Job summary
We have several opportunities available to join our expanding optometry department and friendly ophthalmology team at University Hospitals Sussex, based at Southlands Hospital in Shoreham-By- Sea and St Richards Hospital in Chichester.
The ophthalmology service boasts a state of the art unit in Shoreham, developed in 2017 which comprises of 2 dedicated eye theatres, supported by a suite of diagnostic equipment. The service's vision is to be a world class eye care provider, widely recognised for providing safe, personal and effective care. Opportunities exist for candidates with previous hospital experience, and also for motivated individuals with a desire to gain experience working as a hospital optometrist. Both full-time and part-time roles are available. The ideal candidates will be expected to work effectively within a multidisciplinary team supporting a variety of sub-specialities but in particular we are looking for people with an interest in glaucoma and / or paediatric refraction. College of optometrist higher qualifications would be advantageous.
Our team consists of 11 Consultants, optometrists, orthoptists, nursing and technical team. For an informal discussion please contact Karen French, Consultant Optometrist, via email on kfrench1@nhs.net.
Main duties of the job
Band 7 Clinical Optometrist
This role will be to provide clinical support to the ophthalmology services, both as an autonomous practitioner and as a member of a team. The post holder may be expected to deliver a comprehensive range of core optometric services including paediatric refraction, and will be asked to provide support to glaucoma or other sub-specialities within the ophthalmology department as required.
Applicants for the post are expected to be registered with the GOC and ideally have some post graduate experience of working either in the hospital eye service or in an enhanced role within primary care optometry.
Band 8A Advanced Clinical Optometrist
Advanced Clinical Optometrists have a high level of specialist clinical training, knowledge, skill and experience. Although they may at times be working under the supervision of a consultant ophthalmologist, they are also expected to be able to work autonomously to provide patient care and management of both optometric and specific ophthalmological caseloads.
The role will be mainly to provide clinical support to the glaucoma service, both as an autonomous practitioner and as a member of a team. However the post holder will also be expected to have experience in a comprehensive range of core optometric services including paediatric refraction, and may be asked to provide support to other sub-specialities within the ophthalmology department as required.
Please see JDs for full description
About us
Join us at UHSussex, every day is different, you can be the change, better never stops
At UHSussex we're proud to be at the heart of the NHS. As one of the UK's largest acute Trusts, we're a leading example of the excellence, the ambition and the values that have embodied the NHS for over 70 years.
Improving lives: We are a vibrant and inclusive organisation, with hardworking, talented and dedicated individuals, who work together towards a common goal, to always put our Patient First. Our mission is summed up by our 'where better never stops' motto and no matter the role at UHSussex, you will play a part in driving us forwards and in improving the lives of patients across Sussex. We treat our patients and staff with the same compassion and empathy we expect for ourselves. We're here for them when they need us, and we go above and beyond to meet their needs. This can be seen in our wellbeing programme for staff which is extensive and designed to support you when you need it because we know that to look after others we must first look after ourselves.
Build a career with us: As a university trust and a leader in healthcare research, we value learning, teaching and training so that we can be the best that we can be. From the moment you start with us and throughout your career we will help you to grow and develop. We hope that in choosing UHSussex you are choosing a long and happy career where you will be able to see the difference you make and feel valued for all that you do
Job description
Job responsibilities
Band 7 ClinicalOptometrist
Main Duties and Responsibilities
Communication
- To communicate effectively with patients and their families
- To communicate effectively with doctors, nurses and orthoptists
- Communicate both verbally and in writing with GPs
- Support verbal communication by providing written educational material to patients and carers if required
- Utilise the interpreting service for patients with language barrier
- Ensure the provision of a quality and co-ordinated service by establishing and maintaining liaison amongst all disciplines in patient care within the Trust
- Attend departmental meetings for the Ophthalmology department, communicating effectively and developing positive working relationships with other team members
Service Delivery and Improvement
- To identify opportunities for service, role and practice development within the Ophthalmic Service
- To assist with the implementation and evaluation of areas of practice/service development
- To review and develop written policies/protocols relevant to clinical procedures as necessary
- To undertake specific projects as requested by the Consultant Optometrist, Ophthalmologist body & Department Manager
- To participate in service reviews or improvement events and initiatives in order to drive improved patient experience, quality and productivity
- To take part in departmental audit
People Management and Development
- Assist in training and education for GPs as required
- Keep up to date with current research and evidence-based practice by attending relevant meetings, courses and seminars. Responsible for sharing knowledge with other professionals and team to influence better care and outcomes for patients
- To keep documentary evidence of Continuing Professional Development and use personal development, clinical supervision, appraisal and Knowledge and Skills Framework
- To be involved and act as a role model for clinical placements of work experience students, orthoptic students, optometry students, medical students, GPs, health visitors
- To be able to supervise less experienced staff and students
- To participate in health promotion for GPs and community optometry services
- To partake in appraisal as an appraisee
- To continue to update and develop own clinical and theoretical knowledge of eye care pathways including areas of clinical research
- To participate in any related research programmes which have been formally agreed
- In agreement with the team, identify areas for and actively participate in audit
Patient Care Delivery
- To work as an autonomous practitioner and as part of a wider team in providing assessment, diagnosis and management of patients within various sub-specialties in the eye clinic
- To have the skills necessary to understand and manage complex situations, formulating appropriate solutions and troubleshooting effectively
- To have the skills and expertise necessary to assess patients levels of understanding, their need for information and any support needs
- To have the skills and expert knowledge necessary to be able to contribute constructively to, and support developing patients care plans
- To tailor the delivery of care to the personal needs of individual patients and be able to adapt emotional, mental and physical responses appropriately. This requires maintaining concentration for prolonged periods whilst also coping with the competing demands of unplanned daily clinical workload and frequent interruption
- To ensure a high degree of accuracy in using specialist equipment to gain accurate measurements necessary for patient management
- Implement NICE quality standards
- Observe safe working practices and equipment procedures, complying with legislative requirements under H&S regulations
- Respect patient and staff confidentiality at all times
- Manage an unpredictable workload dependant due to changing demands and interruptions
- Keep work up-to-date within departmental set standards, notifying the line manager immediately if this becomes problematic
- Adhere to appropriate health and safety, fire and statutory regulations and all trust policies relevant to the post
- Ensure compliance with all trust policies and follow trust codes of practise regarding any absence, annual, sick or other leaves
- To work as an autonomous practitioner with extensive freedom to act, carrying full responsibility for patient care and outcomes
- Keep and maintain appropriate records (electronic and paper) at all times ensuring that all paperwork is written or filed promptly into case-notes, and letters dictated
- Identify all referrals that are Overseas Visitors and undertake all associated administration
- To assist in the collection of and recording outcomes of patients to support service development and clinical audit
- To collate and record quantitative and qualitative data to provide evidence of productivity, outcomes and quality
Learning and Development
- Attend mandatory training updates as required
- Undertake training as necessary in line with the development of the post and as agreed with the line manager as part of the personal development process
- Achieve and demonstrate agreed standards of personal and professional development within agreed timescales
- Identify own learning needs and jointly plan training requirements with your line manager
- Participate in the Trusts appraisal process to discuss how your role will help deliver the best possible care to our patients and help to deliver any changes in service
This job description is an outline of the role and responsibilities. From time to time due to the needs of the service, we may ask you to flexibly undertake other duties that are consistent with your role and banding, including project work, internal job rotation and absence cover.
Band 8A Advanced Clinical Optometrist
Please see JD for full description
Job description
Job responsibilities
Band 7 ClinicalOptometrist
Main Duties and Responsibilities
Communication
- To communicate effectively with patients and their families
- To communicate effectively with doctors, nurses and orthoptists
- Communicate both verbally and in writing with GPs
- Support verbal communication by providing written educational material to patients and carers if required
- Utilise the interpreting service for patients with language barrier
- Ensure the provision of a quality and co-ordinated service by establishing and maintaining liaison amongst all disciplines in patient care within the Trust
- Attend departmental meetings for the Ophthalmology department, communicating effectively and developing positive working relationships with other team members
Service Delivery and Improvement
- To identify opportunities for service, role and practice development within the Ophthalmic Service
- To assist with the implementation and evaluation of areas of practice/service development
- To review and develop written policies/protocols relevant to clinical procedures as necessary
- To undertake specific projects as requested by the Consultant Optometrist, Ophthalmologist body & Department Manager
- To participate in service reviews or improvement events and initiatives in order to drive improved patient experience, quality and productivity
- To take part in departmental audit
People Management and Development
- Assist in training and education for GPs as required
- Keep up to date with current research and evidence-based practice by attending relevant meetings, courses and seminars. Responsible for sharing knowledge with other professionals and team to influence better care and outcomes for patients
- To keep documentary evidence of Continuing Professional Development and use personal development, clinical supervision, appraisal and Knowledge and Skills Framework
- To be involved and act as a role model for clinical placements of work experience students, orthoptic students, optometry students, medical students, GPs, health visitors
- To be able to supervise less experienced staff and students
- To participate in health promotion for GPs and community optometry services
- To partake in appraisal as an appraisee
- To continue to update and develop own clinical and theoretical knowledge of eye care pathways including areas of clinical research
- To participate in any related research programmes which have been formally agreed
- In agreement with the team, identify areas for and actively participate in audit
Patient Care Delivery
- To work as an autonomous practitioner and as part of a wider team in providing assessment, diagnosis and management of patients within various sub-specialties in the eye clinic
- To have the skills necessary to understand and manage complex situations, formulating appropriate solutions and troubleshooting effectively
- To have the skills and expertise necessary to assess patients levels of understanding, their need for information and any support needs
- To have the skills and expert knowledge necessary to be able to contribute constructively to, and support developing patients care plans
- To tailor the delivery of care to the personal needs of individual patients and be able to adapt emotional, mental and physical responses appropriately. This requires maintaining concentration for prolonged periods whilst also coping with the competing demands of unplanned daily clinical workload and frequent interruption
- To ensure a high degree of accuracy in using specialist equipment to gain accurate measurements necessary for patient management
- Implement NICE quality standards
- Observe safe working practices and equipment procedures, complying with legislative requirements under H&S regulations
- Respect patient and staff confidentiality at all times
- Manage an unpredictable workload dependant due to changing demands and interruptions
- Keep work up-to-date within departmental set standards, notifying the line manager immediately if this becomes problematic
- Adhere to appropriate health and safety, fire and statutory regulations and all trust policies relevant to the post
- Ensure compliance with all trust policies and follow trust codes of practise regarding any absence, annual, sick or other leaves
- To work as an autonomous practitioner with extensive freedom to act, carrying full responsibility for patient care and outcomes
- Keep and maintain appropriate records (electronic and paper) at all times ensuring that all paperwork is written or filed promptly into case-notes, and letters dictated
- Identify all referrals that are Overseas Visitors and undertake all associated administration
- To assist in the collection of and recording outcomes of patients to support service development and clinical audit
- To collate and record quantitative and qualitative data to provide evidence of productivity, outcomes and quality
Learning and Development
- Attend mandatory training updates as required
- Undertake training as necessary in line with the development of the post and as agreed with the line manager as part of the personal development process
- Achieve and demonstrate agreed standards of personal and professional development within agreed timescales
- Identify own learning needs and jointly plan training requirements with your line manager
- Participate in the Trusts appraisal process to discuss how your role will help deliver the best possible care to our patients and help to deliver any changes in service
This job description is an outline of the role and responsibilities. From time to time due to the needs of the service, we may ask you to flexibly undertake other duties that are consistent with your role and banding, including project work, internal job rotation and absence cover.
Band 8A Advanced Clinical Optometrist
Please see JD for full description
Person Specification
Experience/ Qualifications
Essential
- BSc(Hons) Optometry degree
- Professional registration with General Optical Council
- 2 years post-registration clinical experience.
Desirable
- College of Optometrists' Higher qualification in Glaucoma or equivalent
- Post graduate qualifications such as College of Optometrist certificates / diplomas
- Previous specialist paediatric refraction and / or contact lens experience
- Working knowledge of community optometry pathways
Communication and Relationship
Essential
- Effectively communicate with patients of all ages, abilities and backgrounds.
- Ability to communicate complex, sensitive and specialist information to patients, this information may be highly distressing, contentious or unwelcome.
- Empathy skills to support and liaise with relatives
- Communicate complex information to other professional groups, including teaching.
Analytical and Judgmental
Essential
- Ability to use problem solving and analytical skills to reach an appropriate diagnosis.
- Assess when a patient shows instability or new clinical signs and act accordingly
Planning and Organisational
Essential
- Prioritise and manage own variable workload, and able to re-arrange work priorities according to demand.
- Good time management skills and punctual.
Policy & Service Development
Essential
- Awareness of factors involved in service development
Desirable
- Experience of being involved in service development
People Management and Development
Essential
- Teaching / assessment skills
- Ability to act as a role model demonstrating high standards of care and providing clinical leadership in specialist area to others
Research and Development
Essential
- Experience of audit and research
Desirable
- Experience of presenting own research or audit findings
Freedom to Act
Essential
- Must have examples and experience of team work and autonomous working
Person Specification
Experience/ Qualifications
Essential
- BSc(Hons) Optometry degree
- Professional registration with General Optical Council
- 2 years post-registration clinical experience.
Desirable
- College of Optometrists' Higher qualification in Glaucoma or equivalent
- Post graduate qualifications such as College of Optometrist certificates / diplomas
- Previous specialist paediatric refraction and / or contact lens experience
- Working knowledge of community optometry pathways
Communication and Relationship
Essential
- Effectively communicate with patients of all ages, abilities and backgrounds.
- Ability to communicate complex, sensitive and specialist information to patients, this information may be highly distressing, contentious or unwelcome.
- Empathy skills to support and liaise with relatives
- Communicate complex information to other professional groups, including teaching.
Analytical and Judgmental
Essential
- Ability to use problem solving and analytical skills to reach an appropriate diagnosis.
- Assess when a patient shows instability or new clinical signs and act accordingly
Planning and Organisational
Essential
- Prioritise and manage own variable workload, and able to re-arrange work priorities according to demand.
- Good time management skills and punctual.
Policy & Service Development
Essential
- Awareness of factors involved in service development
Desirable
- Experience of being involved in service development
People Management and Development
Essential
- Teaching / assessment skills
- Ability to act as a role model demonstrating high standards of care and providing clinical leadership in specialist area to others
Research and Development
Essential
- Experience of audit and research
Desirable
- Experience of presenting own research or audit findings
Freedom to Act
Essential
- Must have examples and experience of team work and autonomous working
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
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).
