Job summary
An exciting opportunity has arisen for a full time Trainee Ophthalmic Photographer, to join our Imaging Team within a rapidly expanding and friendly Eye Care Centre at Mid Cheshire Hospitals FT.
We are currently looking for a self-motivated, pro-active individual with both excellent time management and organisational skills to join our team.
This role will be offered on an 18-month basis as a training post at band 4 level AfC. Developmental training will be provided over the 18-month period for the post holder to become proficient in all areas of ophthalmic imaging and selected areas of medical photography. Providing all training is completed and competencies attained, the post holder will progress after the initial 18 months into a band 5 Ophthalmic Photographer on a full-time basis.
As a Trainee Ophthalmic Photographer, you will have the opportunity to enhance your education in all aspects of the profession, developing a wide range of specialist ophthalmic photography skills and being supported along an 18-month training programme to achieve competencies and qualifications.
The Trust comprises of two main hospitals: Leighton Hospital and Victoria Infirmary Northwich (VIN) with each site requiring skill and expertise to the highest level. Although your base working location will be Leighton Hospital, working at both sites is a vital requirement for the successful post holder and own transport is essential.
Main duties of the job
- Responsible for undertaking training in all aspects of ophthalmic photography for diagnosis, case records, education, research and publication across a wide range of specialities and disciplines.
- To undertake all training and teaching relating to the role of a Ophthalmic Photographer within an acute hospital environment. To shadow and observe the work of the qualified senior photographer and to be actively engaged in the learning process.
- To enrol upon, undertake and complete all recognised and appropriate courses set out along the 18 -month trainee post relating specifically to ophthalmic Photography and leadership skills. To complete all modules and assignments to a satisfactory pass grade.
- To undertake all training courses assigned both internally and externally.
- To represent the department when visiting other departments for training and placement experience.
- To successfully achieve competency in all areas as described within the service delivery section of the job description.
About us
Mid Cheshire Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust provides a full range of hospital and community services for people across East Cheshire (population 399K) and West Cheshire and Chester (population 357K). The Trust provides high quality planned and emergency care, cardiac, critical care,child health,maternity services and intermediate care at Leighton Hospital in Crewe, Victoria Infirmary in Northwich, and Elmhurst Intermediate Care Centre in Winsford.
The Trust provides over 500 beds and employs over 5,100 members of staff. A comprehensive range of community services is provided across 26 medical centres and schools through ourCentral Cheshire Integrated Care Partnership.
We have played, and continue to play, a proactive role in the development of Integrated Care plans across Cheshire & Merseyside and our local Cheshire East and Cheshire West Place-based systems. We believe, and it is the cornerstone of our five-year Trust Strategy, there is the opportunity to progress innovative, responsive and effective care in the best setting for the patient, be it in the hospital or out in the community.
At Mid Cheshire, our mission is to inspire hope and provide unparalleled care for the people and communities of Cheshire, helping them to enjoy life to the fullest.
Job description
Job responsibilities
- Learn and achieve competency in ophthalmic areas such as, Optical Coherence Tomography (OCT) and advanced OCT-A imaging, Fundus Fluorescein Angiography (FFA), Indocyanine Green Angiography (ICG) Visual Fields (Humphrey), Pentacam, Biometry and Facial photography on patients using appropriate equipment, explaining the procedure clearly to the patient/relative/carer and delivering results to the clinician for interpretation.
- To provide a specialised colour fundus and anterior segment imaging service including high magnification, stereo and wide field protocols, including ultra-wide field imaging such as Optos/Clarus.
- To be aware of any unusual test results and take appropriate action, raising concerns with senior colleagues which may lead to the adjustment of medical requests accordingly to ensure images best represent the diagnosis and information required.
- To undertake specific courses related to Ophthalmology and Photography to further improve your knowledge and gain skills to aid the patients and clinicians.
- To ensure images are of a high quality to inform diagnosis and treatment of patients.
- To undertake ophthalmic research to support doctors with new developments in ophthalmology.
- To perform Visual acuity tests using multiple forms of acuity charts as appropriate.
- To instill appropriate eye drops as instructed by a registered professional whilst following approved protocols for patient safety.
- To demonstrate effective communication skills to ensure adequate patient understanding and compliance with the tests. Some patients have disabilities and / or visual impairment.
- Involve patients, relatives / carers in the delivery of care, providing reassurance and support to assist their understanding and co-operation.
- Assist the senior photographer with maintenance of imaging equipment, ensuring that any risk management issues are identified.
- Prepare the clinical area for safe practice by ensuring that cleanliness is well maintained throughout the immediate team.
- Record and store all test results appropriately, ensuring they are securely held, accurate, complete, and legible.
- To be able to cope with a variable workload, and to effectively plan, prioritise and manage ones own time.
- To demonstrate advanced competency and expertise in using all technical equipment. As technology/equipment evolves the role will expand to include usage of new technologies - training will be provided where required.
- To support fellow and new team members in the use and care of all technical equipment and assist the photographers in a supervisory role when applicable.
- To undertake virtual ophthalmology clinics (daytime and evenings) and capture and record tests to a high standard and document appropriately using Medisight.
- Undertake clerical duties as required during the running of patient clinics.
- To participate in departmental audit and clinical audit.
- To participate in a multitude of working shift patterns between the working day hours of 08:00am until 20:00pm.
- Actively keep an up to date continued professional portfolio (CPD)
- Actively work towards achieving qualifications surrounding ophthalmology and/or medical photography for continued professional development (CPD)
Job description
Job responsibilities
- Learn and achieve competency in ophthalmic areas such as, Optical Coherence Tomography (OCT) and advanced OCT-A imaging, Fundus Fluorescein Angiography (FFA), Indocyanine Green Angiography (ICG) Visual Fields (Humphrey), Pentacam, Biometry and Facial photography on patients using appropriate equipment, explaining the procedure clearly to the patient/relative/carer and delivering results to the clinician for interpretation.
- To provide a specialised colour fundus and anterior segment imaging service including high magnification, stereo and wide field protocols, including ultra-wide field imaging such as Optos/Clarus.
- To be aware of any unusual test results and take appropriate action, raising concerns with senior colleagues which may lead to the adjustment of medical requests accordingly to ensure images best represent the diagnosis and information required.
- To undertake specific courses related to Ophthalmology and Photography to further improve your knowledge and gain skills to aid the patients and clinicians.
- To ensure images are of a high quality to inform diagnosis and treatment of patients.
- To undertake ophthalmic research to support doctors with new developments in ophthalmology.
- To perform Visual acuity tests using multiple forms of acuity charts as appropriate.
- To instill appropriate eye drops as instructed by a registered professional whilst following approved protocols for patient safety.
- To demonstrate effective communication skills to ensure adequate patient understanding and compliance with the tests. Some patients have disabilities and / or visual impairment.
- Involve patients, relatives / carers in the delivery of care, providing reassurance and support to assist their understanding and co-operation.
- Assist the senior photographer with maintenance of imaging equipment, ensuring that any risk management issues are identified.
- Prepare the clinical area for safe practice by ensuring that cleanliness is well maintained throughout the immediate team.
- Record and store all test results appropriately, ensuring they are securely held, accurate, complete, and legible.
- To be able to cope with a variable workload, and to effectively plan, prioritise and manage ones own time.
- To demonstrate advanced competency and expertise in using all technical equipment. As technology/equipment evolves the role will expand to include usage of new technologies - training will be provided where required.
- To support fellow and new team members in the use and care of all technical equipment and assist the photographers in a supervisory role when applicable.
- To undertake virtual ophthalmology clinics (daytime and evenings) and capture and record tests to a high standard and document appropriately using Medisight.
- Undertake clerical duties as required during the running of patient clinics.
- To participate in departmental audit and clinical audit.
- To participate in a multitude of working shift patterns between the working day hours of 08:00am until 20:00pm.
- Actively keep an up to date continued professional portfolio (CPD)
- Actively work towards achieving qualifications surrounding ophthalmology and/or medical photography for continued professional development (CPD)
Person Specification
Qualifications
Essential
Desirable
- HND/Degree or equivalent in Ophthalmic/Medical photography.
- Experience performing advanced ophthalmic imaging including, OCTA and Fundus Fluorescein Angiography (FFA)
Experience
Essential
- A minimum of two years' experience working as an Ophthalmic Technician or similar within an Ophthalmology setting.
Desirable
- Team leader experience within a medical setting.
Skills
Essential
- Excellent communication skills, ability to respond to different communication needs of patients.
- Own transport is essential as the post holder will often be required to oversee ophthalmic imaging at Victoria Infirmary Northwich (VIN).
Desirable
- Knowledge of PCS, Medisight and Heyex software.
- Participate in meetings / discussions with departmental leads.
Person Specification
Qualifications
Essential
Desirable
- HND/Degree or equivalent in Ophthalmic/Medical photography.
- Experience performing advanced ophthalmic imaging including, OCTA and Fundus Fluorescein Angiography (FFA)
Experience
Essential
- A minimum of two years' experience working as an Ophthalmic Technician or similar within an Ophthalmology setting.
Desirable
- Team leader experience within a medical setting.
Skills
Essential
- Excellent communication skills, ability to respond to different communication needs of patients.
- Own transport is essential as the post holder will often be required to oversee ophthalmic imaging at Victoria Infirmary Northwich (VIN).
Desirable
- Knowledge of PCS, Medisight and Heyex software.
- Participate in meetings / discussions with departmental leads.
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).
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).
