Band 4 Ophthalmic Technician

Job summary

As an Ophthalmic Technician you will work within the ophthalmology department and community based diagnostic hubs to provide clinical and technical services. You will work under the direction of the ophthalmic science manager, ophthalmic science practitioners and ophthalmic science associates to assist in the diagnosis, treatment and care of new and follow-up patients. Make safe and effective use of a range of highly complex expensive diagnostic instruments adhering to defined protocols and guidelines. Report diagnostic test results to ophthalmologists and professional staff. Adapt tests to match clinical observations and the age, cognitive and physical ability of patients. Accommodate flexible and variable clinical schedules, potentially ranging between four hospital sites and community based settings, including evening and weekend hours. Contribute to smooth running of the department and provision of diagnostic services recommending adjustments to match patient priority and case mix. Recommend improvements and changes to departmental policies, guidelines and protocols at departmental meetings. Maintain personal knowledge and skills undertaking training and development as required.

Main duties of the job

*Assist in the diagnosis and monitoring of neuro-ophthalmic conditions and glaucoma by performing visual field assessments using the Humphrey visual field analysers.

*Measure and record visual acuity using the appropriate refractive correction using a Snellen, Sheridan Gardner, Kays or LogMAR as appropriate, including measurement of contrast sensitivity.

*To take a relevant patient history and accurately record on the appropriate platform.

*Measure and record colour vision function using Ishihara pseudo isochromatic plates and the automated CAD analyser.

*Obtain refraction measurements using handheld and floor standing autorefractors.

*To evaluate and document pupillary reactions by using the automated pupilometer. Accurately measure spectacle prescriptions using manual and automated focimetry. This can include the assessment of single vision lenses, bifocals or varifocals. Accurate measurement is essential for calculation of the appropriate

*lens to be used during visual field testing.

*Perform optic nerve head and retinal imaging using OCT on patients attending consultant and technical led clinics with a range of ocular diseases. Scan assessments will include Spectralis of the macular, optic disc and extramacular areas, autofluorescence imaging and multi-coloured imaging. The required imaging will extend as technology evolves and related scanners become available.

For a full list of main duties please refer to the job description.

About us

We are recognised as one of the leading NHS Foundation Trusts in the UK. Our vision is to Build Healthier Lives, and we recognise that we need incredible staff to do this.

Our commitment to our staff is to create the best place for them to work, and we are dedicated to:

Investing in the health and wellbeing of our staff, including a commitment of offering flexible working where we can;Offer our staff a wide variety of training and development opportunities, to support their personal and career development objectives.

UHB is committed to ensuring that our staff are treated fairly and feel that they belong, by creating a kind and inclusive environment. This is about equity of opportunity; removing all barriers, including discrimination and ensuring each individual member of staff reach their true potential, achieve their ambitions and thrive in their work. This is more than words. We are taking action. Our commitment to an inclusive culture is embedded at all levels of the organisation where every voice is heard, driven by our diverse and active staff networks, and at Board level by the Fairness Taskforce led by our CEO. We nurture a culture which empowers staff to challenge discriminatory behaviours and to enable people to bring their 'whole self' to a kinder, more connected and bold place to work.

Employer details

Employer name

University Hospitals Birmingham NHS Foundation Trust

Address

Queen Elizabeth Hospital

Mindelsohn Way

Birmingham

West Midlands

B15 2TH

Employer's website

https://www.uhb.nhs.uk/jobs.htm (Opens in a new tab)

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Employer details

Employer name

University Hospitals Birmingham NHS Foundation Trust

Address

Queen Elizabeth Hospital

Mindelsohn Way

Birmingham

West Midlands

B15 2TH

Employer's website

https://www.uhb.nhs.uk/jobs.htm (Opens in a new tab)

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