19 February 2026
Fancy a job with a 15-second commute and the chance to see the northern lights after work?
The only optometry practice on the Orkney Islands is seeking to recruit an early career optometrist to help look after the eye health of the archipelago’s 22,000 residents.
In a bid to entice prospective applicants, Clark Optometrists in Kirkwall is offering the successful candidate lodging in a two-bedroom apartment above the practice until they find permanent accommodation.
As well as assisting with relocation costs, the practice is offering a £5000 bonus following the completion of a year’s work as well as the cost of two flights home per year.
In addition to the early career optometrist role, Clark Optometrists also has a vacancy for an established optometrist, with the potential for a partnership opportunity in the future.
Clark Optometrists practice partner and optometrist, Isla Kirkness, grew up on Orkney and returned to work on the island after leaving to train as an optometrist.
“Some might assume that would be a step backwards, but for me it’s been the opposite. It’s allowed me to see the bigger picture and appreciate Orkney more fully. I value the work-life balance here and the slightly slower pace, but I’m also a sociable person, so it’s important to me that there’s still plenty going on — and there certainly is,” she emphasised.
Clark Optometrists has modern equipment, including an optical coherence tomography device, with the opportunity for regular hospital placements with NHS Orkney.
Kirkness shared that there are strong professional and social networks on Orkney, which is located 10 miles off Scotland’s north coast.
“Life here is active and varied. To give a snapshot, in the space of a single week we managed to fit in northern lights displays, sea swims, a round of golf, beachcombing for the elusive groatie buckie, dog walks, and a stroll out to a new local brewery,” Kirkness shared.
Life on Orkney
She highlighted that she has a strong sense of personal connection with Orkney.
“I really value living somewhere where people genuinely care about the place they call home, and about each other,” she said.
Kirkness shared that there is a strong sense of community on Orkney, with anyone who contributes to island life quickly being made to feel welcome.
“Our High Street is full of independent businesses, which I think reflects that shared support – there’s a collective desire to protect the character and sense of magic that makes Orkney special,” she said.
Clark Optometrists practice director and optometrist, Graeme Clark, shared that Orkney offers the benefits of rural living without feeling cut off.
“Orkney is well connected to the mainland by regular flights and ferry services, significantly discounted for island residents, making travel straightforward and accessible,” he said.
I really value living somewhere where people genuinely care about the place they call home, and about each other
He highlighted that, as the only optometry practice on the island, Clark Optometrists works closely with the local hospital.
“They know us well and value our clinical judgement. Because of the practical realities of island care, we often provide local reviews and feedback for the ophthalmology team – creating a unique opportunity to build confidence, upskill, and gain experience in managing a wide range of clinical cases,” Clark said.
He added that although Orkney may be considered a remote setting, optometrists at Clark Optometrists never work in isolation.
“There’s always access to senior support, second opinions, and collaborative decision-making,” Clark said.
Those interested in finding out more information, or applying for the role, can visit the following website.
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