, and supportive management, actively encouraging any areas of clinical interest that you may wish to develop.
You will also enjoy clinical teaching and mentoring surgical residents, interns, veterinary nurses, and final-year veterinary students on intramural rotations. Your research interests will be supported, via collaborative clinical networks and via our links with The University of Surrey.
We are proud of our close-knit team and strong patient and owner-focused culture that drives clinical and client service levels to the highest levels, caring for patients as if they were our own pets and treating everyone as we would wish to be treated ourselves.
We believe in ensuring a good work/life balance and sharing a top remuneration/reward package with you in a geographically stunning corner of the world, an hour from London, and bursting with outdoor and on-water leisure opportunities, wildlife, artisan food producers, and so much more.
If you genuinely love being a surgeon and you think you could own this position and help build a unique training environment, please respond.
Please make initial contact (which will be treated in confidence) with Simon Hester – simon@optivet.com 07802 584133.
Medicine Specialist
Optivet Referrals is an independent referral centre staffed by a very friendly and inclusive team – more of a family than a corporate environment. We are aligned around a set of strong core values which help us to deliver leading specialist-led care to our patients and their owners – we truly treat patients as if they are our own pets.
We are one of the world’s leading veterinary ophthalmology centres and also have specialists in surgery, medicine and anaesthesia – we all support each other unreservedly.
If you are a dynamic, people-friendly medicine specialist looking for an opportunity to shape your future then we would like to talk to you.
There is a ready caseload from a group of loyal referring vets that has been developed by our brilliant part-time specialist and now great scope for the right person to develop a full-time service. You will have the freedom to develop services for any areas of interest that you have.
We will offer unmatched rewards to the right person - a four day working week, a top salary, an opportunity for profit share / share incentive scheme – one of the last remaining openings in the veterinary world for this type of opportunity.
Facilities include a 128-slice CT scanner and all the other toys that you may need.
If you would like to explore further, please make contact.
Feel free to call Simon Hester on 07802 584133 or email simon@optivet.com
Specialist Ophthalmologists
Optivet is developing as a multidisciplinary centre but we started out as an ophthalmology service and remain world-leaders in this field. We are able to boast multiple residents, world-leading specialists and a host of cutting-edge procedures such as retinal reattachment and glaucoma interventions, which ensure we enjoy a heavy load of tertiary referrals alongside our standard referral work.
If you love veterinary ophthalmology, wish to be at the forefront of your speciality and if your enjoy clinical research then we are always looking to expand our team
Registered Veterinary Nurses
Optivet referrals are world leaders in Ophthalmology as well as providing specialist care in Internal Medicine, Orthopaedics, Soft Tissue and Outpatient CT. We pride ourselves in providing the highest level of specialist referral veterinary care, 7 days a week.
We are looking for skilled and dedicated RVNs. Referral Centre experience is desired but not necessary to join our friendly, inclusive, multidisciplinary team. The team includes Specialists in Ophthalmology, Anaesthesia, Medicine and Orthopaedic Surgery, Residents, Interns and a full Nursing Support Team. The role and caseload is varied, providing every opportunity for personal growth. You will be required to rotate through Theatre, Wards, Medicine and Prep. Full training in all areas will be given. Previous theatre experience is essential.
Various shifts are available.
We provide a competitive package and benefits including private medical care, free parking, pension and a very generous holiday package.
We operate primarily out of our practice in Havant which boasts the latest in equipment and facilities.
Please apply in the first instance with a full CV to HR@Optivet.com or call on 01243 888091
Anaesthesia Intern required at Optivet Referrals
Optivet Referrals is currently looking for one anaesthesia intern to join its team as soon as practically possible. The ideal candidate is a veterinary surgeon with a strong interest in anaesthesia and analgesia, ideally with some previous anaesthesia experience or that would like to broaden their post-graduate experience in a multidisciplinary referral hospital. This internship is an excellent opportunity for a veterinary surgeon interested in enrolling in a residency program later on, as they will gain the required experience working under the supervision of a specialist Anaesthetist (Diplomate ACVAA and ECVAA).
About us
Optivet Referrals is one of the leading Veterinary Ophthalmology hospitals in the UK, with state-of-the-art facilities, that is rapidly expanding and accepts referral surgical and medical cases apart from ophthalmology referrals. The Anaesthesia and Analgesia team consists of a senior anaesthetist (Diplomate ACVAA and ECVAA), a resident of the ECVAA and an anaesthesia intern. The rest of the team includes an ECVS diplomate Surgeon, an RCVS Internal Medicine specialist, 2 Ophthalmology specialists, 4 Ophthalmology registrars, 3 Ophthalmology residents, 2 ophthalmology interns and 2 rotating interns. The caseload includes a wide variety of ophthalmology surgeries (cataracts, retinal reattachment, glaucoma surgery, corneal grafts, entropion, face lifts, enucleations, etc..), orthopaedic and soft tissue surgeries, medicine procedures (E.g. endoscopies, bronchoscopies, biopsies) and computed tomography cases (both inpatients and outpatients). The majority of the patients are dogs and cats (95%), and the remainder are exotics. The anaesthesia equipment incorporates advanced ventilatory and haemodynamic monitoring, including non-invasive cardiac output, mechanical ventilators, peripheral nerve stimulators (for neuromuscular function monitoring and nerve blocks) and a dedicated ultrasound machine for ultrasound-guided peripheral loco-regional blocks.
About the role
The responsibilities of the intern will be to support the veterinary team and the nursing team in the care of all patients. The anaesthesia intern will be expected to contribute to the pre- intra- and post-operative care of patients needing anaesthesia and will also have their own cases under direct supervision by the Diplomate anaesthetist. The Anaesthesia team holds weekly Journal club meetings, which the anaesthesia interns are expected to attend. The whole Optivet team holds weekly in-house CPD presentations, where the interns are expected to present at least once during the internship.
The internship will have a duration of 12 months. A competitive and attractive benefit package is offered. The interns will be expected to work 40 hours per week and will be expected to do both day and night shifts. Holidays are 25 working days plus statutory bank holidays, and CPD allowance is 5 days. A further 5 days may be taken as unpaid leave should the intern wish to pursue other training opportunities or attend other conferences. There will be a 3-month probationary period, during which the internship may be terminated by either party with a one-week notice period.
Optivet Referrals is located in Havant, Hampshire, in the South of England, near Portsmouth, Chichester, Winchester and Southampton, with easy train access to London city centre and 1 hour 20 min by car to Heathrow and Gatwick airports. The South of England enjoys more days of sun than the rest of the country, has beautiful beaches and is very close to nature reserves like the South Downs and the New Forest.
About you
Interested candidates please contact Eva Rioja Garcia (eva@optivet.com), our Head of Anaesthesia and Clinical Lead, or Emma Phillips (emma.phillips@optivet.com), our People Lead. Candidates must be MRCVS eligible with the right to work in the UK (Pre-settled or Settled status or with a valid UK working VISA for the duration of the internship is required).
Candidates must hold a IELTS at level 7.0 for RCVS registration.
There is no application deadline, and we will consider all candidates until the position is filled.
Registered Veterinary Nurse - Permanent
Havant - Hampshire
Optivet Referrals is an independent specialist referral centre, with specialists in ophthalmology, surgery, internal medicine and anaesthesia. With a team of 11 ophthalmologists, it is one of the largest in the world. Based in Havant, Hampshire, our practice has the latest equipment and facilities to help provide the essential care our patients need.
We are aligned around a set of core values which help us to deliver leading specialist led care to our patients and their owners. We are also currently undergoing environment accreditation to help reduce our carbon usage.
Through consistent growth, based on our quality of service, we have a fantastic opportunity to welcome a new friendly and enthusiastic Registered Veterinary Nurse to join our inclusive team. This is a fantastic opportunity to take the next step into referral nursing to further your skills, knowledge and experience.
About the Role
As a dedicated RVN, you will be rotated within Theatre nursing, Ward patient care, Internal Medicine and Surgical Prep Area nursing. You will get exposure to caring for patients with a wide range of medical and surgical conditions, both ophthalmic and non-ophthalmic.
This exciting position is a full-time role, working a 40-hour week, on a rotating shift pattern, alongside with a 1 in 7 weekend rota, including bank holidays.
Our vibrant and friendly nursing team have exceptional knowledge and experience which allows for an excellent working environment, with plenty of support and development (full induction and training provided).
About you
To succeed in this role, you must be dynamic, well organised with high attention to detail. You must be able to show empathy and work in a fast-paced environment, whilst demonstrating exemplary teamworking skills.
Above all, you must be passionate about providing a high standard and quality of care to your patients and clients. In addition:
- You must be qualified RVN
- Knowledge of referral practices would be an advantage, but not essential
Our package
- Base salary - £25,000 to £30,500 per year (experience and skill dependant);
- 25 days holiday plus Bank Holidays (extra 5 days for length of service);
- Extra day off for your birthday;
- £1000pa towards CPD;
- Private health care; SMART pension;
- Free onsite parking;
- Pet insurance contribution.
Please visit our website www.optivet.com to read more about what we do. To apply, please email through your CV and covering letter to our HR lead emma.phillips@optivet.com
We can’t wait to hear from you!
VCA
We have an exciting opportunity for an enthusiastic and passionate Veterinary Care Assistant to join our inclusive team here at Optivet Referrals.
Optivet Referrals is an independent specialist referral centre, with specialists in ophthalmology, surgery, internal medicine and anaesthesia. With a team of 11 ophthalmologists, it is one of the largest in the world. Based in Havant, Hampshire, our practice has the latest equipment and facilities to help provide the essential care our patients need.
We are aligned around a set of core values which help us to deliver leading specialist led care to our patients and their owners. We are also currently undergoing an investor in the environment accreditation to help reduce our carbon usage.
About the role
This is a permanent full-time position working 40 hours per week, including rotating OOH.
As a VCA you will work alongside specialist veterinary surgeons and nurses to provide vital care for small animal patients (predominately dogs and cats).
This will include:
• General Small Animal Ward Care – includes inpatient care, assisting with inpatient checks, walking and feeding patients, monitor patients post op
• Preparation for Theatre – includes preparing patients for surgeries, restocking equipment as necessary, oxygenating patients (under supervision)
• Theatres and autoclave room assistance – includes preparing surgical kits, handing surgeon kit during operations, clean kits and theatres according to protocols
• Medicine Room assistance – Enter patient details into ultrasound, help processing samples, set up and clean endoscopes once trained
• Laboratory Assistance - Process samples using the haematology and biochemistry machines, collect urine and faecal samples, Blood smears, Package samples, Prepare formal saline pots, following health and safety regulations.
• Other Duties – take incoming enquiries via telephone and pass information to relevant person; book appointments via Ezyvet system when necessary
(Full job description available on request)
About you
To succeed in this role, you must be dynamic, well organised with exceptional attention to hygiene and cleanliness. You must be able to show empathy and work in a fast-paced environment, whilst remaining calm and demonstrating exemplary teamworking skills.
Above all, you must be passionate about providing a high standard and quality of care to your patients and clients.
In addition:
• At least 1-2 years demonstrated experience of working as a VCA in a busy veterinary environment with small animals.
• Good working knowledge of clinical legislation around Veterinary Care.
Our package
• Base salary - £18,000 to £22,000 per year (experience and skill dependant)
• 25 days holiday plus Bank Holidays (we also allow an extra 5 days for length of service).
• Extra day off for your birthday
• CPD
• Private health care
• SMART pension
• Free onsite parking
• Pet insurance contribution
Please visit our website Optivet.com to read more about what we do.
To apply – please email through your CV and covering letter to emma.phillips@optivet.com
We can’t wait to hear from you!
Equine Veterinary Surgeon
Optivet Referrals Equine is currently looking for an Equine Veterinary Surgeon to join its dedicated Equine Ophthalmology team in an Equine Ophthalmology training position. The ideal candidate is a veterinary surgeon with a strong interest in ophthalmology, ideally with some previous equine ambulatory or hospital experience. This position is an excellent opportunity for career development and a veterinary surgeon considering enrolling in a future residency program, as they will gain the required experience working under the supervision of ECVO and RCVS Specialists and other senior ophthalmology clinicians.
About us
The Equine Ophthalmology department is a branch of Optivet Referrals, which is one of the leading independent specialist Veterinary Ophthalmology referral centre in the UK. We are a friendly and welcoming team who strive to provide an excellent service and make a difference to many cases with this new and evolving speciality. The equine department is an ambulatory based practice covering work across most of the south and south east of England. Offering yard and hospital based equine case referrals both for medical management and surgical intervention. We offer a high level of expertise and newly evolving techniques in this subject and pride ourselves on our relationships with both clients and vets, always wanting to improve the service wherever possible. This new training position plans to be well supervised and structured to provide the start of comprehensive training in medical and surgical equine ophthalmology.
About the role
The responsibilities of this role will be to support the equine ophthalmology team. Day to day your time will be spent conducting clinical duties 'on the road' as part of our Ophthalmology Service, managing hospitalised patients at multiple clinics and participating in an out-of-hours on-call rota for ophthalmic emergencies under the supervision of our equine ophthalmology specialist team. You will be expected to increase your primary case responsibility for a varied caseload and to gradually increase your surgical proficiency while being fully supported with this.
There will be some opportunity to gain some experience in the small animal referral centre where you can experience the expertise of multiple Ophthalmology specialists as well as small animal medicine and surgery specialists. The whole Optivet team holds weekly in-house CPD presentations, where your involvement is encouraged and the Ophthalmology departments run weekly 2 hourly journal and book club to maintain our continued learning.
This exciting new role will be a permanent position. This is a full time role to work 40 hours per week and will be expected to do predominantly day and potentially the occasional night shifts. The ideal candidate will be based in the Berkshire/Hampshire area. A competitive and attractive benefit package is offered. Holidays are 25 working days plus statutory bank holidays, and an extra day off for your birthday. CPD allowance is 5 days and a further 5 days may be taken as unpaid leave should you wish to pursue other training opportunities or attend other conferences. We offer private health care, pet insurance contribution and SMART pension scheme.
Interested candidates please contact Chez de Oliveira (chez@optivet.com), Equine Ophthalmology Clinical Lead, or Lauren Pratt (equine@optivet.com), RVN and Equine Administrator. Candidates must be MRCVS eligible with the right to work in the UK. Application deadline is the 20th September 2021, and should include a letter of intent, curriculum vitae and the contact details of two referees.
Ophthalmology Internships – 3 positions available
Optivet Referrals is currently looking for 3 ophthalmology interns, one to start immediately, one to start 1st of November 2021 and one to start the 6th of April 2022. The ideal candidates are veterinary surgeons with a strong interest in ophthalmology. The candidates ideally will have some previous experience in general practice in UK.
Optivet Referrals is one of the leading Veterinary Ophthalmology hospitals in the UK, with state-of-the-art facilities, that is rapidly expanding and accepts referral surgical and medical cases apart from ophthalmology referrals. The Ophthalmology team consists of 1 Ophthalmology specialist, 2 ECVO trained Ophthalmologists, 1 Advanced Practitioner Ophthalmologist, 1 Certificate holder Ophthalmologist and 2 Ophthalmology residents. The rest of the team includes a specialist Surgeon (ECVS diplomate), a specialist in Internal Medicine (RCVS), a specialist Anaesthetist (ACVAA diplomate), an Anaesthesia resident and a total of 5 interns (2 rotating, 2 ophthalmology and 1 anaesthesia interns).
The ophthalmology caseload includes a wide variety of cases, both medical and surgical (uveitis, cataracts, glaucoma, corneal ulcers and grafts, entropion, face lifts, enucleations, etc..), including some very advanced ophthalmology surgeries such as glaucoma surgery (endoscopic cyclophotocoagulation and gonio implant) and retinopexy and retinal reattachment surgery. The rest of the caseload includes orthopaedic and soft tissue surgeries, medicine procedures (E.g. endoscopies, bronchoscopies, biopsies) and computed tomography cases (both inpatients and outpatients). The majority of the patients are dogs and cats (95%), and the remainder are exotics.
The responsibilities of the interns will be to support the veterinary team and the nursing team in the care of all patients. The ophthalmology intern will be expected to contribute to the care of ophthalmology in-patients, to help in consults, surgery and anaesthesia, and to provide out-of-hours service. The Ophthalmology team hold weekly Journal club meetings, which the interns are expected to attend. The whole Optivet team holds monthly grand rounds and mortality/morbidity rounds, where the interns will be expected to present at least once.
The internship will have a duration of 12 months. A competitive and attractive benefit package is offered. The interns will be expected to work 40 hours per week (distributed over 5 days) and to cover different shifts (days and nights). Holidays are 25 working days plus statutory bank holidays and your birthday. The CPD allowance is 5 days. There will be a 3-month probationary period, during which the internship may be terminated by either party with a one-week notice period.
Optivet Referrals is located in Havant, Hampshire, in the South of England, near Portsmouth, Chichester, Winchester and Southampton, with easy train access to London city centre and 1 hour 20 min by car to Heathrow and Gatwick airports. The South of England enjoys more days of sun than the rest of the country, has beautiful beaches and is very close to nature reserves like the South Downs and the New Forest.
Candidates must be MRCVS, or eligible to register with the RCVS, and have the right to work in the UK. If English is not their first language, candidates should have passed an English test as per the RCVS requirements (https://www.rcvs.org.uk/registration/applications-veterinary-surgeons/).
For applications or for further information, interested candidates may contact Eva Rioja Garcia (eva@optivet.com), Clinical Lead or Emma Phillips (emma.phillips@optivet.com) People Lead. There is no application deadline and we will accept applications until the positions are filled. The application should include a letter of intent, the curriculum vitae and the contact details of two references. The date of the interview will be agreed with each of the candidates individually.
We can’t wait to hear from you!
RVN & Equine Co-ordinator
Optivet Referrals is one of the leading independent specialist Ophthalmology referral centres in the UK (Hampshire). We are a friendly team who strive to provide an excellent service and make a difference to many cases with this new and evolving speciality. The equine department is ambulatory based covering a vast radius. We offer yard visits as well as hospital appointments for in-patients for medical management and surgical intervention. We offer a high level of expertise and advancing techniques in this field and pride ourselves on strong relationships with all parties involved in a case.
We are looking for a new full time staff member (40 hour week over 4 or 5 days, Monday to Friday) to join our team to run the day to day of the equine department. Main duties include: co-ordinating the diaries, liaising with insurance companies, dispensing medications under Veterinary direction, attending equine surgeries to assist the Ophthalmologist, create invoices, stock take/orders, effectively communicate with referring Vets and owners to ensure an efficient service.
It is essential you are an SQP or RVN to handle medications, and you have your own vehicle to be able to travel to yards and hospitals for surgeries. Knowledge of equine diary co-ordination would be an advantage, but not essential.
· We offer a competitive salary based on experience
· Some flexibility to work from home
· 25 days holiday plus Bank Holidays (extra 5 days for length of service)
· Extra day off for your birthday
· £1K CPD allowance
· Private health care
· SMART pension
· Paid mileage
· Pet insurance contribution
Interested candidates please contact Chez de Oliveira (chez@optivet.com) or Lauren Pratt (equine@optivet.com). Candidates must be eligible to work in the UK and application should include a letter of intent, curriculum vitae and contact details of two referees.