Job summary
Ophthalmic Imaging Technician
Department: Optometry, Eye Clinic
Band: 4
Hours: 37.5 per week, all MKUH roles will be considered for flexible working
The eye clinic is a friendly environment where multi-professional working is encouraged. At Milton Keynes University Hospital our Optometry department, consisting of seven Optometrists and six Ophthalmic Technicians, provides invaluable support to our Consultants, Medical staff, Orthoptists and Nurses within the busy outpatient eye clinic.
We are looking to recruit a full-time enthusiastic Ophthalmic Imaging Technician with excellent communication skills to join our team to provide clinical testing of visual fields, ophthalmic photography, Ocular Coherence Tomography (OCT) and corneal topography. We are actively involved in teaching and clinical audit. Previous experience in diagnostic Optometry / Ophthalmology work is an advantage with this post. This role would suit a hospital based Ophthalmic Technician, or a community-based Optical Assistant interested in gaining extended clinical skills.
Interview Date: 20/08/2024
Informal enquiries are welcome. Please contact Dr Louise James, Head Optometrist on 01908 995525.
Main duties of the job
- To carry out Ocular Coherence Tomography (OCT) scans.
- To carry out anterior segment imaging and fundus photography with the Optos widefield camera.
- To undertake visual fields assessment using the Humphrey Visual Fields Analyser.
- Testing and recording vision using a sight test chart - Snellen and LogMAR.
- To undertake administrative and clerical duties as required.
- To manage any working problems in the absence of the Lead Ophthalmic Technician e.g., cancelling clinics due to staff sickness / other unforeseen absences.
- To liaise with IT and EBME to discuss any equipment problems and technical updates.
- Liaise with external equipment providers to manage technical problems / updates on training.
- Gather information for use in Audits and present this at the annual Optometry Department Audit.
- Support other Ophthalmic Imaging Technician colleagues with personal development.
About us
MKUH staff scored highest for 'I look forward to coming to work' (NHS Staff Survey 2023).
Join #TeamSurgery at Milton Keynes University Hospital
The surgery division at MKUH, which covers specialties including theatres and the Intensive Care Unit, offers a variety of roles and opportunities, both clinical and non-clinical. The division are looking for passionate, enthusiastic and forward-thinking professionals to join the team.
MKUH is one of the leading hospitals in Europe for implementing robotics to assist in surgery, becoming the first in the continent to use the CMR Versius robot for gynaecological surgery. Since its introduction in 2019, the theatres team have completed over 500 surgical cases, the first hospital in the UK to reach this milestone, achieving this in March 2023.
As well as being an innovator in robotics, the Trust is proud to be part of the New Hospital Programme, with plans to expand and increase our surgical capacity to meet the health needs of our communities now and in the future.
With a leading benefits package, and a growing hospital estate to meet one of the fastest growing populations in the country, it is a great time to join MKUH.
Find out more about working in #TeamSurgery at MKUH from the people who work across the division in the video below.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-mYel-Y9nrU
Job description
Job responsibilities
- To produce accurate and reliable results by carefully instructing and supervising patients. This requires good communication skills, particularly in situations where barriers exist such as loss of hearing, visual impairment, or other learning or physical disability.
- To perform OCT scanning and ocular photography using the automated Topcon OCT analyser and Optos widefield camera in accordance with Ophthalmology Departmental Protocols.
- To perform Visual Fields assessment using the automated Humphrey Visual Fields Analyser in accordance with Ophthalmology Departmental Protocols.
- To (if required) assess visual acuity prior to imaging using the Snellen and / or LogMAR visual acuity charts and record results accurately in clinical notes.
- To undertake other diagnostic tests as required by the department e.g., Corneal Topography, Colour Vision Assessment and Contrast Sensitivity.
- To demonstrate competency and expertise in using all technical equipment.
- To access and review previous patient notes within the electronic document management (EDM) system.
- To use the hospital IT system (ECare) to check that the patient has an appropriate follow up appointment.
- To ensure comprehensive, clear clinical written records are completed, and that these comply with Trust policy.
- To bring to the attention of the Ophthalmologist responsible for management of the patient, any significant changes in scan / test images or visual acuity.
- To be responsible for daily maintenance of the OCT, Visual Fields, Optos camera and other technical equipment by cleaning and maintaining equipment in line with departmental protocols.
- To monitor stock levels of equipment and reorder if needed.
- To monitor the functioning of equipment and report any problems affecting the accuracy and quality of scans or images to the Head Optometrist and Lead Ophthalmic Technician.
Please refer to the job description for further details.
Job description
Job responsibilities
- To produce accurate and reliable results by carefully instructing and supervising patients. This requires good communication skills, particularly in situations where barriers exist such as loss of hearing, visual impairment, or other learning or physical disability.
- To perform OCT scanning and ocular photography using the automated Topcon OCT analyser and Optos widefield camera in accordance with Ophthalmology Departmental Protocols.
- To perform Visual Fields assessment using the automated Humphrey Visual Fields Analyser in accordance with Ophthalmology Departmental Protocols.
- To (if required) assess visual acuity prior to imaging using the Snellen and / or LogMAR visual acuity charts and record results accurately in clinical notes.
- To undertake other diagnostic tests as required by the department e.g., Corneal Topography, Colour Vision Assessment and Contrast Sensitivity.
- To demonstrate competency and expertise in using all technical equipment.
- To access and review previous patient notes within the electronic document management (EDM) system.
- To use the hospital IT system (ECare) to check that the patient has an appropriate follow up appointment.
- To ensure comprehensive, clear clinical written records are completed, and that these comply with Trust policy.
- To bring to the attention of the Ophthalmologist responsible for management of the patient, any significant changes in scan / test images or visual acuity.
- To be responsible for daily maintenance of the OCT, Visual Fields, Optos camera and other technical equipment by cleaning and maintaining equipment in line with departmental protocols.
- To monitor stock levels of equipment and reorder if needed.
- To monitor the functioning of equipment and report any problems affecting the accuracy and quality of scans or images to the Head Optometrist and Lead Ophthalmic Technician.
Please refer to the job description for further details.
Person Specification
Qualifications and knowledge
Essential
- A good standard of general education including Maths and English GCSE at grade level A-C (or new equivalent)
- Knowledge equivalent to relevant NVQ Level 3 training, plus previous experience of the Ophthalmic Imaging role
Experience
Essential
- Experience of working as part of a team
- Experience of using Ocular Coherence Tomography (OCT) imaging
- Experience of using an automated system to test visual fields
- Experience of anterior sement and retinal photography
- Experience of testing visual acuity with Snellen and LogMAR testing methods
Desirable
- Experience of testing colour vision
Skills
Essential
- Good practical skills
- Good organisation, time management and planning skills
- Good presentation skills
- Ability to work both independently and as part of a multidisciplinary team
- Proven ability to learn new skills and practice them competently
- Knowledge of Microsoft applications
Desirable
- Knowledge of Electronic Patient Record, Electronic Document Management, and other hospital related IT systems
Personal and people development
Essential
- Friendly and approachable
- Needs to be a team player
- Able to work flexibly
- Willingness to develop further skills
Communication
Essential
- Excellent communicator both verbally and in writing
- Excellent communication skills, particularly when dealing with the elderly, and the ability to overcome barrier to understanding
Specific requirements
Essential
- Able to perform the duties of the post with reasonable aids and adaptations
Person Specification
Qualifications and knowledge
Essential
- A good standard of general education including Maths and English GCSE at grade level A-C (or new equivalent)
- Knowledge equivalent to relevant NVQ Level 3 training, plus previous experience of the Ophthalmic Imaging role
Experience
Essential
- Experience of working as part of a team
- Experience of using Ocular Coherence Tomography (OCT) imaging
- Experience of using an automated system to test visual fields
- Experience of anterior sement and retinal photography
- Experience of testing visual acuity with Snellen and LogMAR testing methods
Desirable
- Experience of testing colour vision
Skills
Essential
- Good practical skills
- Good organisation, time management and planning skills
- Good presentation skills
- Ability to work both independently and as part of a multidisciplinary team
- Proven ability to learn new skills and practice them competently
- Knowledge of Microsoft applications
Desirable
- Knowledge of Electronic Patient Record, Electronic Document Management, and other hospital related IT systems
Personal and people development
Essential
- Friendly and approachable
- Needs to be a team player
- Able to work flexibly
- Willingness to develop further skills
Communication
Essential
- Excellent communicator both verbally and in writing
- Excellent communication skills, particularly when dealing with the elderly, and the ability to overcome barrier to understanding
Specific requirements
Essential
- Able to perform the duties of the post with reasonable aids and adaptations
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).
