Job summary
An exciting opportunity has arisen for a role within the Optometry Department as a Deputy Head of Optometry.
The successful individual will have prior experience in paediatric co-management clinics. They will be interested in further developing their paediatric ophthalmology knowledge and skills as well as supporting other co-management clinics within Ophthalmology. They will also be required to support the Head of Department in a deputy management role.
The post-holder will be required to carry out paediatric co-management clinics. An interest in working with children with special needs is also required. Training and on-going support will be provided, but an element of self-directed learning will be expected.
The optometry service predominantly undertakes a wide range of co-management clinics in support of the Ophthalmology Department. This post will include training and support for at least one Acute Referral Clinic. However, the independent assessment and co-management of patients in other co-management clinics (e.g. glaucoma, cataract, diabetic eye disease, macular diseases) may also be part of the job role.
We are looking for a highly motivated, dynamic and enthusiastic individual who is able to work as part of a wider team in the delivery of a range of specialist optometric services as well as provide management support to the Head of Optometry.
Main duties of the job
The successful candidate will have an interest in paediatric ophthalmology. They will bring their experience in paediatric optometry and ophthalmology clinics to the role and be interested in further developing their knowledge in this area. They will also be expected to be involved in other specialist optometry co-management clinics, including but not exclusively, Eye Casualty.
In addition, as Deputy Head, they will work closely with the Head of Optometry in order to deliver a comprehensive range of optometric services to the highest standards of quality and care.
Within a number of sub-specialist areas of patient care, post holders will wherever possible, autonomously deliver a wide range of advanced, specialised, complex and non-routine work, with responsibility for patient examination and complex clinical decision making, regarding on-going management/treatment of a number of sight-threatening eye diseases.
The post will also involve assisting in the provision of teaching and training at post graduate level for multiple disciplines within ophthalmology both internally and external.
About us
The post-holder will join a team of 10 optometrists, who support the ophthalmology department consisting of 16 consultant ophthalmologists. They will also work alongside nurses, healthcare assistants, photographers and administrative support staff.
Our People Charter outlines the behaviours we can expect from one another and what you can expect from Bradford Teaching Hospitals Foundation Trust:
- We value people
- We are one team
- We care
We're keen to meet people who share these values and are passionate about delivering the highest quality of care to our patients.
Job description
Job responsibilities
The post requires flexibility of working patterns and clinical involvement, as and when the service requires it. This may include working at sites across the Trust, at the Macula Unit, which is at the Trinity Centre, Trinity Road, BD5 0JD, and at the Ophthalmology Dept at Bradford Royal Infirmary. The Trust also has links with Airedale General Hospital and the University of Bradford and as such, it may also be necessary to work at these sites. The job plan should be expected to vary according to specific service requirements, will be reviewed periodically and may change over time.
The principle areas of specialist involvement are as follows:
The job plan will include at least one session of paediatric ophthalmology, which will involve the assessment and management of a range of paediatric eye conditions. This will be a highly specialist clinic supporting the paediatric ophthalmology consultant but will require independent decision making and self-governing working where appropriate.
The paediatric ophthalmology team also serves the ophthalmic needs of children with special needs. This specialist role will involve the independent assessment and management of these patients within either their school environment or hospital clinics.
There has been a long history of optometry co-management clinics with an ever increasing case load, which has necessitated expansion in this service. This involves specialised clinical skills and opinion to a level equivalent to a middle grade ophthalmologist. This role will include at least one acute referral clinic (ARC), where the post-holder will need to use their highly developed specialist knowledge across a range of sub-specialty areas.
Optometrists are also involved in other co-management clinics which may be included as part of this role. These include medical retina, glaucoma, diabetic eye disease, keratoconic and post-graft monitoring, cataract assessment and cataract post-operative review. These may be face to face or virtual in their format.
Core optometry skills in specialist refraction, paediatric cycloplegic refraction and fundoscopy, corneal topography, are also part of the optometry service..
The post is an integral part of a multi-disciplinary team, which contributes to the effective and economic use of available resource. It will be the optometrists responsibility to ensure that all their equipment is properly maintained, reporting any faults, losses or damages to the nursing lead or Head Optometrist.
The post-holder will also be responsible for supporting the Head of Department in the provision of Optometry services and able to act in their absence. These roles include all HR requirements within the Optometry team, but also to contribute to the planning and organisation of the optometry service.
Job description
Job responsibilities
The post requires flexibility of working patterns and clinical involvement, as and when the service requires it. This may include working at sites across the Trust, at the Macula Unit, which is at the Trinity Centre, Trinity Road, BD5 0JD, and at the Ophthalmology Dept at Bradford Royal Infirmary. The Trust also has links with Airedale General Hospital and the University of Bradford and as such, it may also be necessary to work at these sites. The job plan should be expected to vary according to specific service requirements, will be reviewed periodically and may change over time.
The principle areas of specialist involvement are as follows:
The job plan will include at least one session of paediatric ophthalmology, which will involve the assessment and management of a range of paediatric eye conditions. This will be a highly specialist clinic supporting the paediatric ophthalmology consultant but will require independent decision making and self-governing working where appropriate.
The paediatric ophthalmology team also serves the ophthalmic needs of children with special needs. This specialist role will involve the independent assessment and management of these patients within either their school environment or hospital clinics.
There has been a long history of optometry co-management clinics with an ever increasing case load, which has necessitated expansion in this service. This involves specialised clinical skills and opinion to a level equivalent to a middle grade ophthalmologist. This role will include at least one acute referral clinic (ARC), where the post-holder will need to use their highly developed specialist knowledge across a range of sub-specialty areas.
Optometrists are also involved in other co-management clinics which may be included as part of this role. These include medical retina, glaucoma, diabetic eye disease, keratoconic and post-graft monitoring, cataract assessment and cataract post-operative review. These may be face to face or virtual in their format.
Core optometry skills in specialist refraction, paediatric cycloplegic refraction and fundoscopy, corneal topography, are also part of the optometry service..
The post is an integral part of a multi-disciplinary team, which contributes to the effective and economic use of available resource. It will be the optometrists responsibility to ensure that all their equipment is properly maintained, reporting any faults, losses or damages to the nursing lead or Head Optometrist.
The post-holder will also be responsible for supporting the Head of Department in the provision of Optometry services and able to act in their absence. These roles include all HR requirements within the Optometry team, but also to contribute to the planning and organisation of the optometry service.
Person Specification
Qualifications
Essential
- BSc(Hons) Optometry
- GOC registered
- Independent Prescriber (or intention to work towards IP qualification)
- Professional post-graduate specialist qualification(s) relevant to job plan (e.g. College of Optometrists higher diplomas)
- A willingness to undergo training to carry out the job including advanced clinical practitioner skills and decision making
Experience
Essential
- Relevant practical experience gained over significant period of time
- Previous hospital eye service experience including paediatric ophthalmology clinics
- Previous Management experience
Skills
Essential
- Good verbal and written command of English
- Effective listening, communication and interpersonal skills, with particularly good, sympathetic manner with patients, including children with special needs.
- Ability to work as a team
Person Specification
Qualifications
Essential
- BSc(Hons) Optometry
- GOC registered
- Independent Prescriber (or intention to work towards IP qualification)
- Professional post-graduate specialist qualification(s) relevant to job plan (e.g. College of Optometrists higher diplomas)
- A willingness to undergo training to carry out the job including advanced clinical practitioner skills and decision making
Experience
Essential
- Relevant practical experience gained over significant period of time
- Previous hospital eye service experience including paediatric ophthalmology clinics
- Previous Management experience
Skills
Essential
- Good verbal and written command of English
- Effective listening, communication and interpersonal skills, with particularly good, sympathetic manner with patients, including children with special needs.
- Ability to work as a team
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.
Applications from job seekers who require current Skilled worker sponsorship to work in the UK are welcome and will be considered alongside all other applications. For further information visit the UK Visas and Immigration website (Opens in a new tab).
From 6 April 2017, skilled worker applicants, applying for entry clearance into the UK, have had to present a criminal record certificate from each country they have resided continuously or cumulatively for 12 months or more in the past 10 years. Adult dependants (over 18 years old) are also subject to this requirement. Guidance can be found here Criminal records checks for overseas applicants (Opens in a new tab).
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.
Applications from job seekers who require current Skilled worker sponsorship to work in the UK are welcome and will be considered alongside all other applications. For further information visit the UK Visas and Immigration website (Opens in a new tab).
From 6 April 2017, skilled worker applicants, applying for entry clearance into the UK, have had to present a criminal record certificate from each country they have resided continuously or cumulatively for 12 months or more in the past 10 years. Adult dependants (over 18 years old) are also subject to this requirement. Guidance can be found here Criminal records checks for overseas applicants (Opens in a new tab).
UK Registration
Applicants must have current UK professional registration. For further information please see
NHS Careers website (opens in a new window).
