Senior Optometrist

Job responsibilities

If the post holder is a registered independent non- medical prescriber, to prescribe medicines for patients, working within the GEH Policy and Procedure for Non- medical Prescribing and Directorates local guidelines/procedures. To ensure prescribing activities comply with legal requirements and HCPC guidance for non-medical prescribers. To maintain competence under the National Competency Framework for all Prescribers. To monitor own prescribing activities and participate in the evaluation of this service development.*

*being an independent prescriber is not essential to this post, but is advantageous.

The post holder will:

• Provide highly complex information to Consultant and non-medical colleagues, using the highest level of communication skills e.g. multi-disciplinary case discussions.
• Communicate sensitive and highly complex information tailored to the needs of the patient/carers.
• Provide detailed explanation and clear advice to patients, parents and carers. This often involves providing and receiving sensitive and contentious information, where persuasive, motivational, negotiating, empathetic and re-assurance skills are required.
• To overcome barriers to understanding due to age, race, medical conditions or other learning difficulties, a range of verbal and non-verbal communication skills will be used.
• Liaise with Orthoptic, Medical, Nursing and Administrative staff within GEH, along with GPs, Optometrists and professionals from outside the Trust.
• Undertake a range of highly complex optometric clinical and specialist investigative procedures in order to diagnose and formulate treatment plans.
• Ability to analyse and interpret complex optometric and ophthalmological test results, make decisions on prescribing appliances independently or in consultation with Consultant Ophthalmologists and Orthoptists.
• Give specialist advice to patients, relatives and other staff members regarding appropriate optical appliances following eye examinations.
• To deliver training in Optometric procedure and relevant subjects for pre-registration Optometrists, medical and nursing staff, Orthoptists and other staff members as required.
• Maintain personal development and CET by attendance at suitable courses and events (documentary evidence must be provided).
• The post holder will be expected to participate in the GEHs personal development review process to ensure continued professional development.
• Participate in departmental audit.
• Use a range of highly developed knowledge and skills to select appropriate tests and investigations in order to execute individual treatment plans.
• To undertake specific duties as delegated by the ophthalmology Lead Optometrist and or Operational Manager, including responsibility for stock control, collection and collation of clinical data.
• Issue HES vouchers, where appropriate, for optical appliances to be made up at the Optometric practice of choice.
• Represent the Department/Profession at local and regional meetings as requested by Line Managers.
• Undertake clinical assessment and develop care plans for patients with complex needs.
• Co-ordinate with multi-disciplinary agencies both within and outside GEH, as required.
• To provide accurate information when requested in order to deal with complaints at a Directorate level.
• To perform a comprehensive range of highly complex, diagnostic procedures and clinical assessments for paediatric and occasional adult refraction clinics, working autonomously and making clinical decisions in highly complex cases, using own judgement and initiative.
• To analyse and interpret complex refraction results, working closely with Orthoptists and Consultant Ophthalmologists.
• To assess, diagnose and appropriately manage new and follow up glaucoma patients, working as part of the multi-disciplinary team.
• To carry out procedures that require highly developed hand to eye coordination skills, speed and accuracy, whilst operating specialist ophthalmic instruments to achieve precise measurements (e.g. manipulating spectacle lenses and frames, retinoscopy, ophthalmoscopy, slit lamp microscopy). This often involves working in restricted positions and significant periods of the working day are spent in semi darkness.
• Provide overall optometric advice to patients, parents and carers and explain the implications of eye conditions, treatment options, medication and possible side effects
• To adapt to the personal needs of the patient and respond appropriately. This requires maintaining concentration for prolonged periods whilst coping with the competing demands of unplanned daily clinical workload and frequent interruption.
• Issue prescriptions for spectacles where necessary, giving appropriate detailed instructions regarding patients treatment and needs. This will often be done following discussion with the Orthoptist.
• To undertake the continued management of routine patients and discharge patients in line with agreed protocols.
• Identify new or deteriorating conditions and refer to the consultant as appropriate.
• Ensure that evidence based clinical standards of care for patients are implemented.
• To work closely with the Head of Orthoptic Services, Non-medical lead for glaucoma or other senior members of staff, regarding any problems which may arise during daily clinical practice.
• Highly developed motor and hand-eye co-ordination are required for optometric testing. Due to the age of our client group, speed, precision and accuracy are essential during examination.
• A high level of manual dexterity is necessary to obtain an accurate spectacle assessment and clinical evaluation of patient group.
• Manual handling training is mandatory and updated regularly.
• GEH is committed to protecting its staff, patients, assets and reputation through an effective risk management process. The post holder will be required to comply with the Risk Management Policy, Health and Safety Policy and other associated policies and to actively participate in this process, having responsibility for managing risks and reporting exceptions.
• Responsible for the security, safe use and maintenance of physical assets and stock.
• To contribute to delivering income generation and cost improvement programmes.
• Deliver optometric teaching and clinical supervision in specific areas of expertise to medical, nursing and other professional staff as required.
• Liaise with the University Health Board Optometric Advisor as required.
• Observe the requirements of GEH and departmental policies and procedures.
• To contribute to the operational planning for the department including the development of departmental procedures and protocols.
• Follow departmental policy for the co-ordination of annual leave, giving the required notice.
• Generate and communicate own complex clinical reports in hospital records.
• It is essential to have knowledge of keyboard skills including Microsoft Word, PowerPoint, Excel and the Patient Administration System. Internet and intranet will be used for information, audit and research purposes.
• Be responsible for maintaining accurate and legible records writing in case notes and accurate entry and storage of data on computerised investigation equipment.
• The post holder has a legal responsibility to treat all records created, maintained, used or handled as part of their work within the GEH in confidence (even after an employee has left the post). This includes all records relating to patient health, financial, personal and administrative, whether paper based or on computer. All staff have a responsibility to consult their manager if they have any doubts about the correct management of records with which they work.
• Participate in multidisciplinary audit, which may change and/or improve working practice.
• Be responsible for development of own audit projects.
• Participate in research and development projects carried out within the department.

Experience and Knowledge

Essential

• Experience working in a hospital eye unit to delivery specialist ophthalmic care
• Demonstrable knowledge of visual field assessment
• Significant post registration experience
• Experience within extended role services
• Experience with use of OCT for image capture and interpretation
• Experience of training and formally supervising staff.

Desirable

• Experience of delivering intravitreal injections
• Experience of testing children and additional learning needs patients

Qualification(s) and Professional Training

Essential

• Bachelors Degree in Orthoptics or Optometry HCPC/GOC Registration
• Evidence of recent clinical practice in specialist area/ evidence of recent appropriate experience.
• Experience of testing children and additional learning needs patients.
• Evidence of ongoing continuous professional development.
• Evidence of recent clinical practice in specialist area/ evidence of recent appropriate experience.

Desirable

• Teaching qualification
• Masters degree, or evidence of further study
• Membership of BIOS or The College of Optometrists
• Medical Exemptions annotation or Independent Prescribing Qualification

Skills and Abilities

Essential

• Excellent interpersonal skills with particular ability to liaise effectively with multidisciplinary team members
• Computer Literacy
• Experience of/involvement in successful change management

Desirable

• Knowledge of quality issues

Personal Qualities

Essential

• Willingness to undergo further development

Other

Essential

• Ability to manage occasional aggressive/violent childhood behaviour
• Ability to cope with occasional exposure to bodily fluids and odour
• Able to work flexibly to meet service needs

Skills and Abilities

Essential

• Ability to make decisions, organise and prioritise
• Demonstrates excellent team working
• Excellent negotiating and influencing skills

Desirable

• Ability to demonstrate motivation

Personal Qualities

Essential

• Diplomatic
• Demonstrates passion and commitment.
• Ability to work as part of a team.
• Ability to work on own initiative.
• Adaptable.
• Good negotiator.

Trust Values

Essential

• Effective and Open Communication
• Excellence and safety in all that we do
• Challenge but support
• Expect respect and dignity
• Local healthcare that inspires confidence

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).

UK Registration

Applicants must have current UK professional registration. For further information please see NHS Careers website (opens in a new window).