Job summary
An exciting opportunity has arisen for a Specialist Optometrist to work at Maidstone and Tunbridge Wells NHS Trust for a period of 12 months as Maternity cover. The role is full-time (5 days a week). The appointed Optometrist will be required to run core Optometry clinics as well as extended roles at Maidstone and Medway Hospital. We are looking for enthusiastic individuals who are motivated and want to develop their skills, knowledge and experience, whilst working as part of a friendly and diverse Ophthalmic team.
Maidstone Eye Unit is a dynamic training environment for a wide range of Ophthalmic Professionals. The Opticians Department is situated adjacent to the Orthoptic department and works closely with other professionals in the eye unit including 11 Consultant Ophthalmologists, who offer specialist services in: Glaucoma, Anti-VegF, Oculoplastics, Vitreo-Retinal, Medical Retina & Diabetes, Paediatric Ophthalmology, Cornea and Ophthalmic A&E.
Main duties of the job
The department is currently staffed by 8 Optometrists and a pre-registration Optometrist across 3 sites, each with their own interest and sub-specialities. Collectively the department provides an extensive range of Optometric Services including:
- Low Vision Services
- Complex Contact Lens Service
- Complex Refractions (& dispensing)
- Paediatric Refractions
- Ocular B-Scan Ultrasound
- Optometric Shared Glaucoma & Diabetes Clinics
- HRT3 Optic Disc and OCT Scanning services
- Research
About us
Maidstone and Tunbridge Wells NHS Trust is a large acute hospital Trust in the county of Kent.
The Trust provides a full range of general hospital services and some areas of specialist complex care to around 760,000 people living in the south part of West Kent and the north part of East Sussex.
The Trust's core catchment areas are Maidstone and Tunbridge Wells and their surrounding boroughs. We work from two main clinical sites: Maidstone Hospital and Tunbridge Wells Hospital at Pembury. Tunbridge Wells Hospital opened in 2011 and provides single rooms with en-suites for all in-patients - the first of its kind in the country.
We employ more than 7,000 full and part-time staff in a huge range of clinical and non-clinical roles across both of our hospital sites.
Job description
Job responsibilities
Once your pre-employment checks have been completed you will be contacted by Recruitment to arrange your start date which will be in line with one of our Corporate Inductions.
Following your Corporate Induction you will be expected to attend the Trusts 2-week Induction Programme for RNs, NAs, RMs, ODPs and Paramedics. The programme is full-time (please email mtw-tr.professionalstandards@nhs.net if this is problematic)and will involve travel to both Trust sites. The programme includes supernumerary shifts in the clinical area, classroom-based sessions and e-learning.
Please note that appointment to this post will be subject to a satisfactory Disclosure & Barring Service Check at Enhanced Level. (Enhanced level now includes regulated checks against vulnerable adults and children)
At MTW, we seek to develop a culture where everyone can reach their full potential with opportunities to grow and develop their career. We recognise and value the unique contributions that each of our staff bring, delivering the best quality care and service to our patients. We are committed to being a diverse employer and strive to reflect everyone in our local communities. We welcome applications from people of diverse backgrounds, perspectives and experiences and celebrate the diversity of thought, viewpoints and ideas that will make our Trust the best place to work.
Job description
Job responsibilities
Once your pre-employment checks have been completed you will be contacted by Recruitment to arrange your start date which will be in line with one of our Corporate Inductions.
Following your Corporate Induction you will be expected to attend the Trusts 2-week Induction Programme for RNs, NAs, RMs, ODPs and Paramedics. The programme is full-time (please email mtw-tr.professionalstandards@nhs.net if this is problematic)and will involve travel to both Trust sites. The programme includes supernumerary shifts in the clinical area, classroom-based sessions and e-learning.
Please note that appointment to this post will be subject to a satisfactory Disclosure & Barring Service Check at Enhanced Level. (Enhanced level now includes regulated checks against vulnerable adults and children)
At MTW, we seek to develop a culture where everyone can reach their full potential with opportunities to grow and develop their career. We recognise and value the unique contributions that each of our staff bring, delivering the best quality care and service to our patients. We are committed to being a diverse employer and strive to reflect everyone in our local communities. We welcome applications from people of diverse backgrounds, perspectives and experiences and celebrate the diversity of thought, viewpoints and ideas that will make our Trust the best place to work.
Person Specification
Qualifications
Essential
- BSc (Hons) degree in Optometry.
- General Optical Council registered.
- MC Optom or Equivalent
Desirable
- Professional Higher Qualifications in Optometry e.g. MSc in Clinical Optometry
Experience
Essential
- Extensive and advanced post graduate theoretical & practical knowledge and experience within the field of optometry
Desirable
- College of Optometrists Diploma
- Experience with Hospital Paediatric refractions, Complex Contact Lenses and Low Vision assessments.
- Post Pre-Registration experience
Skills
Essential
- Excellent communication skills Excellent written and spoken English
- Professional outlook to role and responsibilities
- Demonstrates clear evidence of ongoing professional development
- Knowledge of clinical issues and their implications for practice.
- Able to demonstrate level of organisational skills
- Evidence of self development
- Ability to work autonomously and as part of a team.
- IT literate
- The ability to communicate and record data through various IT systems and packages.
Person Specification
Qualifications
Essential
- BSc (Hons) degree in Optometry.
- General Optical Council registered.
- MC Optom or Equivalent
Desirable
- Professional Higher Qualifications in Optometry e.g. MSc in Clinical Optometry
Experience
Essential
- Extensive and advanced post graduate theoretical & practical knowledge and experience within the field of optometry
Desirable
- College of Optometrists Diploma
- Experience with Hospital Paediatric refractions, Complex Contact Lenses and Low Vision assessments.
- Post Pre-Registration experience
Skills
Essential
- Excellent communication skills Excellent written and spoken English
- Professional outlook to role and responsibilities
- Demonstrates clear evidence of ongoing professional development
- Knowledge of clinical issues and their implications for practice.
- Able to demonstrate level of organisational skills
- Evidence of self development
- Ability to work autonomously and as part of a team.
- IT literate
- The ability to communicate and record data through various IT systems and packages.
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).
