Job responsibilities
The post holder will undertake a range of optometry services as required including:
Slit lamp examination to include dilated fundoscopy and refraction where necessary of both paediatric and adult patients including those with significant visual loss and/or communication difficulties.
The post holder will competently undertake patient assessment using visual fields equipment, Optical Coherence Tomography, contact tonometry, Pentacam, and retinal photography, as necessary.
The post holder will use highly developed specialist knowledge and analytical skills to interpret specialist ophthalmology test results including visual fields, OCT and corneal topography and will act upon these appropriately or discuss with the clinician.
The post holder will work within paediatric ophthalmology and contact lens clinics as well as within the hospital acute emergency eye service. These clinics involve responsibility for decision-making with support from consultants and the provision of assessment, management and education of patients.
It is expected that the post holders patient assessment will enable you to decide on the most appropriate diagnosis and management plan for the patients on a case by case basis understanding each patients condition and differing and often complex requirements. As well as discussing cases with senior medical colleagues as appropriate for patients to be managed smoothly through the acute service.
All patient episodes will be accurately documented in Medisoft to maintain accurate electronic patient records and letters sent to patients general practitioners through Medisoft as well as printing appropriate documentation for Hospital records.
The post holder will also follow local policies in regards to infection control and maintenance of equipment used within optometric clinics ensuring it is fit for purpose.
The post holder will prioritise own activity to meet immediate demands, performing under pressure with unpredictable interruptions.
Communication
The post holder will be expected to communicate effectively and sympathetically with patients of all ages and abilities and their parents and carers. This can involve imparting sensitive and complex information about their eye condition, using explanation, persuasion and motivation as necessary and ensuring informed consent for treatment. This requires special skills where there are barriers to understanding such as deafness, learning difficulties, stroke damage, language or cultural issues (including where English is not the first language).
The post holder will communicate effectively with other staff members of all disciplines within the hospital eye department, including ophthalmologists, orthoptists, nurses, optometrists, ophthalmic technicians and other professional groups.
The post holder will deal appropriately with complex and/or sensitive information and ensure by liaison with peers and other professional groups the proper ongoing care plan for the patient and/or carers concerned.
Teaching
The post holder will contribute to the delivery of optometric teaching to junior Doctors, Orthoptists, Optometrists, Nurses and Ophthalmic Technicians.
Professional and Organisational
The post holder will be professionally and legally accountable for his/her own practice.
The post holder will ensure accurate and efficient maintenance of patient clinical records with the recording of data in accordance with Trust and departmental policy.
The post holder will ensure departmental protocols are followed including correspondence, patients who fail to attend, patients who are referred and discharged and infection control.
The post holder will be expected to implement policies and propose changes to practises where necessary taking an active role in service development.
The post holder will carry out and present clinical audits as and when required.
The post holder will contribute to Service/ Team audit/ Research activity as required.
The post holder will maintain a high level of personal continuing education and training to function effectively and as required by the General Optical Council.
The post holder will actively participate in multi-disciplinary team meetings.
The post holder will undertake other duties, as required by the Head Orthoptist, to ensure the day to day smooth running of the department.
This job description is intended as an outline and is not exhaustive. The post holder will undertake any other duties which may be reasonably regarded as within the nature of the duties, responsibilities and grade of the post as defined, subject to the provision that appropriate training is given and that wherever possible significant changes of a permanent nature shall be mutually agreed and incorporated into the job.
