Specialist Paediatric Orthoptist

Job description

Job responsibilities

Clinical1. To observe and maintain professional standards at all times in line with the Codes of Conduct and Standards of Proficiency of the Regulatory Body, the Health Professions Council (HPC) and the British and Irish Orthoptic Society.

2. Assess and diagnose all patients presenting to the Orthoptic Department, as an autonomous practitioner, incorporating specialist skills, in order to ensure accurate diagnosis and treatment plans for patients of all age groups, mental and physical ability whilst adhering to any national and local guidelines. This includes patients with complex ocular motility and paediatric ophthalmology conditions.

3. To be competent in the analysis of complex facts in order to reach an accurate diagnosis and to determine the most appropriate treatment modality from a range of treatment options, including patients requiring orthoptic, optical, pharmacological and surgical management and to have the ability to discuss the pros and cons of procedures and their potential outcomes and to develop specialised programmes of care

4. To demonstrate specialised observational skills to assist with diagnosis and management of patients where conventional clinical assessment may be difficult, such as special needs children and patients who have suffered stroke or neurological disease.Job title - Job description March 2019Chelsea and Westminster Hospital NHS Foundation Trust 6

5. To act as an autonomous practitioner with sole responsibility to formulate relevant treatment and discharge plans with the knowledge to understand when patients require referral to other specialities such as neurology, endocrinology etc.

6. Assess orthoptic patients pre-operatively and post-operatively, undertaking measurements of ocular motility defects. This will include engaging in a highly complex discussion with the ophthalmologist regarding surgical technique and surgical options and management plans for post-operative complications.

7. Instil eye drops under patient group directives or as directed by the medical staff after receiving appropriate training where necessary.

8. To plan a course of amblyopia treatment, instruct patients or parents/ guardians in the treatment delivery, monitor the effect of the continuous treatment and make appropriate adjustments as required.

9. To be able to develop a sound Orthoptist/patient relationship, usually long term, providing emotional support, empathy and encouragement. Skills include the ability to reassure, educate and persuade.

10. Work as autonomous practitioner in fast-track clinics following local protocols.

11. Choose appropriate testing modalities and carry out specialised visual field testing using a Humphrey Field Analyser.

12. Accurately assess spectacle prescriptions using automated and manual focimetry

13. Interpret the results of field testing from the Humphrey Visual field analyser and orthoptic findings in relation to the computerised Hess/ Ocular Motility Analyser where required.

14. Take responsibility for entering all new patients onto all the departmental new cases databases and updating daily statistics database.

15. To be willing to participate in the educational activities run by and run for the Orthoptic Department. This includes the teaching of other health care professionals, medical undergraduates and junior doctors.

Professional1. To be responsible for ensuring that own clinical practice standards are maintained. To take part in individual performance development review (appraisal), annually, to identify individual training & development needs. Formulate objectives for the forthcoming year, as agreed with the head orthoptist.

2. Undergo mandatory training as set out by the trust and line manager and maintain awareness of and compliance with trust guidelines and requirements.

3. Participate in continuing professional development in order to maintain and develop further medical and clinical skills and knowledge.

4. Participate in departmental journal clubs and regular patient case note review, discuss unusual findings with colleagues.

5. Follow local and national standards and guidelines as directed by the head orthoptist. Assist the head orthoptist with guideline development.

Clinical Governance/ Risk Management

1. To keep and maintain appropriate records at all times ensuring that all paperwork is filed promptly into case notes

2. To be actively involved in departmental audit.

3. To participate in journal clubs and clinical discussions.

4. To be aware of and comply with Trust Risk Management policies and reporting mechanisms.

5. Follow consistently high standards of infection control practice, especially with reference to hand hygiene and aseptic techniques.

6. To observe safe working practices and equipment procedures, complying with legislative requirements under H&S regulations

7. Be aware of all Trust infection control guidelines and procedures relevant to their work.

Communication1. Be aware of barriers to communication and work to overcome them and ensure fair access to healthcare for all groups.

2. Communicate complex, unwelcome, life changing, sensitive information in a tactful, persuasive, empathetic, reassuring manner to patients/ parents/ medical/ nursing staff regarding the importance and implications of diagnosis and treatment to ensure that all understand the complex issues concerning occlusion therapy, drug therapy optical and surgical therapy. This requires a holistic approach where patients, parents or carers have no knowledge of the ocular defects associated with particular medical conditions and or who have difficulty accepting the diagnosis.

3. Take responsibility for accessing the Hospital e-mail system regularly to receive communications from line manager and other trust staff.This job description reflects the present requirements and objectives of the post; it does not form part of your contract of employment. As the duties of the post change and develop, the job description will be reviewed and will be subject to amendment, in consultation with the post-holder.

Person Specification

Qualifications or equivalent

Essential

• Bachelor of Science in Orthoptics BSc (Orth) or Bachelor of Medical Sciences (Orthoptics) and or Diploma of the British Orthoptic Council
• Registration with Health Professionals Council

Desirable

• Registration with British and Irish Orthoptic Society (BIOS)
• BIOS certified teaching qualification

Experience

Essential

• Extensive Orthoptic experience and post-graduate training, including all aspects of clinical Orthoptics involving specialist services, paediatrics, neurology, trauma.
• Experience in undertaking and presenting clinical audit
• Experience in undertaking other healthcare professionals/ orthoptic undergraduates

Desirable

• Ability to use Microsoft WORD, EXCEL, POWERPOINT and be proficient in keyboard use
• Experience at senior orthoptist level
• Clinical extended roles e.g. visual fields, OCT, autorefraction, tonometry, biometry

Personal Qualities

Essential

• Evidence of being to communicate effectively with members of the multi-disciplinary team, patients, their families and carers.
• Evidence of being committed, be punctual, reliable, flexible and self motivated in their approach to their duties
• Must be able to identify their limitations in theoretical and practical skills by seeking the advice of a senior colleague
• Evidence of ability to work independently and as part of a team
• To have the ability to work successfully as part of a multi-disciplinary team
• Ability to recognise and respond to needs and changes
• Self motivation for continuing professional development
• Ability to express self well both written and verbal

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).

Employer details

Employer name

Chelsea and Westminster Hospital NHS Foundation Trust

Address

Chelsea and Westminster Hospital, Main Building

369 Fulham Road

London

SW10 9NH

Employer's website

https://www.chelwest.nhs.uk/ (Opens in a new tab)