Retinal Screener Grader

Job description

Job responsibilities

Ensure the patient understands the process, is fully prepared for screening and consent is obtained

Provide patients with written and verbal information about diabetic eye screening and diabetic eye disease

Measure and record visual acuity using appropriate tests (Snellen, Logmar or Near Vision)

Instil dilating eyedrops in accordance with standard operating procedureAcquire digital photographic retinal images according to national standards. Photography is subject to quality assurance

Acquire retinal optical coherence tomography (OCT) scans

Accurately and legibly record test results and clinical information in electronic patient case notes using the screening software system OptoMize

Grade digital images at primary, secondary and arbitration levels

Implement patient management plan in accordance with grading findings

Seek guidance when required from a senior member of staffPrepare clinics for retinal screening

Manage own clinical workload

Call own patients through from the screening clinic waiting area

Update patient demographic records using the OptoMize system

Ensure a safe working environment in the screening venue, reporting any risks, incidents, near misses in line with Trust policy and escalating these to a member of the operational team

Escalate any screening equipment or IT system faults to a member of the operational team

Monitor stock levels of consumables, escalating any low levels to a member of the operational team

Demonstrate own role to others, supporting the orientation of new staffMay be required to drive the service van to community clinics and assist the operational team in setting up screening equipment

May be required to co-ordinate ambulance transport for patientsAttend regular staff meetings

Undertake other administrative duties as specified by the Programme Manager Clinical Governance / Quality

Assist in clinical audit and patient satisfaction surveys

Suggest changes to improve services within the screening programmeRetinal screener grader staff are encouraged to undertake voluntary registration with the Academy for Healthcare Science (ACHS)Undertake and pass grading modules of the Level 3 diploma for health screeners (unless attained the previous City & Guilds diabetic eye screening qualification)

Undertake monthly national Test and Training grading exerciseTake personal responsibility for keeping up to date and competent in the skills required for this post

Attend MDT teaching meetings

Undertake further training / qualifications as appropriate to roleTo train and provide clinical supervision to screening staff undertaking the Level 3 diploma for health screeners

To assist in providing retinal screening and grading teaching at undergraduate and postgraduate levels for various disciplines within St Pauls Division, social service and voluntary agency staff

Retinal screening staff are encouraged to become a member of the British Association of Retinal Screeners (BARS)

Person Specification

Qualifications

Essential

• GCSE grade C (or equivalent) or above in english, mathematics and science
• Guilds Level 3 VRQ (Vocational Related Qualification) Certificate in Diabetic Retinopathy Screening 7359 or equivalent

Desirable

• Ophthalmic / technical qualification

Other

Essential

• Willingness to work flexibly and at other sites when required
• Ability and willingness to undertake further training as necessary
• Able to work the hours required, maintaining a flexible approach to working patterns
• Good colour vision as assessed by the Ishihara test

Desirable

• Clean driving licence and access to a car

Knowledge

Essential

• Understand & accept the need to maintain confidentiality
• To recognise limitation of own clinical competence and seek support from registered staff when indicated
• Knowledge of digital photography

Experience

Essential

• Demonstrable experience in diabetic screening / ophthalmic imaging
• IT skills and experience

Desirable

• Experience of grading for diabetic retinopathy
• Experience of the national 'Test and Training' grading exercise
• Experience of teaching retinal screening skills

Skills

Essential

• Excellent interpersonal skills
• Professional manner
• Ability to work within a multidisciplinary team, undertake own workload, manage time and cope with the pressures of a busy department
• The ability to communicate effectively with staff and patients, including patients with learning / communication difficulties and deal with sensitive / unpleasant situations
• Show a caring and sensitive approach to dealing with the elderly, infirm and visually impaired patients
• Ensure accuracy, clinical precision and attention to detail, filing test results appropriately

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

Liverpool University Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust

Address

Royal Liverpool University Hospital

Edward Building

Liverpool

L3 5AG

Employer's website

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