Job summary
- Main area
- Ophthamology - Orthoptics
- Grade
- NHS AfC: Band 3
- Contract
- Permanent
- Hours
- Full time
- Part time
- Job share
- Flexible working
- Job ref
- 193-6425568PCG
- Employer
- Royal Berkshire NHS Foundation Trust
- Employer type
- NHS
- Site
- Royal Berkshire Hospital
- Town
- Reading
- Salary
- £22,816 - £24,336 per annum
- Salary period
- Yearly
- Closing
- 14/07/2024 23:59
Employer heading
Ophthalmic Technician
NHS AfC: Band 3
Royal Berkshire Hospital are pleased to announce that following our CQC inspection we have been rated ‘Good’ with inspectors reporting that we have made significant improvements. The Trust’s overall rating has also improved to ‘good’. This is a great opportunity to join our clinical or non-clinical teams to create a positive and motivating environment within our trust. Come and join our team in this exciting time of change as we pride ourselves, our staff and our services on excellence.
At the Royal Berkshire NHS Foundation Trust we put our patients at the heart of every element of health and care that we provide. The Trust works together as a community to deliver its vision which is “Working together to provide outstanding care for our community.”
We are Compassionate in our thoughts, words and actions
We are Aspirational and have a true desire to be dynamic and to innovate
We are Resourceful and responsible in the way we work and live
We are Excellent in our development, fairness and sharing best practice
Amazing things happen at the Royal Berkshire NHS Foundation Trust; delivered by amazing people so why don’t you come and join us. We offer a range of learning and development for all employees may you be clinical or non-clinical.
Job overview
Band 3 Ophthalmic Technician
We are looking for Ophthalmic Technicians to join our growing and friendly team of 10 Ophthalmic Technicians working across Berkshire.
The roles will be based at the Royal Berkshire Hospital in Reading, however, there will be the requirement to travel to Prince Charles Eye Unit in Windsor, as well as possible sessions in Bracknell, Henley-on-Thames, and Newbury.
It's an exciting time to join us with the team growing to deliver a wide and varied range of eye tests.
While previous experience in ophthalmics or optics would be advantageous, training will be provided.
Main duties of the job
Our Ophthalmic Technicians deliver support to orthoptists, optometrists and ophthalmologists working within the busy eye units in Reading and Windsor.
The work you will be undertaking is varied, and uses many different pieces of equipment to take measurements and images of different parts of the eye.
This includes assessing visual fields, measuring intraocular pressure, taking 3D scans of the cornea and the retina, and widefield photographs of the back of the eye.
Previous experience would be advantageous for this role, but training and support in the role will be provided.
Working for our organisation
Reading and Windsor sit on the river Thames and are both served by great road and rail links to London, Oxford and Southampton. With excellent leisure and shopping facilities, and a thriving cultural scene, Reading and Windsor are wonderful places to live, work and play and provides excellent facilities for families, including some of the best state and private schools in the UK.
The CQC recently rated the care provided by the Royal Berkshire NHS Foundation Trust as Good.
Our values: Compassionate, Aspirational, Resourceful, Excellent, reflect the type of Trust we aspire to be and you can join our dedicated and talented staff to make this happen.
Detailed job description and main responsibilities
PRINCIPLE RESPONSIBILITIES
- To provide technical support to the Ophthalmology service.
- To independently assess and interpret visual acuity measurements.
- To independently perform accurate imaging of the eye using OCT scanning and Optos photography on a range of patients referred from the ophthalmology service.
- To independently perform accurate visual field assessment using the Humphrey Visual Field Analyser on a range of patients referred from the ophthalmology service.
- To select appropriate visual field tests taking into account patient ability i.e. age, visual acuity, mobility and diagnosis.
- To undertake intraocular pressure measurement using Reichert ORA.
- To undertake corneal mapping using Pentacam.
- To adjust variables to ensure optimum performance for each patient.
- To be able to measure patients’ glasses accurately on a lens meter (focimeter).
- To use knowledge and experience to identify when a patient is not complying with an assessment, and inform medical staff of the appropriateness of the test for these patients.
- To use knowledge of the anatomy and physiology of the eye and visual pathway to help identify pathology and adjust testing programmes as appropriate.
- Use knowledge of ophthalmic conditions to prioritise follow up appointments.
- To ensure that results are fed back to the appropriate clinician.
- To perform and demonstrate tests to other members of staff and aid with teaching them when necessary.
- To work independently within departmental guidelines and identify when input from other medical staff is required.
- To communicate well with all members of the team and demonstrate a courteous and helpful approach to patients and visitors.
- To be adaptable and manage the workload which may be unpredictable and require changes and prioritisation at short notice to meet demand.
- To ensure equipment is used safely and is correctly calibrated.
- To keep line manager informed of any equipment faults.
COMMUNICATION
- To be able to exchange information with patients using persuasion and reassurance to ensure best test results while making sure the patient is comfortable – many patients will be elderly and require moderate physical help. Empathy is needed when dealing with patients with sight threatening and life changing sight problems.
- To liaise with other staff within the service to ensure a good patient experience, keep visits to a minimum and maximise resources.
- Utilise and demonstrate sensitive communication styles, to ensure patients are fully informed and consent to treatment.
- Communicate effectively with patients and carers, recognising the need for alternative methods of communication to overcome different levels of understanding, cultural background and preferred ways of communicating.
- Anticipate barriers to communication and take action to improve communication
- Adapt the information given to the level of understanding of patients of all ages and abilities. This may be of a sensitive nature and will need to be phrased so there is full understanding of the condition.
- Ensure respect and dignity for patients at all times.
- Ensure awareness of sources of support and guidance (e.g. PALS) and provide information in an acceptable format to all patients, recognising any difficulties and referring where appropriate.
This job description is not exhaustive and will be subject to periodic review with the post holder.
Person specification
Education
Essential criteria
- GCSE English and Maths - Grade C
- Knowledge and training to work at foundation degree/BTEC higher
Desirable criteria
- Moorfields Ophthalmic Technician Course
Experience
Essential criteria
- Healthcare Experience - patient facing
Desirable criteria
- Ophthalmic Experience
- Technician Experience
Employer certification / accreditation badges
Applicant requirements
This post is subject to the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act 1974 (Exceptions) Order 1975 (Amendment) (England and Wales) Order 2020 and it will be necessary for a submission for Disclosure to be made to the Disclosure and Barring Service.
Documents to download
Further details / informal visits contact
- Name
- Gillian Smith
- Job title
- Acting Deputy Head Orthoptist
- Email address
- [email protected]
- Telephone number
- 0118 322 7169
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