Bhsct Optometrist Band 6

Belfast Health And Social Care Trust; Belfast; On-site; GBP 32,000 - 42,000; Full time

Job summary

Belfast Health and Social Care Trust is seeking an Optometrist (Band 6) to deliver high-quality clinical optometry across Ophthalmology services, including outreach clinics. The role involves teaching and training students, participating in audits and research, and working with a multi-disciplinary team.

You will contribute to paediatric and adult refraction, low vision assessment, and management of contact lenses, with opportunities for professional development within a Trust-wide framework.

Responsibilities

• Deliver core optometry services across sites, including paediatric and adult refraction, low vision assessment, and corneal topography.
• Provide optical dispensing advice and contact lens management.
• Operate autonomously in outreach clinics and travel between outreach locations and base.
• Contribute to clinical protocols, documentation, and compliance with health and safety policies.

Job description

Advertised role location: Trustwide based in Shankill WTC

JOB DESCRIPTION

JOB TITLE

Optometrist

BAND

6

DIRECTORATE

Ophthalmology

LOCATION

Ophthalmology Services (Belfast and other outreach locations)

REPORTS TO

Head/Deputy Heads of Optometry

ACCOUNTABLE TO

Ophthalmology Service Manager

Job Summary

The post holder will work under the direction of the Head / Deputy Heads of Optometry to deliver core optometry services to the highest standards of quality and care. The post holder will deliver direct clinical optometric care to patients across sites serviced by BHSCT, and other Trust locations as required. The post holder will also be expected to undertake delegated administrative duties relating to the optometry service and clinical audit/research as agreed with the Head / Deputy Heads of Optometry. In addition, the successful applicant will provide teaching and training to students from various disciplines.

Key Duties & Responsibilities

Clinical

To undertake a broad range of core optometry services. These may include paediatric and adult refraction, low vision assessment, visual assessment of adults with learning disability, corneal topography, dispensing of optical aids, medical contact lens management, assisting in the macular service, and verification of contact lenses and spectacles.

To participate in a programme for the advanced development of personal clinical expertise in accordance with individual performance objectives which are agreed with the Head and Deputy Heads of Optometry. This will take the form of an annual staff development review.

To work in a multi-disciplinary environment and communicate effectively with other relevant healthcare professionals e.g. orthoptists, ophthalmologists, ophthalmic nursing staff, rehabilitation workers, social workers, day-care workers, technical staff and administrative staff.

To accurately assess and measure visual function, analyse and interpret clinical tests and provide the appropriate optical intervention. This will involve discussing and advising on alternative optical appliances. To perform techniques requiring highly developed skills with significant levels of hand, eye and sensory co-ordination e.g. slit lamp biomicroscopy, handling of contact lenses, instillation of ophthalmic drugs.

To be able to work autonomously in outreach clinics.

The post will involve travel between outreach clinics and base.

Managerial/Administrative Duties

• To manage own clinical workload.
• To contribute to the development of clinical protocols and best working practice.
• To maintain stock control in individual outreach clinics and ensure equipment is in working order.
• To keep accurate patient records and record clinical activity.
• To abide by all Trust policies and comply with health and safety regulations.

Teaching and Training

• To assist in the supervision of pre-registration optometrists, as required.
• To undertake delegated teaching and training of medical, nursing and optometry students.
• To participate in continuing education and training as required by the General Optical Council.
• To complete all mandatory training in line with Trust policies.

Research and Audit

• To participate, when required, working to protocol in NHS led research projects.
• To assist in clinical audit.

In addition to the duties of your post there are additional duties that all employees of the Belfast Trust are expected to carry out. A summary of these can be found here.

PERSONNEL SPECIFICATION

JOB TITLE

Optometrist

BAND

6

DIRECTORATE

Optometry/Ophthalmology

All staff are expected to display the HSC Values at all times.