Optometrist

Job description

Job responsibilities

ROLE SUMMARY

The Optometrist provides the primary clinical review and diagnosis for patients seen in a clinic. They recommend an appropriate course of treatment based on best practice.

KEY RESPONSIBILITIES

Clinical Duties and Responsibilities

To perform a comprehensive range of diagnostic procedures and clinical assessments, working autonomously and making clinical decisions using own judgement and initiative.

To analyse and interpret specialist diagnostic test results.

To identify new or deteriorating conditions and carry out relevant tests and refer to a Consultant or Non-Consultant Doctor, as appropriate.

To advise patients on the appropriate care for their eye conditions.

To explain the implications of eye conditions, treatment options, medication and possible side effects to patients, some of which may be distressed or confused.

To ensure that patient confidentiality is maintained at all times.

To ensure that evidence based clinical standards of care to patients are achieved.

To ensure the delivery of agreed quality standards, taking any necessary action to remedy shortcomings in services that contribute to patient care.

To be responsible for ensuring the safe use of specialist equipment.

Administrative Duties

To keep accurate patient health records, including archiving and other requirements of record keeping, and write to GPs and other professionals regarding patient progress and outcomes.

To support senior staff in the investigation of complaints and clinical incidents, ensuring that any investigations are thorough and that action plans are completed to enable lessons to be learned and shared.

To ensure that infection risks are identified and acted on.

To assist in the management of other clinic staff, including improvement of poor performers and discipline of staff, as required and in line with Newmedicas policies.

To participate in staff recruitment, induction and appraisal of staff, as required and in line with Newmedicas policies.

Professional Duties

To work within the requirements of the code of practice and standard of the College of Optometrists and General Optical Council.

To be responsible for and demonstrate commitment to Continuing Professional Development and Clinical Governance.

To participate in training and development of clinical and other groups of staff.

To actively participate in the appraisal process.

To participate in clinical audit and research projects, as required.

SUPPLEMENTAL INFORMATION COMMON TO ALL ROLES

ADDITIONAL RESPONSIBILITIES

Actively promote and market Newmedica and present a positive image of the Company and its activities both within and outside the Healthcare environment.

Ensure the quality standards and performance measures applying to the work of the section are met and facilitate continuous improvements in all aspects of the post.

Undergo any self-development and training as necessary for success in the role and provide support and development for others where appropriate.

Carry out any duties at all times in accordance with the Companys policies including Equality and Diversity and Health and Safety.

Promote by positive example both internally and externally, the purpose and vision of Newmedica.

Undertake all responsibilities in adherence with Newmedica Policies and Protocols for Infection, Prevention and Control.

Undertake any other responsibilities commensurate with the grade of the post, which the Principal or their senior management representative may from time to time require.

STATUS OF THIS DOCUMENT

This job description is a guide to the work that you will initially be required to undertake.

It may be changed from time to time, in consultation with you, to meet changing circumstances.

It does not form part of your contract of employment.

CRIMINAL RECORDS DECLARATION

Newmedica is exempt from Rehabilitation of Offenders Act (1974) and we will ask applicants to disclose details of convictions, irrespective of whether they are spent or not.

SAFEGUARDING

It is the responsibility of all Newmedica employees and contractors to fully comply with Newmedicas safeguarding policies and procedures.

Individuals must ensure that they understand their role in protecting adults and children that may be at risk of abuse.

Person Specification

Qualifications

Essential

• MCOptom specialist optometry degree, or BSc(Hons) in Ophthalmic Optics or Optometry or equivalent qualification essential.
• Additional postgraduate specialist or equivalent experience required.
• Current registration with General Optical Council essential.
• Knowledge of clinical practice and demonstrable knowledge of developments in Optometry required.
• Experience of and commitment to medical audit.
• Comfortable with Microsoft Office products and using computerised systems for data input/output and review.
• Enjoys the routine and rhythm of a process driven environment.
• Able to balance working independently with appropriate escalation and delegation.
• Committed to deliver consistently high standards of specialist optometric diagnostic tests using complex equipment.
• Applies analytical and logical thinking to verify expected outcomes.
• Seeks continuous professional development.
• Self-motivated to provide an excellent level of communication and individual care for patients.
• Comfortable making a significant contribution, including teaching and training, in a small multi-disciplinary team.

Desirable

• Independent prescribing (IP) qualification.
• Capable of seeing 20-22 patients during a clinic day.

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).

Employer details

Employer name

New Medical Systems Ltd

Address

Northamptonshire Newmedica

Anglia Way

Moulton Park Industrial Estate

Northampton

NN3 6JA

Employer's website

https://www.newmedica.co.uk/ (Opens in a new tab)