Specialist Optometrist

Countess of Chester Hospital NHS Foundation Trust; Chester; On-site; GBP 32,000 - 39,000; Full time

Job summary

A healthcare organization in Chester is seeking a Specialist Optometrist to lead the optometrist-led glaucoma service and support specialist ophthalmologists. Applicants must have UK professional registration with the General Optical Council and ideally possess a higher qualification in Glaucoma. The role involves both face-to-face and virtual clinics providing essential patient services.

Qualifications

• Must have UK professional registration as an Optometrist.
• Higher qualification in Glaucoma preferred or willingness to pursue.
• Clearance from the Criminal Records Bureau required.

Responsibilities

• Support Glaucoma Specialist Ophthalmologists in providing patient services.
• Lead the optometrist-led glaucoma service.
• Participate in face-to-face and virtual glaucoma clinic reviews.

Skills

UK professional registration with the General Optical Council

Higher qualification in Glaucoma

Job description

Overview

A Specialist Optometrist to work in the Optometry Department at the Countess of Chester Hospital. Optometrists with a special interest in Glaucoma. The successful applicant will have the opportunity to use their knowledge and skills in face-to-face and virtual glaucoma clinics.

Opportunity details

The post has been created by the expansion of the Virtual Glaucoma Clinic and will involve a mixture of face-to-face and virtual clinic reviews. The successful applicant will also act as a lead for the optometrist-led glaucoma service. There will be a small clinical involvement in the core optometry service.

Responsibilities

• Support the Glaucoma Specialist Ophthalmologists in providing a glaucoma service to the patients of the Countess of Chester NHS Foundation Trust.
• Lead the optometrist-led glaucoma service.
• Participate in a mix of face-to-face and virtual glaucoma clinic reviews.

Qualifications and requirements

• You must have a UK professional registration with the General Optical Council as an Optometrist.
• You should have a higher qualification in Glaucoma, or be willing to work towards this.
• The successful applicant will require clearance from the Criminal Records Bureau.
• Your offer of employment is subject to two satisfactory references, one must be your most recent employer and cover the last 3 years employment, with full contact details including a work email (personal emails are not accepted).
• You must disclose any previous convictions, cautions, reprimands or warnings on the application, unless these are protected under the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act 1974.

About the Trust

The Countess of Chester Hospital NHS Foundation Trust provides services to West Cheshire and to Welsh patients covered by Betsi Cadwaladr University Health Board. The Trust works collaboratively within the wider Cheshire and Merseyside Health and Care Partnership. Its services are provided from three locations: The Countess of Chester Hospital (438 general and acute beds); Ellesmere Port Hospital (56 beds as a rehabilitation, intermediate and outpatient facility); Tarporley War Memorial Hospital (a base for community services which serve the local rural population).

Staffing, benefits and recruitment notes

The Trust employs over 5,916 staff (headcount) and provides acute emergency and elective services, primary care direct access services and obstetric services to a population of approximately 411,000. Band 7. The Trust values staff and promotes equality, flexibility, and continuous improvement. Applicants from under-represented groups are encouraged.

Recruitment processes are based on competence and values. Applicants will be required to pay for their DBS check, with costs deducted from salary over the first three months. Enrolment in the DBS Update Service is encouraged (small annual fee applies).

New entrants to the NHS will commence on the minimum of the scale stated above. Applicants are advised to apply early, as vacancies may close before the advertised date if a high number of applications are received.

Disclosure and Barring Service checks: If the role is subject to the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act Exceptions Order, a submission for Disclosure to the DBS will be necessary. Enhanced DBS checks with omitted or incorrect information will be withdrawn; errors require a new application and payment. The DBS cost will be deducted from salary over the first three months.

Overseas candidates: The Department of Health and Social Care has published guidance to support overseas candidates seeking to work in health and care in the UK.