Job summary
We are looking for a Senior Optical Assistant to work in the Contact Lens Service at Moorfields City road. The post holder will line manage a team of optical assistants in the Contact Lens Service and keratoconus monitoring sub-speciality. The post-holder will help with the running of the clinic assist in the co-ordination of departmental education, professional development and training opportunities for optical assistants.
Work with all members of the multi-professional team (optometrists, medical, nursing, admin, and all members of the management team).
Carry out a variety of diagnostic tests and imaging for patients referred to the Contact Lens Service and the provision of a patient education service in all aspects of contact lens handling and care.
The post-holder will make a major contribution to the efficiency of the contact lens section, ensuring that a high quality service is provided at all times including dealing with general queries from patients, staff and suppliers of contact lenses and general administration.
Main duties of the job
To supervise and teach optical imaging techniques to staff for patients in the contact lens service.
Dealing with complex patients to ensure clear and concise explanations and test instructions are given to ensure maximum patient understanding and co-operation takes place, taking into account patients who have visual impairment hearing loss physical disabilities, learning difficulties and non-English speaking patients.
Be fully competent in the use of MEH PAS, OpenEyes, Acuitas and computer programmes required for specialist technical equipment.
Working with the guidance of the consultant and principal optometrists on the training and development of new staff.
Participate in the training and development of all optical assistants within the department.
Provide reassurance, advice and comfort to all patients, many of who have complex emotional, psychological problems and demonstrate an understanding of when to escalate the care.
Work with the Optical assistant and nursing team to ensure all equipment maintenance, equipment safety and data archiving are performed as required and achieve the required standards.
Participate in teaching and training sessions in the department for all staff groups.
Participate and support on-going development of optical assistants.
To contribute to safeguarding agenda for Adults and Children.
To carry out all duties assigned to an optical assistant role (see optical assistant band 3 job description and person specification)
About us
At Moorfields, we provide more than just an excellent career and great colleagues to work with. We also offer:
- Salary including High-Cost Area Supplement
- Opportunity to join the NHS Pension Scheme
- Free 24/7 independent counselling service
- Learning and development opportunities
- Easy and quick transport links
- A range of attractive benefits and discounts
- Access to Blue Light Card and other NHS Discount Schemes
- Free Pilates classes
- Full support and training to develop your skills
- Flexible working friendly organisation
And so much more! To see the full range of benefits we offer please see our Moorfields benefits document.
Job description
Job responsibilities
Education and Professional Development
Acts as a role model, giving guidance, counselling and support to junior staff and students.
Actively contributes and participate in the training and development of all optical assistant staff within the department.
Act as a preceptor/mentor/assessor for new optical assistants.
Be responsible for maintaining own professional development developing and sustaining knowledge of clinical skills and professional awareness, to ensure that advice and information given is based on accurate and current, evidence based knowledge.
Support and participate in education and training programmes and develop training programmes as required.
Be familiar with national, professional and local quality issues relevant to the delivery of the technical service.
Uphold quality initiatives that improve customer care and enhance the interface between staff, patients and visitors.
To be involved in the handling and resolution of complaints within your span of control in accordance with MEH Trust Policy, referring to a consultant or principal optometrists when necessary/appropriate.
To develop within the framework of a personal and professional development plan as agreed with your manager.
Undertake all mandatory training agreed for your role in a timely manner bringing to the attention of your line manager when training is overdue.
To assist the consultant and principal optometrists in developing a culture that is challenging, stimulating, rewarding and supportive.Listen to and be able to accept constructive feedback.
Job description
Job responsibilities
Education and Professional Development
Acts as a role model, giving guidance, counselling and support to junior staff and students.
Actively contributes and participate in the training and development of all optical assistant staff within the department.
Act as a preceptor/mentor/assessor for new optical assistants.
Be responsible for maintaining own professional development developing and sustaining knowledge of clinical skills and professional awareness, to ensure that advice and information given is based on accurate and current, evidence based knowledge.
Support and participate in education and training programmes and develop training programmes as required.
Be familiar with national, professional and local quality issues relevant to the delivery of the technical service.
Uphold quality initiatives that improve customer care and enhance the interface between staff, patients and visitors.
To be involved in the handling and resolution of complaints within your span of control in accordance with MEH Trust Policy, referring to a consultant or principal optometrists when necessary/appropriate.
To develop within the framework of a personal and professional development plan as agreed with your manager.
Undertake all mandatory training agreed for your role in a timely manner bringing to the attention of your line manager when training is overdue.
To assist the consultant and principal optometrists in developing a culture that is challenging, stimulating, rewarding and supportive.Listen to and be able to accept constructive feedback.
Person Specification
Education / Qualifications
Essential
- Degree or equivalent experience in photography / imaging sciences
- A minimum of 2 years ophthalmic imaging experience
Desirable
Knowledge & Experience
Essential
- Over two years' experience of imaging
- Knowledge and understanding of anatomy and pathology of the eye
- Fluorescein angiography/ICG imaging experience
Desirable
- Experience of use with a range of devices including Heidelberg, Topcon, Optos, Optovue and Zeiss
Skills/abilities
Essential
- Good communication skills, particularly to patients regarding their Imaging investigations.
- Capable of performing complex ophthalmic imaging tasks without supervision
- Competent in IT skills
Person Specification
Education / Qualifications
Essential
- Degree or equivalent experience in photography / imaging sciences
- A minimum of 2 years ophthalmic imaging experience
Desirable
Knowledge & Experience
Essential
- Over two years' experience of imaging
- Knowledge and understanding of anatomy and pathology of the eye
- Fluorescein angiography/ICG imaging experience
Desirable
- Experience of use with a range of devices including Heidelberg, Topcon, Optos, Optovue and Zeiss
Skills/abilities
Essential
- Good communication skills, particularly to patients regarding their Imaging investigations.
- Capable of performing complex ophthalmic imaging tasks without supervision
- Competent in IT skills
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.
