Job responsibilities
KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS & EXPERIENCE REQUIRED
- Candidate must be currently undertaking BCs (Hons) Healthcare Science (Ophthalmic Imaging) PTP course at the University of Gloucestershire.
- Previous experience in the ophthalmic imaging or placement clinics undertaking the following modalities:
- Optical Coherence Tomography (OCT)
- Fundus Photography
- Confocal Scanning Laser Ophthalmoscopy Imaging (cSLO)
- Optical Coherence Tomography Angiography (OCT-A)
- Visual Field Testing
- Previous experience in the following modalities is desirable:
- Indocyanine Green Angiography (ICG)
- Fundus Fluorescein Angiography (FFA)
- Anterior Segment OCT (ASOCT)
- Corneal Topography
- To be able to recognise a range of ocular pathologies that may need urgent treatment and therefore need to be brought to the immediate attention of a clinician.
- Detailed knowledge of ophthalmic anatomy, ophthalmic imaging technical operations, ophthalmic imaging software and ophthalmic imaging instruments sufficient to enable post holder to capture accurate images and data.
- Good all round knowledge of ophthalmic disease and associated pathology. A good understanding of diabetes and diabetic retinopathy is desirable.
- Ability to communicate effectively within a multidisciplinary team Trust-wide, external stakeholders and with patients in a professional manner.
- Enhanced levels of dexterity and accuracy pertaining to clinical skills including the use of diagnostic equipment i.e. fundus cameras, OCT and other ophthalmic imaging instruments in the direct examination of patients eyes.
- To be able to use independently equipment such as Topcon and Heidelberg Spectralis OCT machines to obtain digital imaging to facilitate in the record-keeping, assessment, diagnosis and management of a variety of retinal/ocular pathologies.
- To recognise when OCT and invasive procedures such as Fluorescein Angiography and ICG is not acceptable or appropriate to attempt on certain patients.
- To understand the data management, archiving and exporting of data from the Fluorescein fundus camera, OCT machines, and the Spectralis HRA.
- To be able to discriminate between high and low quality OCT scans and understand the correct procedure for reporting faults.
- Ability to work autonomously, efficiently and professionally in a range of healthcare environments.
- Enhanced IT skills, including experience of Windows-based software, capture and review software for diagnostic purposes and competence in using Microsoft Office applications.
- Up-to-date knowledge and understanding of key professional developments and recommended good practice.
- Ability to demonstrate understanding of research-based practice, and to participate as required in audits.
- Ability to respond flexibly, resourcefully and autonomously in unplanned or unforeseen situations, e.g. when equipment fails in clinics, whilst maintaining a calm environment for patients.
KEY RESULT AREAS
- Competence to work independently and effectively without access to supervision, in hospitals and community settings, requiring the ability to plan travel time appropriately and to plan and organise own clinic time to maintain a good throughput of patients in the event that workflow practices change. Capacity to work accurately whilst maintaining intense periods of concentration and with competing claims on time. To be accountable and make clinical decisions involving patients within local guidelines, without direct supervision from staff.
- Competence in digital ophthalmic imaging in modalities including but not limited to OCT, OCT-A, FFA, ICG, retinal photography & cSLO imaging. To recognize cases of ophthalmic disease that could require urgent treatment.
- To remain calm and focused during imaging clinics, in particular during adverse conditions such as IT or technical failure
- To communicate effectively with healthcare professionals and patients, sometimes in distressing and sensitive circumstances, using empathy and professionalism in the management of information.
- To administer safely mydriatic eye drops within the Procedure for the Ordering, Prescribing and Administration of Medication Guideline and following department protocols.
- Proven competence to deliver effective and relevant one-to-one patient education, to encourage effective appointment management and reduction in the risks of eye damage.
- Competence of accurate image and data handling, including image capture, upload and retrieval, to ensure timely image review as appropriate.
- Adhere to all Trust policies and procedures and maintain accurate patient records.
- Develop and maintain professional links with colleagues at all levels in both the primary and secondary care setting.
- Proactively seek and maintain up to date information and training to ensure that professional skills are sustained to a high standard.
COMMUNICATION & WORKING RELATIONSHIPS
- To develop and maintain communication and commitment with all members of the immediate team
- Gloucester Retinal Research and Education Team
- Multidisciplinary team within the Trust
- Ophthalmologists and members of the optometry & orthoptic team
- Ophthalmology Nursing team
- Patients
- General Practitioners, Practice Nurses, Practice managers and other surgery staff
- Trust IT department
- Outside agencies for IT, camera and software support
- Ophthalmic Imaging team
MOST CHALLENGING PART OF THE ROLE
Ability to work autonomously and unsupervised in clinical settings, often under pressure whilst maintaining a high standard of patient care, education and time management. Responsible for capturing high quality patient images and data to ensure timely review and effective Quality Assurance Standards. To remain focused and resourceful in adverse working conditions so that any clinical or technical problems can be analysed and resolved.
To be part of a team delivering an Ophthalmic imaging service across Gloucestershire in Cheltenham, Gloucester and Community Hospitals, while working towards achieving agreed objectives for the BCs (hons) Healthcare Science (Ophthalmic Imaging) PTP Apprenticeship programme.
To communicate effectively with a wide multidisciplinary team including but not limited to ophthalmology, optometry, nursing and technical sectors.
To keep personal development updated at all times due to current frequent changes in technology, and provide the clinical excellence needed at all times in imaging clinics.
PHYSICAL EFFORT AND WORKING CONDITIONS
- Will be required to work within recognised Manual Handling guidelines
- Will be required occasionally to manoeuvre equipment up to 86Kg, sometimes in confined spaces.
- Will be required to conduct clinics in a darkened room, using VDU and specialist equipment, often in confined spaces. Image review is also conducted in a darkened room using a VDU.
- Ability to work where there is a requirement to concentrate for prolonged periods e.g. during patient image capture
- Will be required to follow Policies and Procedures pertaining to infection control and COSHH regulations
