Job summary
The Eye Unit at University Hospital Southampton NHS Foundation Trust (UHS) is expanding and we have exciting opportunities for clinically minded Optometrists who would like to enhance their skills and scope of practice.
You will be joining a team of 9 Optometrists who currently cover core Optometry roles, such as adult and paediatric refractions, low vision, medical contact lens fitting and post op cataract assessments. We also work in eye casualty, glaucoma, corneal and medical retina clinics. There are plans to expand our presence in intravitreal injecting for AMD, as well as YAG laser clinics and Optometry-led dry eye clinics.
There is full imaging back up, with access to some of the most up to date equipment in the region. Full training in extended roles will be provided.
Main duties of the job
Attached you will find the person specification document which provides more detail about the essential and desirable skills and experience needed for this role. We highly recommend you review this document and use it when completing your application as these criteria are used by hiring managers as guidance during shortlisting.
For an overview of the main duties of the role please see the Job Description and Main Responsibilities section below. To understand the day-to-day responsibilities in more detail please read the full job description document attached.
About us
As one of the largest acute teaching Trusts in England, we offer learning and development opportunities to help you achieve the career you aspire to. UHS is rated Good by the CQC and in the latest national NHS Staff Survey, we were in the top 10 acute trusts for staff engagement and for staff recommending the hospital as a place to work or receive care.
We support flexible working and will consider requests taking into account the needs of the service. UHS employees are able to access a range of NHS discounts, are entitled to a minimum of 35 days paid holiday (pro rata), and we offer a generous pension scheme.
Southampton is an attractive place to live and work situated on the south coast, with an international airport and direct trains to London. The New Forest National Park and beaches of the Jurassic coast are also right on our doorstep. The city offers living costs 20% lower than London and 14 schools rated outstanding by Ofsted.
Job description
Job responsibilities
What youll do
This is a fantastic opportunity to work across a broad range of highly skilled and specialist services including intra-vitreal injecting, eye casualty, VR, YAG laser, glaucoma, dry eye, cataract pre/post assessments, as well as core Optometry roles. Applications are invited from motivated Optometrists who would like to be part of a multidisciplinary team in an always developing and dynamic department.
What were looking for
The successful candidate will be GOC registered and have had some post qualification experience, will be able to use IT systems with confidence and be able to act on advice from colleagues.
Youll need to be patient and a good communicator as you will be working in a busy environment with a wide variety of patients with varying eye care needs.
The successful applicant will be asked to work independently with minimal supervision as well as part of a busy team.
Candidates should be enthusiastic and be prepared to work in a busy environment with a flexible approach to working hours as some evening and weekend work will be included. Some working in our cross-site locations including Lymington, may be required to cover for sickness or leave.
Job description
Job responsibilities
What youll do
This is a fantastic opportunity to work across a broad range of highly skilled and specialist services including intra-vitreal injecting, eye casualty, VR, YAG laser, glaucoma, dry eye, cataract pre/post assessments, as well as core Optometry roles. Applications are invited from motivated Optometrists who would like to be part of a multidisciplinary team in an always developing and dynamic department.
What were looking for
The successful candidate will be GOC registered and have had some post qualification experience, will be able to use IT systems with confidence and be able to act on advice from colleagues.
Youll need to be patient and a good communicator as you will be working in a busy environment with a wide variety of patients with varying eye care needs.
The successful applicant will be asked to work independently with minimal supervision as well as part of a busy team.
Candidates should be enthusiastic and be prepared to work in a busy environment with a flexible approach to working hours as some evening and weekend work will be included. Some working in our cross-site locations including Lymington, may be required to cover for sickness or leave.
Person Specification
Qualifications
Essential
- BSc (hons) in Optometry
- Registered with General Optical Council (following pre-registration year and professional exams for Diploma in Optometry). Member of the College of Optometrists
Desirable
- Member of Association of Optometrists. College of Optometrists Higher Qualifications or working towards them
Experience
Essential
- Relevant post qualification experience.
- Evidence of continued professional development
Desirable
- Previous experience of hospital Optometry
- Experience in glaucoma shared care provision and other extended roles
- Some experience in teaching and presenting to other professionals
Aptitudes and skills required
Essential
- High level of clinical skill
- Demonstrates clarity and breadth in use of verbal and written communications in relation to our patient group
- Ability to work within the whole Optometry team
- IT skills
Special requirements of the post
Essential
- Professional approach to work
- Ability to maintain a clear head and focus in a very busy environment
- Approachable and sympathetic to patients and staff
- Ability to work under pressure, sometimes high levels, to deadlines, with frequent interruptions
- High degrees of commitment
- Ability to act on advice from colleagues
- Flexibility in working hours, including Saturday working
- Willing to work with other agencies and to undertake additional projects at Directorate level, as requested by Consultants, Clinical Services Manager/Clinical services Director
- Car driver, with full driving licence, or ability to travel between hospital sites or for necessary patient visits, or to external clinics, which may require transporting some kit
Values and behaviours
Essential
- Patients First
- Always Improving
- Working Together
Person Specification
Qualifications
Essential
- BSc (hons) in Optometry
- Registered with General Optical Council (following pre-registration year and professional exams for Diploma in Optometry). Member of the College of Optometrists
Desirable
- Member of Association of Optometrists. College of Optometrists Higher Qualifications or working towards them
Experience
Essential
- Relevant post qualification experience.
- Evidence of continued professional development
Desirable
- Previous experience of hospital Optometry
- Experience in glaucoma shared care provision and other extended roles
- Some experience in teaching and presenting to other professionals
Aptitudes and skills required
Essential
- High level of clinical skill
- Demonstrates clarity and breadth in use of verbal and written communications in relation to our patient group
- Ability to work within the whole Optometry team
- IT skills
Special requirements of the post
Essential
- Professional approach to work
- Ability to maintain a clear head and focus in a very busy environment
- Approachable and sympathetic to patients and staff
- Ability to work under pressure, sometimes high levels, to deadlines, with frequent interruptions
- High degrees of commitment
- Ability to act on advice from colleagues
- Flexibility in working hours, including Saturday working
- Willing to work with other agencies and to undertake additional projects at Directorate level, as requested by Consultants, Clinical Services Manager/Clinical services Director
- Car driver, with full driving licence, or ability to travel between hospital sites or for necessary patient visits, or to external clinics, which may require transporting some kit
Values and behaviours
Essential
- Patients First
- Always Improving
- Working Together
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.
Applications from job seekers who require current Skilled worker sponsorship to work in the UK are welcome and will be considered alongside all other applications. For further information visit the UK Visas and Immigration website (Opens in a new tab).
From 6 April 2017, skilled worker applicants, applying for entry clearance into the UK, have had to present a criminal record certificate from each country they have resided continuously or cumulatively for 12 months or more in the past 10 years. Adult dependants (over 18 years old) are also subject to this requirement. Guidance can be found here Criminal records checks for overseas applicants (Opens in a new tab).
UK Registration
Applicants must have current UK professional registration. For further information please see
NHS Careers website (opens in a new window).
Additional information
Applications from job seekers who require current Skilled worker sponsorship to work in the UK are welcome and will be considered alongside all other applications. For further information visit the UK Visas and Immigration website (Opens in a new tab).
From 6 April 2017, skilled worker applicants, applying for entry clearance into the UK, have had to present a criminal record certificate from each country they have resided continuously or cumulatively for 12 months or more in the past 10 years. Adult dependants (over 18 years old) are also subject to this requirement. Guidance can be found here Criminal records checks for overseas applicants (Opens in a new tab).
UK Registration
Applicants must have current UK professional registration. For further information please see
NHS Careers website (opens in a new window).
