Principal Optometrist - Moorfields South Glaucoma Clinic Lead

Job description

Job responsibilities

1. ClinicalTo deliver highly specialist clinical patient care requiring extensive knowledge, experience and expertise in management that includes a high proportion of tertiary referrals. This activity requires regular use of a wide range of advanced clinical techniques requiring dexterity, precision and intense concentration; and the judgement, analysis and interpretation of the complex clinical findings with a range of management options.Patient examinations will be comprehensive and commensurate with clinical experience beyond Masters Level (i.e. College of Optometrists Diploma in Glaucoma, College of Optometrists Diploma in Independent Prescribing). Skills and knowledge are commensurate with those of sub-specialty medical ophthalmology staff.To make independent, patient-centred clinical decisions on management in the presence of uncertainty (for example where patients are unable to cooperate fully in clinical assessments or the evidence for management options is unclear).To be autonomously responsible for medical treatment (including prescribing) and management of patients. To recognise when patient clinical findings require Consultant Ophthalmic opinions (eg regarding surgery). To refer patients with ocular comorbidity to other ophthalmological services appropriately.As Clinic Lead in Optometrist-Led Glaucoma clinics, to supervise all patient examinations carried out by the support/resident/placement/new to clinic Optometrist unless/until such time that the support/resident/new to clinic Optometrist has attained the appropriate College of Optometrists certificate or completed their competency sign off. To review all prescribing decisions unless the prescribing optometrist has the correct qualifications together with The College of Optometrists Diploma in Independent Prescribing and their scope of practice /area of prescribing is in that service.To organise the session by reviewing all clinical records at the start of an Optometrist-led clinic to determine necessary additional clinical tests (eg: visual fields, imaging, auto-refraction) utilising the different staff groups efficiently (admin, technical, optometric).To provide expert opinion to optometric and non-optometric colleagues on the management of complex cases within the designated Clinics and the Optometry Department.To refer patients for appropriate appliances (contact lenses, spectacles, low vision aids) and provide appropriate advice to patients on needs, treatment and corrective aids.2. CommunicationTo communicate and interact effectively and empathetically with all patients and carers independent of level of patient understanding and in spite of any communication barriers.To routinely convey highly sensitive, highly complex & emotionally distressing information regarding loss of sight, risk of sight loss or risks to general health from systemic diseases presenting with ocular and visual symptoms.To routinely discuss risks & benefits of possible management options, explaining highly complex, multi-factorial and potentially conflicting information in a manner to allow informed patient choice and with potential for significant hostility towards the delivered message.To regularly communicate with patients GP and other relevant stakeholders in the patients care.To respond to clinical queries outside timetabled clinical sessions.3. Clinical GovernanceTo maintain comprehensive patient records and verify data entry of supporting technical staff.Systematic and critical analysis of the quality of work carried out by less experienced optometrists within the clinics.To practice within agreed Service protocols.To help identify and develop service standards for optometrists relating to the development of the designated clinics.To personally participate in continuing professional education and development (as required by the General Optical Council) by attending appropriate teaching or a specialist course every 2 years.4. ManagementTo provide management support to the divisional lead optometrist and glaucoma service lead optometrists as required, in particular matters relating to optometry staffing and recruitment, governance and ongoing service development and innovation.To liaise with the divisional lead optometrist and glaucoma service lead optometrists on the provision of care by optometrists within the clinics and development of the service.To line manage members of staff in the optometry team and be responsible for appraisal, professional development, leave management and other HR processes.To attend glaucoma service meetings as required and contribute to discussions around glaucoma-related activity and performance across the division.5. Teaching, Research and DevelopmentTo contribute to the delivery of training and development of Resident/ New to glaucoma Optometrists within the glaucoma service and provide supervision within the clinical setting as necessaryContribute to the Optometry Departments ongoing teaching programs.To contribute to the delivery of the Departments Higher Qualifications if requiredTo undertake audit, as necessary for own work and for the betterment of the glaucoma service and in particular for the optometrist-delivered service.6. PolicyResponsibility for the development and implementation of policies and procedures for Optometrists working within the service.

Person Specification

Qualifications

Essential

• BSc (Hons) Optometry
• College of Optometrists Professional Diploma in Glaucoma
• College of Optometrists Professional Diploma in Independent Prescribing

Desirable

• Masters-level qualification
• PhD in a related field

Registration

Essential

• GOC registration

Experience

Essential

• Minimum of 5 years post registration clinical experience with at least 3 years in a hospital specialist glaucoma clinic.
• Experience of examining vulnerable groups of patients e.g. CYP / additional needs
• Advanced theoretical & practical knowledge in the clinical assessment and management of patients within a Glaucoma setting
• Experience of teaching optometrists & ophthalmologists at undergraduate and post-graduate level and supervision of trainee optometrists.

Desirable

• Experience of representing the profession at National level
• Experience of development of protocols or competencies at a national or international level

Skills

Essential

• Ability to analyse and interpret ocular imaging e.g. OCT, visual fields, topography to an expert clinical level e.g diagnosis and formulate management plans
• Competent use of a slit-lamp to examine the anterior and posterior eye with specialist lenses
• Ability to use Electronic patient record systems

Desirable

• Ability to manage staff and patients

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

Moorfields Eye Hospital NHS Foundation Trust

Address

Moorfields Eye Clinic at Nelson Health Centre

220 Kingston Rd

London

SW20 8DA

Employer's website

https://www.moorfields.nhs.uk/work-for-us (Opens in a new tab)