Advanced Community Optometrist

Job description

Job responsibilities

Clinical Practice

• Deliver high-quality, evidence-based assessment, diagnosis, treatment and management for a range of ophthalmic conditions presenting in primary care.
• Work autonomously within scope of practice, including use of independent prescribing where accredited.
• Undertake triage of referrals within 2 working days and ensure timely patient appointments in line with service standards.
• Provide a comprehensive management plan for each patient and communicate outcomes promptly to the referring GP within 2 working days.
• Manage and monitor follow-up appointments in line with service requirements, ensuring the ratio of new to follow-up is efficient and clinically appropriate.
• Use appropriate diagnostic equipment safely and effectively, in accordance with training and protocols.

Leadership & Service Development

• Provide clinical leadership within the Community Eye Service, supporting service development and implementation of evidence-based pathways.
• Contribute to policy and protocol development to ensure the service aligns with national and local guidelines (NICE, Royal Colleges, NHSE).
• Work in partnership with stakeholders to reduce unnecessary secondary care referrals and improve patient pathways.
• Support the implementation of new models of care, including integration with other services such as CUES and glaucoma monitoring.

Education & Supervision

• Provide clinical supervision, mentorship and guidance to Optometrists within the team
• Organise and lead departmental team meetings as required
• Offer educational support and feedback to GPs and referring Optometrists to improve referral quality and appropriateness.
• Support delivery of education sessions for primary care colleagues, sharing specialist knowledge and promoting best practice.
• Organise and participate in mentorship from Consultant Ophthalmology Mentor
• Contribute to patient education and the development of accessible patient information resources.

Quality, Governance & Audit

• Adhere to local safeguarding policies for children and adults and act as a source of advice on safeguarding matters within the service.
• Contribute to service audits, data collection, outcomes reporting and quality improvement initiatives.
• Ensure compliance with infection prevention and control standards.
• Maintain accurate clinical records in line with data protection and confidentiality requirements.
• Report incidents, complaints and patient feedback in line with organisational policies and contribute to learning and service development.

Key Working Relationships

Local GP practices and referring Optometrists

Consultant Ophthalmologists (for advice, mentoring and complex case discussion)

Chesterfield Health Provider Ltd Clinical Leadership Team

NHS Derby & Derbyshire ICB Commissioners

Wider Primary Care Networks and community services

KEY EMPLOYMENT REQUIREMENTS FOR ALL EMPLOYEES

Data and confidentiality

Workin line with GDPR principles at all times, keeping up to date with training and identifying any potential breeches quickly and appropriately.

Keeping patient confidentiality at the heart of what we do only access a persons information in the legitimate execution of your duties.

Undertake GDPR risk assessments for new data sharing activities, where appropriate

Professional development

Work with your line manager to undertake continual personal and professional development.

Undertake relevant training as required.Continually update own knowledge and skills within the job role.

Maintain any professional accreditation as necessary for your role.

Demonstrate advanced clinical practice skills, including independent prescribing where relevant

Engage in reflective practice and demonstrate a commitment to lifelong learning.

Team working and policies

Work as part of the ARC team to seek feedback, develop and maintain effective working relationships and improve the service.

Adhere to organisational policies and procedures, including confidentiality, safeguarding, lone working, information governance, health and safety, discipline, grievance and whistleblowing.

Act at all times in a manner consistentwith legislation, policy and procedures in respect of Equality and Diversity, and safeguarding.

Person Specification

Other

Essential

• Flexible and adaptable to meet service needs
• Access to vehicle to travel for work purposes
• Willingness to complete an Enhanced DBS Check
• Appropriate Immunisation Status

Skills, knowledge & Abilities

Essential

• Advanced clinical skills in assessment and management of acute and chronic ophthalmic conditions
• Ability to lead service improvement, quality assurance and audit
• Excellent communication, negotiation and influencing skills
• Good IT skills including use of electronic patient records

Desirable

• Awareness of local healthcare system and pathways
• Experience in delivering education sessions

Qualifications

Essential

• Registered Optometrist with the UK General Optical Council
• PEARS (Primary Eyecare and Assessment Referral Service), MECS (Minor Eyecare Conditions Service) or CUES (Community Urgent Eyecare Service) accreditation
• Professional Diploma in Glaucoma (or working towards)
• Evidence of Advanced Level Practice (MSC or equivalent experience)
• Ability to use and interpret a range of diagnostic equipment as required

Desirable

• Independent Prescribing qualification
• Further postgraduate qualifications in glaucoma or medical retina

Experience

Essential

• Extensive post-registration experience of community or primary care optometry.
• Evidence of autonomous clinical decision-making at an advanced level
• Experience of multi-professional working

Desirable

• Experience delivering or developing Community Eye Services (e.g. CUES, MECS)
• Experience supervising junior staff or students
• Experience contributing to service redesign

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

Arc Primary Care

Address

The Surgery @ Wheatbridge

30 Wheatbridge Road

Chesterfield

Derbyshire

S40 2AB

Employer's website

https://www.chesterfieldanddronfieldpcn.nhs.uk/ (Opens in a new tab)