Job responsibilities
The post holder will be expected to demonstrate knowledge, skills, training, competence and clinical experience to support the provision of high-quality eye health care across the Health Board.
To provide advice to the Health Board in the development of current and future plans for eye health care in Cardiff and Vale.
Responsibilities will include:
Optometry Services To provide robust professional advice to the Health Board on the opportunities for commissioning a range of enhanced services from Optometrists in Cardiff and Vale. To advise on the planning of eye health services including delivery against and future development of the ABUHBs Eye Health Care Delivery Plan. To advise on the priorities for investment in eye health and optometry services. To work with the Ophthalmology Directorate to manage patient demand, referral pathways and service integration. To support the management of Primary Care budgets in accordance with the Health Boards Standing Orders and Standing Financial Instructions. To support management of activity levels, waiting times/lists etc. and identify and deliver on efficiencies to release cost savings To identify and if appropriate procure the physical resources required to deliver services i.e. equipment and facilities, through the planning process. To ensure that systems are in place to collect patient activity data and related financial information To inform and contribute to national discussions and preparations for the implementation of Optometry Contract Reform. To support the delivery and implementation of a digital solution for eye care. To take a lead role working with Neighbourhood Care Networks to facilitate positive service change regarding optometry services. To contribute to/review committee reports and chair meetings as required. To use judgement to prioritise and complete the work in progress to the agreed deadline. To resolve issues between service users and providers. To analyse and interpret information and data to inform services and plan provision. To provide support in the development of clinical pathways, referral processes and specific guidance to support and enhance patient care
Clinical Governance To facilitate the Health Board in being assured of clinical governance arrangements in optometry services. To advise the Health Board on how to work with optometrists to facilitate clinical governance and quality improvement. To contribute to the Primary Care Clinical Governance & Risk Management agenda, as directed by the Deputy Medical Director, to ensure that robust arrangements for eye health care services are maintained. To support the assessment of applications and approve clinical references for performers applying to join the Optometric Performers List. To provide, where appropriate, expert professional input into primary care complaints and significant event analysis procedures for optometry services in liaison with others where necessary. To lead in the investigation and presentation of cases relating to poor performance of eye care services, identifying lessons learnt and providing support for service providers in critical reflection and learning, where appropriate. To aid the Health Board in ensuring that clinical services are responsive to local and national standards, and that sufficient resources are identified and made available to meet such demands. To support NWSSP, Post payment verification process by providing expert interpretation of highly complex clinical issues. To ensure that locally identified areas of concern relevant to risk management and clinical governance related to the delivery of the services are considered and appropriate action agreed.
Interface with the Optometry Profession and wider Eye Health Care Team To provide support and advice to optometrists ensuring compliance with professional standards and regulatory requirements. May include visits to practice premises. To support the Health Board in developing clear mechanisms for engaging with the optometry profession. To ensure appropriate and effective communication is developed and maintained with key stakeholders. To develop robust working relationships between primary care optometry and secondary care ophthalmology services. To attend any internal and external meetings as requested by the UHB, e.g. Optometry Liaison Group, Eye Heath Care Group, Ophthalmology Working Groups To assist in the management of placements for optometrists undertaking postgraduate qualifications by liaising with Health Education and Innovation Wales (HEIW). May provide teaching at regional education events, both optometric and ophthalmic. To demonstrate a continuing process of attaining educational, research, clinical, leadership skills, and maintain personal profile in accordance with General Optical Council requirements. To share knowledge/ skills and expertise with peers. To support evidence-based practice and ensure appropriate environment for optometrists, dispensing opticians and optometric support staff to meet the statutory requirements of the General Optical Council to ensure high standards of evidence based care for the population of Wales. Lead the development of clinical practice. Be able to provide support to clinical trials and research within the Health Board. To foster positive collegial relationships with members of the interdisciplinary team. To work with the Ophthalmic Planned Care Programme, Clinical Futures and other national & local drivers to improve services and be a positive champion for change. To contribute to the development of an integrated eye care service across primary and secondary eye care throughout the region, through working with health board optometric advisors and community based groups such as South East Wales Optometric Committee SEWROC), the Welsh Optometric Committee (WOC) and third sector partners.
Finance Management and Physical Resources
Influence budget setting arrangements to ensure service needs are met and appropriate resources identified/allocated. Participate in monitoring and managing financial budgets and targets Support and influence effective use, monitoring and management of budgets including prioritisation and budget setting Identify areas for improvement and implement change to meet identified opportunities.
Information resources To ensure all records (clinical, personnel, contractor etc) are maintained and managed in line with legislation and Health Board policy. To ensure any information system used within the Health Board and the information held within it is managed in accordance with the Health Board Policy and compliant with the data protection act and other relevant legislation/policies. To contribute to the development, procurement and implementation of corporate and service information systems as appropriate. Adhere to strict GDPR guidelines in information governance.
Research and Development To promote practice research across optometry and work with stakeholders such as HEIW To support the development of practice research appropriate to present and future optometric practice. Responsible for co-ordinating and implementing locally lead research and development in partnership with HEIW, supporting delivery of high-quality ophthalmic services within Wales as a requirement of the job. To work with key stakeholders, integrate research evidence into practice and identify gaps in the evidence base.
