Specialist Research Optometrist, Band 7

Job description

Job responsibilities

- There will be a requirement to undertake optometric examinations to support the Gloucestershire Retinal Research Group.

- Responsible for research, audit and optometric related advice and information to the Gloucestershire Diabetic Retinopathy Education and Research Groups and the Gloucestershire Diabetic Eye Screening Programme.

- There will be an intermittent requirement to undertake optometric and grading reviews as part of the Quality Assurance process to a selection of diabetic retinopathy screening programmes. Assist the Gloucestershire Diabetic Retinopathy Education Group to ensure that national standards, performance targets are met. Monitor and advise on the development and implementation of safe systems of work.

- To assist with the on-going requirement to provide grading support for diabetic eye screening images and surveillance OCT images for both the Gloucestershire Diabetic Eye Screening Programme and the contract that they have for the Jersey Screening Programme.

- The post holder will be expected to act autonomously and with authority to influence organisations and individuals within and the NHS at every level, to maintain meticulous records. The role involves, assimilating and assessing highly complex information, the review and investigation of working standards, negotiating and mediating with senior professionals including senior managers, Public Health and clinical consultants and skilfully communicating at all levels with members of the public, screeners and administrators and optometry educators.

- To lead and support the development of research projects for the Gloucestershire Diabetic Retinopathy Research Group, particularly where there is optometric involvement.

- Regular contact with patients should be dealt with in a way that is sensitive both to the patient and the local programme. Consultation with local providers will normally be necessary before responses are given and follow up with providers to ensure that problems are resolved. Patient confidentiality must be maintained at all times.

- Occasional contact with patient representatives will be required and the post holder will be expected to provide training and support to patient representatives who may attend external quality assurance visits.

Person Specification

Qualifications, Knowledge and Experience

Essential

• Education to master's degree level in Optometry or a related science, registration with the General Optical Council
• Experience working in the NHS in a senior optometric position
• A clear understanding of NHS optometric examination funding and structure of eye examination, as well as the underpinning organisation and management of these services

Desirable

• Experience of community optometry services at community and corporate body level preferred
• History of effective presentations to groups
• Certificate or Diploma in Diabetic Retinopathy Screening

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

Gloucestershire Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust

Address

Gloucestershire Royal Hospital (The Orchard Centre)

Great Western Road

Gloucester

GL1 3NN

Employer's website

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