Job summary
An exciting opportunity has arisen for an enthusiastic and motivated optometrist to join the team at Western Eye Hospital, part of Imperial College Healthcare NHS Trust, as a specialist contact lens optometrist. We are looking for individuals with relevant experience to work alongside our team in the hospital's contact lens service.
The successful candidate will have the opportunity to learn from and collaborate with our award-winning ophthalmology and optometry teams whilst also using their knowledge and skills to support the training and development of other health professionals. The role offers exposure to a wide range of complex corneal pathologies requiring the use of specialist contact lenses to improve vision including specialist soft, RGP, hybrid and scleral lenses.
Applicants must be GOC-registered optometrist with a minimum of 2 years post qualification experience. Experiencein fitting and managing specialist/medical contact lenses is essential,and further training will be provided. A diploma in Independent Prescribing is desirable but not essential.
This is a substantive post comprising of3 fixed clinical sessions (11.25 hours per week). The applicant will be employed to work at The Western Eye Hospital, Marylebone Road, London NW1 5YE and Charing Cross Hospital, Fulham Palace Road, London W6 8RF.
For an informal visit or further information please contact lead optometrists:
Samir Jivanjee - samir.jivanjee@nhs.net
Ella Wyss - ella.wyss@nhs.net
Main duties of the job
- Provide specialist examination and contact lens fitting/assessment of patients who present to the medical contact lens clinic.
- The Optometrist will provide specialist care to the contact lens service and support. This will involve dealing with complex situations and having to take appropriate action in a variety of settings.
- Perform investigative techniques such as slit-lamp biomicroscopy, and indirect ophthalmoscopy to examine contact lens patients including those not under ophthalmology review.
- To examine patients who have been referred for contact lens fitting, and assess whether or not specialist contact lenses are required. If required, fit the patient with the appropriate lens type and modality.
- Refer patients back to the care of the ophthalmologist when changes/new pathology are detected/suspected.
- Assess all patients and make appropriate clinical decisions as to the suitability of contact lens wear
- Write out all contact lens orders clearly and concisely so that the correct product can be ordered by the admin team.
- To develop skills to assess and interpret specialist information, diagnosis and takes appropriate action based on protocols.
- Where required, deal with any contact lens complications that present to the contact lens clinics. This may either be via referral to another speciality or the prescribing of appropriate medications.
About us
At Imperial College Healthcare you can achieve extraordinary things with extraordinary people, working with leading clinicians pushing boundaries in patient care.
Become part of a vibrant team living our values - expert, kind, collaborative and aspirational. You'll get an experience like no other and will fast forward your career.
Benefits include career development, flexible working and wellbeing, staff recognition scheme. Make use of optional benefits including Cycle to Work, car lease schemes, season ticket loan or membership options for onsite leisure facilities.
We are committed to equal opportunities and improving the working lives of our staff and will consider applications to work flexibly, part time or job share. Please talk to us at interview.
Job description
Job responsibilities
The full job description provides an overview of the key tasks and responsibilities of the role and the person specification outlines the qualifications, skills, experience and knowledge required.
For both overviewsplease view the Job Description attachment with the job advert.
Job description
Job responsibilities
The full job description provides an overview of the key tasks and responsibilities of the role and the person specification outlines the qualifications, skills, experience and knowledge required.
For both overviewsplease view the Job Description attachment with the job advert.
Person Specification
Education/ Qualifications
Essential
- Qualified optometrist with GOC registration
- Previous experience working with specialist contact lenses
Desirable
- Member of College of Optometrists
- Experience in complex corneal clinics
- IP qualification
Experience
Essential
- Advanced decision making skills that reflect patient focus
- Previous experience with fitting complex/medical contact lenses
Desirable
- Experience with managing patient relevant to specialist area
- Completing audit of patient experience in clinical service
Skills/Knowledge/ Abilities
Essential
- Ophthalmic skills including Slit lamp, applanation tonometry, gonioscopy and fundus examination
- Undertake and interpret ophthalmic procedures or investigations such as topography
- Ability to demonstrate professional knowledge and skill in ophthalmic practice
- Demonstrate commitment through involvement in Trust wide initiatives/ committees.
- Ability to practice within the scope of the GOC Code of Professional Conduct
Desirable
- Previous experience with OCT
- Good IT skills, Understanding of office Works suite including PowerPoint
Person Specification
Education/ Qualifications
Essential
- Qualified optometrist with GOC registration
- Previous experience working with specialist contact lenses
Desirable
- Member of College of Optometrists
- Experience in complex corneal clinics
- IP qualification
Experience
Essential
- Advanced decision making skills that reflect patient focus
- Previous experience with fitting complex/medical contact lenses
Desirable
- Experience with managing patient relevant to specialist area
- Completing audit of patient experience in clinical service
Skills/Knowledge/ Abilities
Essential
- Ophthalmic skills including Slit lamp, applanation tonometry, gonioscopy and fundus examination
- Undertake and interpret ophthalmic procedures or investigations such as topography
- Ability to demonstrate professional knowledge and skill in ophthalmic practice
- Demonstrate commitment through involvement in Trust wide initiatives/ committees.
- Ability to practice within the scope of the GOC Code of Professional Conduct
Desirable
- Previous experience with OCT
- Good IT skills, Understanding of office Works suite including PowerPoint
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.
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).
Additional information
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.
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).