The potential of an optical sensing material for determination of metal ions in wastewater streams is presented. The initial results in the development of a chromo-ionophore-based optical sensor for metal ions are detailed. An azo dye species, 2-(5-bromo-2-pyridylazo)-5-dietilylaminophenoI (BrPADAP). together with ail ionophore and plasticiser was immobilised in a film of poly(vinyl chloride) (PVC). Initial investigations using the dye-impregnated sensing film showed a reproducible and reversible response to Pb(II) ions in aqueous solution. The response of this sensing film to Pb(II) at pH 6 was found to be linear in the 0.1-10 mg/L range, with a %RSD of 1.55%. The film can be regenerated by immersion in a low-pH buffer solution. The authors demonstrate how this method shows potential for analysis using once-off sensing probes. The sensing film response for Pb(II) occurs within 30s.