Specialist Optometrist

Job summary

The Optometrist will form part of the Ophthalmology team and is responsible for delivering the highest quality, patient focused care as well as contributing to the highest standards of clinical governance.

The post holder will participate in the assessment and management of patients attending the paediatric refraction service under the direction of the Clinical Lead.

The post holder is expected to work without direct supervision. This involves taking action based on the post holders own interpretation of the NHS, Trust, College of Optometrists and General Optical Council policies and guidelines

The post holder will support the development of extended roles for optometrists, orthoptists and nurses within Epsom and St Helier University Hospitals NHS trust.The post holder will ensure the service meets the highest standards. The successful candidate will be encouraged to participate in further training and development. The post holder will be expected to autonomously partake in wider Ophthalmology clinics within the Glaucoma and Acute Eye Service.

Main duties of the job

- The post holder will undertake a range of core optometry services as required including:routine and complex retinoscopy, refraction and optical assessment of both paediatric and adult patients including those with significant visual loss and/or communication difficulties.

- The post holder will use highly developed specialist knowledge and analytical skills to interpret specialist ophthalmology test results including visual fields, OCT, HRT, Optos imaging and topography and will act upon these appropriately or discuss with the clinician.- The post holder will work primarily within the hospital refraction service, Glaucoma and Acute Eye Service.These clinics involve responsibility for decision-making with support from consultants and the provision of assessment, management and education of patient.

- The post holder will be expected to assess and manage their own caseload of routine paediatric refraction, liaising with the Orthoptic team where necessary to ensure seamless clinical management of patients.- The post holder will be expected to undertake Glaucoma clinics under the supervision of the consultant or clinical fellow. This will involve interpretation of visual fields, optic disc assessment and decision making on treatment.

- The post holder will be expected to work within the Acute Eye Service along with the consultant, doctor, triage nurse and administrative staff.

About us

The Ophthalmology team consists of 128 members of staff consisting off: Consultants, Doctors, Optometrists, Orthoptists, Nurses, Ophthalmic Technicians, HCA's, Reception and Admin staff. The department is split across two sites; St Helier Hospital and Epsom General Hospital. The department also holds an emergency eye service at the St Helier which is both a referral and walk in service. The team works cohesively and with respect to deliver high quality patient centred care.