Job overview

The Luton and Dunstable Hospital Eye Department is developing its substantive Optometry workforce. This is a very exciting opportunity to join our busy and expanding department. The team have worked tirelessly through the last few years to implement different ways of working to reduce the backlog of patients awaiting eye care. The development of the optometry workforce reflects the commitment to developing all staff and building stronger relationships with primary care to develop more sustainable pathways. 

Main duties of the job

The post holder will be responsible for the delivery of optometric services within the Ophthalmology Department. They will support with the development of optometric support for the clinical services including glaucoma, medical retina, macular degeneration, corneal, cataract, paediatric and acute services within the department. Depending on training and experience, the post holder may be asked to support multiple clinical services within the department.

It is anticipated that the post-holder will take on extended roles outside the established boundaries of optometry and into the traditional realm of medical ophthalmology. As such it carries a high level of professional demand, autonomy and responsibility. Training for this will be provided. This will include face to face and virtual appointments as well as diagnostic review sessions.

The post holder will be expected to possess relevant higher qualifications consistent with the recommendations made by the College of Optometrists, the Royal College of Ophthalmologists and other professional organisations and clinical guidelines e.g. NICE guidelines. If not held, the post holder will be expected to work towards the specialist higher qualifications.

The post holder will report into the Lead Optometrist and is professionally accountable to the lead consultant for the specialty or clinic in which they are working.

Working for our organisation

Bedfordshire Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust provides hospital services to a growing population of around 700,000 people living across Bedfordshire and the surrounding areas across two busy hospital sites in Bedford and Luton.  Both hospital sites offer key services such as A&E, Obstetrics-led Maternity and Paediatrics.

You will be joining a friendly, high performing Trust committed to ensuring the health and wellbeing of staff. As one of the largest NHS Trusts in our region you will have access to a programme of high quality training and development to help you grow your career.

We have state-of-the art facilities placing us at the heart of cutting edge health care. The Trust continues to be committed to delivering the best patient care using the best clinical knowledge and technology available.

Please note that vacancies may close prior to the advertised closing date when sufficient number of applications have been received. Please ensure that you make your application as soon as possible.

All new staff will be subject to a probationary period covering their first six months in post. Travel between hospital sites may be required.

Please review all documents attached to this advert to ensure you familiarize yourself with all requirements of the job.

It is an exciting time to join the newly formed Bedfordshire Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust. We run two busy hospital sites in Bedford and Luton. Our 7,500 staff provide high quality care for a growing population of around 700,000 across Bedfordshire and the surrounding areas.

 

You will be joining a friendly, high performing Trust committed to ensuring the health and wellbeing of staff. As one of the largest NHS Trusts in our region you will have access to a programme of high quality training and development to help you grow your career. Travel between hospital sites may be required. We have state-of-the art facilities placing us at the heart of cutting edge health care. The Trust continues to be committed to delivering the best patient care using the best clinical knowledge and technology available.