Job summary
We are seeking to appoint a highly motivated and qualified optometrist to be a part of our ophthalmology department at University Hospitals of Leicester NHS Trust.
We are seeking an enthusiastic and motivated band 7 Specialist Optometrist to join our Ophthalmology team at UHL.
Leicester Royal Infirmary is part of University Hospitals Leicester NHS Trust and the Department of Ophthalmology provides a centre of excellence for ophthalmic care in the East Midlands. We foster a collaborative and multidisciplinary approach to our services.
The Optometry Unit is a well-established and integral part of ophthalmology Department. If you want to be part of our developing team and want to find out more, please contact one of the lead optometrists on 0116 2585858 for more information.
Main duties of the job
This post is aimed at optometrists wishing to expand and consolidate their knowledge and clinical skills. There will be opportunities to develop new skills to enhance your clinical repertoire, making this a very rewarding experience.
The Department of Ophthalmology provides a centre of excellence for ophthalmic care in the East Midlands. We foster a collaborative and multidisciplinary approach to our services. The post will involve some sessions in eye casualty, glaucoma and diabetic slit lamp clinics, and working alongside consultants in other sub specialities within Ophthalmology. Core clinical roles include refraction, medical contact lens practice and low vision services, paediatric and genetics services. Existing extended roles may include work in glaucoma, cornea, uveitis, Medical Retina, Eye casualty and cataract clinics.
The Optometry Unit is a well-established and significant service provider to the Department and is undergoing a period of expansion and development. You must hold a degree in Optometry and be registered with the General Optical Council. Previous hospital experience would be an advantage but is not essential.
About us
Our new strategy, developed with the support and feedback of colleagues, patients, and partners, is our compass for the next seven years (2023-2030).
We have four primary goals:
- high-quality care for all,
- being a great place to work,
- partnerships for impact, and
- research and education excellence
And we will embed health equality in all we do - taking active steps to reduce the avoidable differences in healthcare that some people face, working in partnership with communities.
Our strategy is underpinned by new values and we will work to ensure they are an everyday reality for all:
- we are compassionate,
- we are proud,
- we are inclusive, and
- we are one team
This is an exciting moment as we look to the future with clarity on what we already do well and where we need to focus our energies to make an even bigger difference for the people we serve.
Job description
Job responsibilities
MAIN DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES
-
To work closely with ophthalmology team to deliver a comprehensive range of extended optometry services to the highest standards of quality and care.
-
To take sole responsibility for the assessment of patients of all ages, abilities and with wide ranging communication abilities in order to determine a clinical diagnosis.
-
To formulate individualised management and treatment plans and make onward referral to other clinical members of the Ophthalmology Specialty.
-
To implement management plans and a wide range of treatment regimens communicating with patients, relatives and carers including those with learning, communication and language difficulties.
-
To make timely recommendations for medical / surgical intervention as determined by optometric assessment, advise the patient and refer to the ophthalmologist for discussion.
-
To undertake the continued management of routine patients caseload as an autonomous practitioner and discharge patients in line with agreed protocols.
-
To frequently communicate sensitive issues to patients including diagnosis and prognosis and provide a counselling and support role to patient, relative or carer.
-
To plan and prioritise individual workloads as delegated by the Clinical Lead
-
To maintain patient records to the highest standards at all time & take responsibility for the monitoring of certain information and information systems
-
The post holder will be guided by best practice and standard operating procedures.
-
To abide by all Trust corporate policies including Health and Safety and COSHH regulations.
-
To participate in all possible training and teaching sessions.
(please refer to the job description/person specification for full details on the role)
Job description
Job responsibilities
MAIN DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES
-
To work closely with ophthalmology team to deliver a comprehensive range of extended optometry services to the highest standards of quality and care.
-
To take sole responsibility for the assessment of patients of all ages, abilities and with wide ranging communication abilities in order to determine a clinical diagnosis.
-
To formulate individualised management and treatment plans and make onward referral to other clinical members of the Ophthalmology Specialty.
-
To implement management plans and a wide range of treatment regimens communicating with patients, relatives and carers including those with learning, communication and language difficulties.
-
To make timely recommendations for medical / surgical intervention as determined by optometric assessment, advise the patient and refer to the ophthalmologist for discussion.
-
To undertake the continued management of routine patients caseload as an autonomous practitioner and discharge patients in line with agreed protocols.
-
To frequently communicate sensitive issues to patients including diagnosis and prognosis and provide a counselling and support role to patient, relative or carer.
-
To plan and prioritise individual workloads as delegated by the Clinical Lead
-
To maintain patient records to the highest standards at all time & take responsibility for the monitoring of certain information and information systems
-
The post holder will be guided by best practice and standard operating procedures.
-
To abide by all Trust corporate policies including Health and Safety and COSHH regulations.
-
To participate in all possible training and teaching sessions.
(please refer to the job description/person specification for full details on the role)
Person Specification
Education / qualification
Essential
- Registration as Optometrist with General Optical Council
- BSc Hons degree in Optometry
Desirable
- MSc Degree or Postgraduate related qualification
- Independent prescriber
- Higher qualifications in glaucoma and other eye conditions
Knowledge and Experience
Essential
- Minimum 4 years of post-graduate experience
- Clinical knowledge of Ophthalmic conditions and care
- Knowledge of technical skills within ophthalmology, in posterior and anterior segment examinations
- Experience of working as an autonomous practitioner
Desirable
- Theoretical and practical ophthalmic knowledge of a range of work procedures and practices
- Minimum 2 years of advanced practice experience
- Evidence of independent prescribing
Skills/Ability
Essential
- Clinical skills in ophthalmic examination & diagnosis.
- Excellent interpersonal skills: verbal , written and electronic
- Communicates complex, sensitive, condition-related information to patients , relatives and staff at all levels and outside agencies
Desirable
- Skills in extended clinical setting
Person Specification
Education / qualification
Essential
- Registration as Optometrist with General Optical Council
- BSc Hons degree in Optometry
Desirable
- MSc Degree or Postgraduate related qualification
- Independent prescriber
- Higher qualifications in glaucoma and other eye conditions
Knowledge and Experience
Essential
- Minimum 4 years of post-graduate experience
- Clinical knowledge of Ophthalmic conditions and care
- Knowledge of technical skills within ophthalmology, in posterior and anterior segment examinations
- Experience of working as an autonomous practitioner
Desirable
- Theoretical and practical ophthalmic knowledge of a range of work procedures and practices
- Minimum 2 years of advanced practice experience
- Evidence of independent prescribing
Skills/Ability
Essential
- Clinical skills in ophthalmic examination & diagnosis.
- Excellent interpersonal skills: verbal , written and electronic
- Communicates complex, sensitive, condition-related information to patients , relatives and staff at all levels and outside agencies
Desirable
- Skills in extended clinical setting
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).
