Ocularist

Job description

Job responsibilities

To select and adapt stock prostheses to create temporary artificial eyes. Insert, instruct and advise on insertion and removal techniques to both the listed and emergency referred patients.

To create and produce customised conformers, which may or may not involve visiting the operating theatre or wards to mould and/or fit the ocular defect.

To mould, fit and paint a definitive pattern prior to the manufacture and subsequent supply of a customised artificial eye. Give advice on future treatments that may be required and the daily routine of inserting removing and cleaning.

To instil anaesthetic drops, mould, fit and paint a definitive pattern prior to the manufacture and subsequent supply of a customised cosmetic shell (cosmetic scleral lens). Give advice on future treatments that may be required and the daily routine of inserting removing and cleaning.

To provide advice to patients on all aspects of ocular prosthetic treatment, handling, care & hygiene.

To communicate sensitively and compassionately with patients given the nature of the service, this will involve helping patients overcome phobias / fears regarding handling / inserting prosthesis.

Reassuring patients who have had facial reconstruction etc.

To change and adapt to innovative ideas and techniques when new developments or materials become available.

To help in the compilation of clinic records, statistical returns, and all aspects of the departments ISO13485 Quality Assurance Program.

To undertake maintenance of the departments equipment in line with the schedule detailed in the department Quality Assurance Program.

Person Specification

Education

Essential

• oQualification in either science or art to Degree/ HNC level or equivalent level of experience in a relevant field e.g., Dental Technician.

Desirable

• oMasters or equivalent level qualification/experience.

Experience

Essential

• oWorking within a team and dealing with the public.
• oExperience working with photographic equipment, computers, data handling.

Desirable

• oExperience in prosthetic design and construction.
• oTreating adult patients in a clinical setting.
• oKnowledge of other health care disciplines.

Knowledge

Essential

• oCompetent user of computer equipment and software packages.

Desirable

• oKnowledge of essential Health and Safety requirements.
• oWorking knowledge of fitting and manufacturing adult temporary artificial eyes customised artificial eyes and cosmetic shells.

Skills

Essential

• oExcellent interpersonal skills, in intimate situations.
• oGood organisational and problem-solving skills.
• oAbility to work under pressure and unsupervised.
• oExceptional attention to detail

Desirable

• oShows aptitude for research and development.

Personal Qualities

Essential

• Ability to work well and flexibly within a team and as an individual.
• oExcellent communication skills due to nature of the role (incl. compassion, tact & diplomacy).
• oAble to communicate effectively with persons of all ages/backgrounds.
• oMotivated and uses initiative.
• oWilling and able to contribute to maintaining a positive working environment.
• oAbility to show empathy to patients some of whom may be receiving prosthesis for the first time.

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

Moorfields Eye Hospital NHS Foundation Trust

Address

Moorfields Eye Hospital

162 City Road

London

EC1V 2PD

Employer's website

https://www.moorfields.nhs.uk/work-for-us (Opens in a new tab)