Emergency Ophthalmic Practitioner

Job description

Job responsibilities

For more information on the Job Description and Responsibilities please click the link below.

More detail about the role

Our EES provides treatment for emergency and urgent, sight threatening problems. The successful candidate will assess, diagnose and treat these patients autonomously and alongside the Ophthalmologist in the EES. The role also involves assisting in the management of the telephone triage service for the EES, who receive queries from primary eye care (Community Optometrists, GP practices, minor injuries units, NHS 111, and the main emergency department) as well as post-operative patients.

The post holder should be skilled in anterior eye examination and associated ophthalmic test interpretation. There is an expectation of the post holder to supply and administer medications under Patient Group Directions, in line with Trust policy and National guidelines.

The post holder will also play an active role in facilitating placements and teaching for other healthcare professionals (student and pre-reg Optometrists, Nurse Practitioners, IP Optometrist placements, medical students).

The role requires accountability for your own professional actions when working within your sphere of competence.

Working Pattern:

We have up to three vacancies available for both full-time and part-time practitioners, with a minimum of 19 hours per week. While we are flexible with working arrangements, full-time availability is preferred, particularly for trainee practitioners.

The role involves working 08:00 to 18:00 across four days per week, with no fixed schedule, so a high level of flexibility and adaptability is essential. The Emergency Eye Service operates from the West of England Eye Unit, open Monday to Saturday, including Bank Holidays, with Sunday openings expected in the near future. Currently, staff typically work approximately 1 in 4 Saturdays.

Interview Date: Wednesday 7th May 2025

For further information please contact: Caitlin Newitt or Mark Tumambing, Joint interim heads of the Emergency Eye Service, caitlin.newitt@nhs.net m.tumambing@nhs.net.

As an inclusive employer, the Royal Devon values diversity and is committed to creating a culture of inclusivity where everyone can be themselves and reach their full potential. We believe in fostering a sense of belonging and actively encourage applications from individuals of all backgrounds, cultures, and abilities. We recognise the advantages of having a diverse workforce that reflects the communities we serve.

Preference will be given to staff with Priority and 'At Risk' status including NHS At Risk staff throughout Devon.

The Royal Devon University Healthcare NHS Foundation Trust reserves the right to close vacancy when sufficient applications have been received.

The Royal Devon University Healthcare NHS Foundation Trust was established in April 2022, bringing together the expertise of both the Royal Devon and Exeter NHS Foundation Trust and Northern Devon Healthcare NHS Trust.

Benefits

We will work together to maintain a culture that develops and supports you and your team.

This might include funding for a care certificate, a degree or leadership qualifications. Or it might include days off to study, engage in CPD or rotational placements to help you hone your skills. Wherever you are heading in the NHS, we'll help you get there.

Looking after you is important to us.

We strive to help our staff create a healthy work-life balance through flexible working schemes and our family friendly policies.

If you're starting out in the NHS, you'll start with 27 days paid annual leave (plus bank holidays), rising to 33 days plus bank holidays.

You'll benefit from access to our own comprehensive occupational health services, including counselling, onsite wellbeing activities and groups.

Salary is not the only financial benefit

You'll have access to an extensive range of staff discounts on shopping, fitness and leisure options and you can spread the cost of technology and home appliance purchases from major retailers.

You will also have access to other benefits including:

National discount services such as the Blue Light Card and Health Service Discounts.

Salary sacrifice options including our OFSTED rated outstanding nursery onsite at Exeter

Car lease schemes.

The NHS Pension scheme (one of the most generous and comprehensive in the UK).

Cycle to work scheme

These are just a few of the benefits available if the role is something you are interested in, we'd love to hear from you.

Person Specification

General Requirements

Essential

• See job description text above, and (where applicable) you can download a copy of the full job description

Desirable

• See job description text above, and (where applicable) you can download a copy of the full job description

Disclosure and Barring Service Check

This post is subject to the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act (Exceptions Order) 1975 and as such it will be necessary for a submission for Disclosure to be made to the Disclosure and Barring Service (formerly known as CRB) to check for any previous criminal convictions.

Employer details

Employer name

Royal Devon University Healthcare NHS Foundation Trust

Address

Royal Devon and Exeter Hospital

Barrack Road

Exeter

Devon

EX2 5DW

Employer's website

https://royaldevon.nhs.uk/ (Opens in a new tab)