Job summary
Join Ashford and St Peter's Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust as a Clinical Optometrist, delivering high-quality eye care in a hospital setting. Requirements include an Optometry degree, GOC registration, clinical expertise in examinations and treatments, strong communication skills, ability to work independently and collaboratively, and commitment to ethical standards. Benefits include innovative healthcare, working with experienced professionals, modern facilities, collaborative care, professional development opportunities, and a rewarding career enhancing patient outcomes.
Main duties of the job
The Clinical Optometrist role entails conducting specialized eye examinations (glaucoma & cornea or retina & AMD) at either St Peter's or Ashford Hospital, collaborating with various medical professionals. Effective communication with patients and colleagues is crucial, including providing advice to non-optometric staff and educating patients. Continuous professional development, participation in audits and research, and adherence to professional standards are key responsibilities. Required skills include clinical proficiency, communication, organization, collaboration, and proficiency in optometric equipment. The ideal candidate demonstrates commitment to professional development, patient-centred care, and ethical practice within a hospital environment.
About us
Ashford and St. Peters Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust serves a population of more than 410,000 people living in North-West Surrey, parts of Hounslow and beyond.
Over 3,700 highly trained doctors, nurses, midwives, therapists, healthcare scientists and other support staff make up our workforce, providing a wide range of services across our two hospital sites, Ashford, Surrey and St Peter's, Chertsey, Surrey.
We also run many specialist clinics in the community and local community hospitals and other healthcare facilities.
Our vision is to be one of the best healthcare Trusts in the country. There has never been a better time to join us in the NHS at ASPH. We are committed to providing continuous professional development and flexibility to shape our workforce around our patient care.
We are expanding our theatres at Ashford Hospital and moving towards this becoming our dedicated elective centre. We want to create a state-of-the-art centre for excellence for planned surgical procedures.
We can offer you the full range of NHS benefits/discounts and in addition:
- Excellent pension scheme and annual leave entitlement
- On-site Nurseries
- On-site staff cafes
- On-site parking
- Support in career development
- Salary Sacrifice schemes including wage stream, lease cars, Cycle to Work schemes and home electronics
Adverts may close early, so applicants are encouraged to submit an application as soon as possible.
For more information about a career at ASPH please visit:www.asph-careers.org
Job description
Job responsibilities
-
Main Duties and Responsibilities:
Clinical or Technical:
- Conduct specialized eye examinations focusing on either glaucoma & cornea (Mondays at St Peters Hospital) or retina & AMD (Fridays at Ashford Hospital).
- Collaborate closely with Ophthalmologists, Orthoptists, fellow Optometrists, and Specialist Nurses to deliver comprehensive patient care.
Communications and Engagement:
- Listen empathetically to patients, parents, and relatives, communicating verbally, in writing, and by telephone.
- Establish and maintain effective communication with a wide range of stakeholders including optometric colleagues, ophthalmology team members, managers, medical professionals, and allied health professionals.
- Provide specialized advice to non-optometric staff within the department, across the Trust, and to General Practitioners (GPs).
Education, Audit, and Research:
- Maintain continuous professional development (CPD) records, ensuring compliance with General Optical Council (GOC) guidelines.
- Obtain 36 CET points every 3 years to maintain registration with the General Optical Council.
- Attend training events, courses, and lectures to stay updated on advances in optometry and contribute to departmental teaching sessions.
- Educate patients on eye conditions, treatment compliance, and the importance of regular clinical appointments.
- Participate in audits and research initiatives within the orthoptic, optometry, and ophthalmology departments, including individual research projects for potential publication.
Professional Responsibilities:
- Adhere to professional standards set by the College of Optometrists and GOC, maintaining mandatory CPD and professional development portfolios.
- Keep the Clinical Lead informed about professional matters in the optometry department and any circumstances affecting safe standards of practice.
- Respect patient confidentiality in accordance with data protection regulations.
- Attend and contribute to departmental staff meetings and contribute to the development of clinical protocols.
- Maintain accurate patient records and manage follow-up appointments and referrals as needed.
Skills and Qualities:
- Excellent clinical proficiency in specialized optometry areas.
- Strong communication and interpersonal skills.
- Organizational skills to manage workload and prioritize tasks.
- Collaboration skills to work effectively within a multidisciplinary team.
- Proficiency in slit lamp examination techniques and use of specialized ophthalmic equipment.
- Flexibility, adaptability, and a commitment to professional development and ethical practice.
Job description
Job responsibilities
-
Main Duties and Responsibilities:
Clinical or Technical:
- Conduct specialized eye examinations focusing on either glaucoma & cornea (Mondays at St Peters Hospital) or retina & AMD (Fridays at Ashford Hospital).
- Collaborate closely with Ophthalmologists, Orthoptists, fellow Optometrists, and Specialist Nurses to deliver comprehensive patient care.
Communications and Engagement:
- Listen empathetically to patients, parents, and relatives, communicating verbally, in writing, and by telephone.
- Establish and maintain effective communication with a wide range of stakeholders including optometric colleagues, ophthalmology team members, managers, medical professionals, and allied health professionals.
- Provide specialized advice to non-optometric staff within the department, across the Trust, and to General Practitioners (GPs).
Education, Audit, and Research:
- Maintain continuous professional development (CPD) records, ensuring compliance with General Optical Council (GOC) guidelines.
- Obtain 36 CET points every 3 years to maintain registration with the General Optical Council.
- Attend training events, courses, and lectures to stay updated on advances in optometry and contribute to departmental teaching sessions.
- Educate patients on eye conditions, treatment compliance, and the importance of regular clinical appointments.
- Participate in audits and research initiatives within the orthoptic, optometry, and ophthalmology departments, including individual research projects for potential publication.
Professional Responsibilities:
- Adhere to professional standards set by the College of Optometrists and GOC, maintaining mandatory CPD and professional development portfolios.
- Keep the Clinical Lead informed about professional matters in the optometry department and any circumstances affecting safe standards of practice.
- Respect patient confidentiality in accordance with data protection regulations.
- Attend and contribute to departmental staff meetings and contribute to the development of clinical protocols.
- Maintain accurate patient records and manage follow-up appointments and referrals as needed.
Skills and Qualities:
- Excellent clinical proficiency in specialized optometry areas.
- Strong communication and interpersonal skills.
- Organizational skills to manage workload and prioritize tasks.
- Collaboration skills to work effectively within a multidisciplinary team.
- Proficiency in slit lamp examination techniques and use of specialized ophthalmic equipment.
- Flexibility, adaptability, and a commitment to professional development and ethical practice.
Person Specification
Qualifications and Further Training
Essential
- MCOptom
- Registered with the General Optical Council
- Possession of a Bachelor of Science in Optometry BSc (Optometry)
- Commitment to Continuing Professional Development including participation in compulsory continuing education in a training as required by the General Optical council
Desirable
- Further post-graduate optometry qualification relating to a highly specialist aspect of clinical optometry
- Independent Prescriber
Experience
Essential
- A minimum of 5 years experience in optometry
- Experience working in a multi-disciplinary Ophthalmology team
Desirable
- Experience in working in extended optometry roles and shared care clinics
Person Specification
Qualifications and Further Training
Essential
- MCOptom
- Registered with the General Optical Council
- Possession of a Bachelor of Science in Optometry BSc (Optometry)
- Commitment to Continuing Professional Development including participation in compulsory continuing education in a training as required by the General Optical council
Desirable
- Further post-graduate optometry qualification relating to a highly specialist aspect of clinical optometry
- Independent Prescriber
Experience
Essential
- A minimum of 5 years experience in optometry
- Experience working in a multi-disciplinary Ophthalmology team
Desirable
- Experience in working in extended optometry roles and shared care clinics
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).
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.
UK Registration
Applicants must have current UK professional registration. For further information please see
NHS Careers website (opens in a new window).
