Ophthalmic Technician with a special interest in Vision Screening

Job description

Job responsibilities

Key Result Areas:

To undertake a vision test on Reception class children attending schools in the commissioned area and to assist the Orthoptic Department in the diagnosis of vision defects.

To record the outcome of the vision screening and to share this information with Child Health

Complete a referral form for those children failing to meet the required standard in line with departmental policy

Answer basic queries from parents of children tested in school

Prepare the school list and liaise with the school regarding suitable times to visit

To perform such duties as will aid the smooth running of the orthoptic department.

To plan and prioritise own workload to meet service demands

Professional Values

To ensure Trust standards and values are maintained and monitored to improve the quality of care to all who come into contact with the services provided by South Warwickshire Foundation Trust

Ensure records and documentation are maintained, kept confidential, and meets appropriate Trust standards, and in line with the Data Protection Act

Demonstrates a positive and enthusiastic approach to their work in order to maintain high morale and motivation within the department. Promoting a professional and positive working environment

To report any accidents or incidents via the DATIX incident reporting system and/or to an appropriate registered professional, ensuring an open and transparent culture.

To adhere to the Trusts dress code policy, maintaining a smart appearance at all times.

To adhere to the Trusts IT policies regarding e-mail and internet usage.

To ensure children and adults are protected from abuse and avoidable harm and report any safeguarding concerns in accordance with Trust policies and procedures.

Clinical Practice

Take responsibility for care and welfare of an defined caseload of patients/clients within your area of work

To undertake a vision test on Reception class children attending schools in the commissioned area and to assist the Orthoptic Department in the diagnosis of vision defects.

To undertake a range of investigative procedures using equipment requiring highly developed levels of dexterity and hand eye coordination and use of fine motor skills.

To analyse test results for urgency of follow up required and to decide if alternative methods of investigation are necessary or if abandonment of procedures is appropriate.

To investigate and assess paediatric cases requiring enhanced communication skills to ensure understanding and compliance with testing.

To assess and investigate patients with behavioural and learning difficulties ensuring the most appropriate methods of assessment are utilized.

To assess and investigate patients with reduced cognitive function ensuring compliance with the most appropriate investigative method. To recognize when formal assessment is not possible and to undertake objective assessment.

To undertake investigative procedures in reduced lighting environments, requiring long periods of concentration.

To use appropriate handling and moving techniques, as recommended by Trust policy, to ensure patients with restricted mobility and/or wheelchair users can access the equipment for investigation.

To instil eye drops as per departmental protocols, for investigations to be undertaken e.g. Use of dilating drops for medical photography, use of anaesthetic drops for ultrasound of the eye.

Continuously assess, implement and evaluate treatment, using appropriate programmes / methods of care agreed by a registered professional.

To report to the registered professional any patient who gives cause for concern

Never undertake anything beyond your own level of competency.

To ensure delivery of high quality care in accordance with Trust policies, procedures and guidelines.

To accurately document all care delivered to patients, maintaining confidentiality at all times.

Participate in activities to improve the quality, productivity and effectiveness of care in response to local and national policies and initiatives

To adhere to Infection Prevention and Control policies relevant to the area of work, demonstrating an understanding of cross infection.

To support relatives as required demonstrating compassion and empathy.

Provide supervision and support to junior support and care staff as required.

Maintain the upkeep and monitor the condition of all equipment used within the orthoptic screening programme and report any faults in line with departmental policy.

Communications and Interpersonal Relationships

Demonstrate good communication and interpersonal skills to children in reception class in order to gain an accurate test and give information on what is required from the child

Prepare children prior to the vision assessment examination giving explanation of procedure and gain compliance by negotiation and encouragement

Welcome patients, relatives and visitors to the clinical area, providing assistance, support and information where required, identifying individual needs and utilising a range of agreed communication mediums.

Always introduce yourself in line with the Trust privacy and dignity promises and the principles of good customer service.

Communicate effectively and professionally with the multi-disciplinary team to ensure that patient care is well planned, coordinated and communicated.

Contribute to the reporting, handover and documentation of patient care maintaining confidentiality at all times.

Use the Trust information support systems and other computer systems as required by the clinical area.

Team Working

To act in a professional manner, and as a role model, at all times, leading by example to junior members of the team

Support and cooperate with the multidisciplinary team to ensure that all statutory and Trust regulations are complied with.

Participate in research and audit as required by the multidisciplinary team to ensure standards of patient care are monitored and improved.

Education, Training and Personal Development

To complete the Public Health England vision screening training package on appointment

To maintain competency every year

To ensure attendance at mandatory training sessions i.e. infection control, resuscitation and moving and handling training.

To complete the Trusts Clinical Support Worker Induction programme

To successfully complete the Care Certificate within 12 weeks of commencing employment

To ensure maintenance and development of individual competence knowledge and skill

As a competent practitioner, teach and provide supervision to appropriate junior staff.

To participate in and undertake appropriate training and development activities including IT and clinical skills

Maintain up to date knowledge of changes in policies and procedures relevant to the post.

Person Specification

Qualifications

Essential

• NVQ level 3 or equivalent level qualification, including English and Maths key skills
• Evidence of continuous professional development
• Completion of the e-learning for Health Child Vision Screening resource and assessment tool

Desirable

• Care Certificate

Experience

Essential

• Substantial experience as Ophthalmic Technician (to diploma level)

Desirable

• Previous administration experience

Skills

Essential

• Demonstrates a good understanding of Ophthalmology processes.
• Able to efficiently plan work and manage time
• Demonstrates knowledge of research based practices

Personal Qualities

Essential

• Able to work as an effective team member
• Able to express self clearly and confidently - verbal and written
• Demonstrates commitment and ability to teach others
• Able to work under pressure and adapt to changing circumstances
• Able to achieve personal objectives

Other Job Requirements

Essential

• Flexible
• Aware of current NHS issues and priorities
• Car Driver/Independent means of transport

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.

Certificate of Sponsorship

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).

Employer details

Employer name

South Warwickshire University NHS Foundation Trust

Address

Machen Eye Unit Warwick Hospital

Lakin Road

Warwick

CV34 5BW

Employer's website

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