Job summary
An exciting opportunity has arisen to join the Ophthalmology Team at Sheffield Children's NHS Foundation Trust as a Principal Optometrist
The postholder will be a compassionate, accountable individual who treats all colleagues, patients and service users with respect and seeks to deliver excellence in their role. They will share the Trust values and be committed to equality, diversity and inclusion.
The postholder will be a key Senior member of the Ophthalmology Team, who provide paediatric eye care in Sheffield and across the region. We are a fantastic team, who work with paediatric specialities within the Trust. The Ophthalmology Service drives forward service improvements, are highly family centred in their approaches and are a fantastic team, who care for and look after each other
The position offers the opportunity to work in orthoptic/optometry clinics and specialised ophthalmic clinics providing refraction and fundus examinations. You may be required to attend surgical theatre sessions in order to assist and support the Consultant Ophthalmologist if any children require refraction and fundus checks under anaesthetic.
The post may be worked at Sheffield Children's Hospital or another Trust location.
This post worked as 4.5 days per week or can be worked as a 9 day fortnight.
As a Principal Optometrist you will have experience and interest in paediatric assessment and treatment and be committed to child / family centred approaches.
Main duties of the job
The position offers the opportunity to develop a strong leadership role within the department. You will be responsible for the management on a day to day basis of the Optometry team, being responsive to waiting time targets and delivery plans, scheduling PDR's and facilitating the development of staff such as working with the Nursing team for patients attending Accident and Emergency, assessing patients on wards or in theatre. In addition you will provide an expert practitioner role in specific roles which may include the specialised contact lens clinics and support existing staff involved in contact lens and other extended roles such as uveitis screening.
You will be involved in audit and research to enhance the service and also present at national/international level and support a learning culture within the department. This could include informal teaching of undergraduate Orthoptic students on placement or supervision of pre-registration Optometrists.
Some refraction clinics may be at The Ryegate Children's Centre or special schools working with children with additional needs with the support of an Orthoptist.
This post is most suited to experienced optometrists confident and competent in the examination and refraction of very young children as well as having expert knowledge and practice in extended roles particularly relating to paediatrics.
About us
Sheffield Children's is one of three independent, specialist paediatric hospitals in the country, providing dedicated healthcare for children and young people across community, mental health and acute specialist settings.
We have three overarching aims that set the direction for the Trust in our vision "to create a healthier future for children and young people."
- Outstanding patient care
- Brilliant place to work
- Leader in children's health
Our commitment to rewarding colleagues is demonstrated through our brilliant reward and benefits offer including; generous annual leave entitlement and pension scheme and access to salary sacrifice schemes such as cycle to work and lease cars.
We are committed to supporting colleagues from different heritages and lifestyles while at work. This is supported through the offer we have in place for flexible working and the three equality network groups we have in place. Colleagues are encouraged to join these groups and request flexible working.
Job description
Job responsibilities
To be responsible for the development and leadership of the Optometric services within the Trust, working with the Head Orthoptist and Associate Director for Surgery and Critical Care
Provide a high quality, effective and evidence based service that is current and responsive to patient needs
To provide expert advice and instruction to all grades and disciplines of staff, in matters relating to refraction, contact lenses and some Ophthalmic conditions.
To apply advanced personal and professional autonomy, whilst acting as an expert practitioner, utilising expert clinical competence in decision-making, based on knowledge above that associated with a specialist Optometry practitioner.
To be aware of waiting time targets and be responsible for ensuring optometrists are meeting clinical targets
Expert clinical practice in Refraction and Fundus, Contact Lens, Extended roles such as Uveitis screening
Education and Training
Audit and Research
Staff management and supervision
Financial management
Policy and Service development
Please note interviews expected week of 7th August 2023
Inclusive Recruitment & Selection
We offer encouragement and active support to applicants with additional needs, including those from ethnic minorities, with disabilities and members of the LGBTQ+ community. If you wish to adjust any aspect of the recruitment process or wish to find out more about our recruitment & selection processes, please get in touch with our Recruitment Manager: Catherine.Gilbert7@nhs.net
We are currently reviewing our recruitment & selection process and are looking to make our job adverts more inclusive. This will support the long-term aim of Sheffield Childrens being a champion of Equality, Diversity and Inclusion. If you have any ideas in how we can make our recruitment & selection process more inclusive, please get in touch with Catherine Gilbert at Catherine.Gilbert7@nhs.net
Trust Values
The Trust is committed to providing great quality patient care and keep children, young people and families at the heart of what we do by following our CARE values:
- Compassion leading by kindness and showing empathy, understanding and respect
- Accountability striving to do the right thing and owning responsibility
- Respect value differences, tackling inequality and fostering a culture of inclusion
- Excellence delivering a high-quality standard of care
Job description
Job responsibilities
To be responsible for the development and leadership of the Optometric services within the Trust, working with the Head Orthoptist and Associate Director for Surgery and Critical Care
Provide a high quality, effective and evidence based service that is current and responsive to patient needs
To provide expert advice and instruction to all grades and disciplines of staff, in matters relating to refraction, contact lenses and some Ophthalmic conditions.
To apply advanced personal and professional autonomy, whilst acting as an expert practitioner, utilising expert clinical competence in decision-making, based on knowledge above that associated with a specialist Optometry practitioner.
To be aware of waiting time targets and be responsible for ensuring optometrists are meeting clinical targets
Expert clinical practice in Refraction and Fundus, Contact Lens, Extended roles such as Uveitis screening
Education and Training
Audit and Research
Staff management and supervision
Financial management
Policy and Service development
Please note interviews expected week of 7th August 2023
Inclusive Recruitment & Selection
We offer encouragement and active support to applicants with additional needs, including those from ethnic minorities, with disabilities and members of the LGBTQ+ community. If you wish to adjust any aspect of the recruitment process or wish to find out more about our recruitment & selection processes, please get in touch with our Recruitment Manager: Catherine.Gilbert7@nhs.net
We are currently reviewing our recruitment & selection process and are looking to make our job adverts more inclusive. This will support the long-term aim of Sheffield Childrens being a champion of Equality, Diversity and Inclusion. If you have any ideas in how we can make our recruitment & selection process more inclusive, please get in touch with Catherine Gilbert at Catherine.Gilbert7@nhs.net
Trust Values
The Trust is committed to providing great quality patient care and keep children, young people and families at the heart of what we do by following our CARE values:
- Compassion leading by kindness and showing empathy, understanding and respect
- Accountability striving to do the right thing and owning responsibility
- Respect value differences, tackling inequality and fostering a culture of inclusion
- Excellence delivering a high-quality standard of care
Person Specification
Qualifications
Essential
- Evidence of experiential learning to master's level or above
- Registration with the General Optical Council (GOC)
Desirable
- Additional relevant qualifications in paediatric eye care
- Membership, or Fellowship of the College of Optometrists
Experience
Essential
- MDT experience in secondary healthcare
- Experience with additional needs
- Experience of examining very young children and infants with slit lamp
Desirable
- Involvement in national special interest groups
- additional qualification in independent prescribing
Knowledge and Skills
Essential
- Techniques for assessment of visually impaired children and children with special needs and disability
Desirable
- Knowledge of uveitis and BSPAR guidelines for screening
Person Specification
Qualifications
Essential
- Evidence of experiential learning to master's level or above
- Registration with the General Optical Council (GOC)
Desirable
- Additional relevant qualifications in paediatric eye care
- Membership, or Fellowship of the College of Optometrists
Experience
Essential
- MDT experience in secondary healthcare
- Experience with additional needs
- Experience of examining very young children and infants with slit lamp
Desirable
- Involvement in national special interest groups
- additional qualification in independent prescribing
Knowledge and Skills
Essential
- Techniques for assessment of visually impaired children and children with special needs and disability
Desirable
- Knowledge of uveitis and BSPAR guidelines for 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.
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).
