Optometrist

Job responsibilities

Clinical

To work unsupervised as an autonomous practitioner providing a range of core optometry and extended role services. These include routine and complex refractions and fundus/media examinations.

To carry out paediatric ophthalmic assessments involving refraction, ophthalmoscopy, providing of corrective lenses (through the Hospital Eye Service Prescription system) and, alongside the Orthoptists, formulate management plans and: where necessary, onwards referrals.

Where necessary, liaise with dispensing opticians.

As an autonomous practitioner, to be legally and professionally responsible and accountable for the management of patients in your care and to keep accurate and contemporaneous records.

To liaise with and give detailed medical information to all members of the Eye Clinic, and other professions as necessary, in order to establish a high quality co-ordinated service.

To work as part of a multi-disciplinary team consisting of Ophthalmologists, Orthoptists, Nurses, Photographers, Clerks and Healthcare Assistants.

To Supervise and instruct patients and patient carers in the implementation of specific care programmes.

With guidance and direction from the Head Orthoptist, to plan and manage own workload for the delivery of optometry services across all Trust sites.

To professionally liaise with patients and patient carers with tact and sensitivity to enable them to fully understand their condition and management.

To ensure the delivery of a high quality, evidence-based service within current legislation guidelines and meeting the requirements of clinical governance and clinical risk management.

Discharge patients in line with departmental policy.

Professional

With the Head Orthoptist, participate in the development of protocols and pathways using evidence based practice, professional, statutory body and Trust guidelines.

To maintain own programme of Continuous Professional Development to extend own knowledge and skills.

To take part in regular performance appraisals.

To maintain General Optical Council registration and Continuing Education Training accreditation.

To assist in providing teaching and training for pre-registration optometry post graduates, medical/nursing staff and Orthoptic colleagues.

To respect patient and staff confidentiality at all times.

To observe safe working practices and equipment procedures, complying with the requirements under health and safety regulations.

To provide professional advice to Social Services, Rehabilitation Services, Education Authorities and other bodies as required.

To liaise with the Head Orthoptist about any problems which may arise during daily clinical practice.

To attend mandatory training in line with Trust policies.

To maintain departmental equipment and ensure that the working environment complies with statutory regulations and with the recommendations of professional local bodies.

Administrative Duties

To have sound knowledge of administration and appointment systems and day-to-day management of clinic arrangements.

To carry out administrative tasks relating to the smooth running of optometry and orthoptic services with the Trust.

To be individually responsible for complying with good record keeping standard and rules and regulations regarding patient confidentiality.

To keep accurate statistics and produce an annual report in any area of special interest/responsibility.

To bring to the attention of the Head of department any problems or complaints in order that they will be managed in accordance with Trust policies.

To work with the Head of department on requirements needed to further knowledge and skills.

Experience

Essential

• Registered with the GOC
• Previous HES or independent practice work
• Full eye test and complex refractions including children with & without cycloplegia
• Working with children & the elderly

Desirable

• Post graduate teaching
• Low Vision work

Qualifications

Essential

• BSc (Hons) Optometry
• General Optical Council Registration
• A willingness to undergo training to carry out the job

Desirable

• ndependent Prescribers Certificate
• European Computer driving licence

Special Knowledge

Essential

• LogMAR acuity measurement and contrast sensitivity measurement
• Paediatric optometric assessment
• Basic low vision/contact lens work
• Ophthalmic drugs used in optometric practice
• Understanding of basic Orthoptic principles and practice

Desirable

• Familiarity with Low Vision aids
• Experience of computer systems and keyboard skills
• Interpretation of corneal topography

Behaviours

Essential

• Professional attitude to work
• Patience
• Willingness to help others in a team

Practical & Intellectual Skills

Essential

• Ability to work in a busy environment and a flexibility with working hours
• Precise manual dexterity skills
• Installation of ophthalmic drugs
• Practical refraction, contact lens fitting and low vision dispensing skills
• Well developed interpersonal, mental & emotional skills where barriers exist because of age, special needs, physical and language difficulties
• Good written and verbal communication skills
• Able to work independently upon own initiative

Desirable

• Contact tonometry
• Volk lens use

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.

UK Registration

Applicants must have current UK professional registration. For further information please see NHS Careers website (opens in a new window).