Band 7 Highly Specialised Optometrist

NHS; Chipping Barnet; On-site; GBP 51,000 - 59,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading healthcare provider is seeking an experienced Optometrist to join their Glaucoma service in Ophthalmology. The role involves working closely with a team of specialists to deliver high-quality patient care, conducting assessments, and formulating treatment plans. Candidates should possess relevant qualifications and demonstrate strong communication and teamwork skills. This position offers a competitive salary and opportunities for professional development.

Qualifications

• Extensive experience in clinical Optometrist services.
• Experience teaching student Optometrists and nurses.

Responsibilities

• Provide optometric assessment and management for patients.
• Formulate treatment plans and communicate with patients.
• Maintain accurate clinical records and comply with quality procedures.

Skills

Communication

Teamwork

Manual Dexterity

Empathy

Education

Degree / Diploma of Orthoptics

MSc degree or equivalent

Clinical Teaching qualification

Job description

This post focuses on working in the Glaucoma service in Ophthalmology. It supports the Consultant led service with a team of glaucoma specialists, comprising of Ophthalmologists, Orthoptists & Optometrists. This post covers clinics on Thursdays. The day is split across 2 sites: Edgware Hospital in the morning session and Barnet Hospital for the afternoon. You will work closely with other Optometrists and Health Care Professionals in order to deliver a comprehensive range of core optometric services to the highest standards of quality and care. Work as an autonomous practitioner in providing optometric assessment, diagnosis and management of patients of all ages, and those who have varying communication skills.

Main duties of the job

Working in the Glaucoma service in Ophthalmology. Supporting the Consultant led service with a team of glaucoma specialists, comprising of Ophthalmologists, Orthoptists & Optometrists

Following the clinical pathways as set out by the Consultant Lead.

To offer a personalised and evidenced based treatment plans and select the appropriate ophthalmic tests for each patient.

To offer patients a level of counselling and informative advice regarding their diagnosis

To take responsibility for the assessment of patients of all ages and abilities, with wide ranging communication difficulties, referred for assessment.

To formulate management and treatment plans and make onward referral to other clinical members of the Ophthalmology Directorate as appropriate or discharging patients.

Communicate with patients, relatives and carers, including those with learning, communication and language difficulties.

To demonstrate considerable manual dexterity, accuracy and speed in a variety of clinical procedures to ensure accurate measurements necessary for patient management e.g. retinoscopy.

To liaise with other Optometrists, Orthoptists, or the Ophthalmologist with whom one is working, about any problems which may arise during daily clinical practice.

About us

The Royal Free London NHS Foundation Trust is one of the UK's biggest and most innovative trusts. Across three main hospitals, our dedicated army of staff care for over 1.6million patients, treat more than 200,000 in A&E, deliver over 8,000 babies and carry out more than 17million tests.

Our size, scale and influence offer you unrivalled career opportunities and a forward-thinking approach to working that works around your lifestyle. From flexible hours and generous benefits, to next level training, we make it easier to take your career to the top.

For more information please follow link https://www.royalfreelondonjobs.co.uk/

Job responsibilities

To discuss the diagnosis, prognosis and management plan with patient / parent / carer. To describe and record clinical data in the medical records and decide on any necessity for referral for medical opinion.

To provide a report for the patients GP and any other relevant parties to whom a patient agrees for information to be sent.

To comply with departmental quality procedures, participating in quality management monitoring. This will include audits for hospital ophthalmology services.

To keep and maintain appropriate records at all times ensuring that all data is updated onto the computerised systems in a timely manner.

Maintain and utilise department and Trust information systems currently in use and ensure the accuracy of information held on the Patient Administration System (EPR) & Notes System (Medisight).

To observe safe working practices and equipment procedures, complying with legislative requirements under H&S regulations.

Respect patient and staff confidentiality at all times.

Be involved with current departmental teaching/research in agreement with Clinical and professional lead.

Respect patient and staff confidentiality at all times.

Provide training and support to staff.

Keep work up-to-date within departmental set standards, notifying line manager immediately if this becomes problematic

Adhere to appropriate health and safety, fire and statutory regulations and all Trust policies relevant to the post.

See patients in a timely manner

Give written information to patients regarding entitlements for optical treatment

Attend appropriate training events, courses and lectures, as agreed with the Lead/ Head Orthoptist, thereby maintaining up-to-date knowledge and skills.

Ensure compliance with all Trust policies and follow Trust codes of practice regarding any absence, annual, sick and other leaves.

Undertake any duties as agreed and delegated by the Head Orthoptist or Consultant Lead in your designated subspecialty.

Report to the head of service regarding faults and replacement requests

Person Specification

Values

• Demonstrable ability to meet the Trust Values

Education & professional Qualifications

• Possess a Degree / Diploma of Orthoptics
• HCPC registration
• BIOS Clinic Tutors Course/ equivalent
• To possess a MSc degree or equivalent
• Clinical Teaching qualification

Work Experience

• Extensive experience in all aspects of clinical Optometrist involving specialist services.
• Experience of teaching student Optometrist /doctors /pre-registration optometrists /nurses etc
• Evidence of CPD
• Demonstrate knowledge and clinical skills relevant to Optometrist in extended roles
• Have management/ leadership experience

Skills and Aptitudes

• To be able to show good working relationships at all levels and to work as part of a multidisciplinary team or independently.
• To be able to work under pressure in a busy environment, whilst maintaining high quality Orthoptic practise.
• To be able to consistently communicate effectively with patients and staff at all levels in a professional and respectful manner
• The ability to handle difficult situations calmly and effectively to deal with patients, tactfully, efficiently and with empathy.
• To have good presentation skills for formal and informal teaching of undergraduate and post graduates, and audit.
• To Assist with the implementation of wider Trust Objectives
• Have knowledge of strategic plans for development of Optometrist services in the community.
• To have knowledge of research methodology and willing to contribute to research within the department

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.

£51,883 to £58,544 a yearPer annum inclusive of HCAS (pro rata)