Job summary
Employer heading
Specialist Optometrist
NHS AfC: Band 7
We are actively promoting flexible working options, helping you to manage a work / life balance
Job overview
We are seeking to appoint a highly motivated and qualified optometrist to be a part of our ophthalmology department at University Hospitals of Leicester NHS Trust.
We are seeking a motivated band 7 Specialist Optometrist to join our Ophthalmology team at UHL.
Leicester Royal Infirmary is part of University Hospitals Leicester NHS Trust and the Department of Ophthalmology provides a centre of excellence for ophthalmic care in the East Midlands. We foster a collaborative and multidisciplinary approach to our services.
The Optometry Unit is a well-established and integral part of ophthalmology Department. If you want to be part of our developing team and want to find out more, please contact one of the lead optometrists on 0116 2585858 for more information.
Main duties of the job
This post is aimed at optometrists wishing to expand and consolidate their knowledge and clinical skills. There will be opportunities to develop new skills to enhance your clinical repertoire, making this a very rewarding experience.
The Department of Ophthalmology provides a centre of excellence for ophthalmic care in the East Midlands. We foster a collaborative and multidisciplinary approach to our services. The post will involve some sessions in eye casualty, glaucoma and diabetic slit lamp clinics, and working alongside consultants in other sub specialities within Ophthalmology. Core clinical roles include refraction, medical contact lens practice and low vision services, paediatric and genetics services. Existing extended roles may include work in glaucoma, cornea, uveitis, Medical Retina, Eye casualty and cataract clinics.
The Optometry Unit is a well-established and significant service provider to the Department and is undergoing a period of expansion and development. You must hold a degree in Optometry and be registered with the General Optical Council. Previous hospital experience would be an advantage but is not essential.
Working for our organisation
Our new strategy, developed with the support and feedback of colleagues, patients, and partners, is our compass for the next seven years (2023-2030).
We have four primary goals:
- high-quality care for all,
- being a great place to work,
- partnerships for impact, and
- research and education excellence
And we will embed health equality in all we do - taking active steps to reduce the avoidable differences in healthcare that some people face, working in partnership with communities.
Our strategy is underpinned by new values and we will work to ensure they are an everyday reality for all:
- we are compassionate,
- we are proud,
- we are inclusive, and
- we are one team
This is an exciting moment as we look to the future with clarity on what we already do well and where we need to focus our energies to make an even bigger difference for the people we serve.
Detailed job description and main responsibilities
MAIN DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES
-
To work closely with ophthalmology team to deliver a comprehensive range of extended optometry services to the highest standards of quality and care.
-
To take sole responsibility for the assessment of patients of all ages, abilities and with wide ranging communication abilities in order to determine a clinical diagnosis.
-
To formulate individualised management and treatment plans and make onward referral to other clinical members of the Ophthalmology Specialty.
-
To implement management plans and a wide range of treatment regimens communicating with patients, relatives and carers including those with learning, communication and language difficulties.
-
To make timely recommendations for medical / surgical intervention as determined by optometric assessment, advise the patient and refer to the ophthalmologist for discussion.
-
To undertake the continued management of routine patients’ caseload as an autonomous practitioner and discharge patients in line with agreed protocols.
-
To frequently communicate sensitive issues to patients including diagnosis and prognosis and provide a counselling and support role to patient, relative or carer.
-
To plan and prioritise individual workloads as delegated by the Clinical Lead
-
To maintain patient records to the highest standards at all time & take responsibility for the monitoring of certain information and information systems
-
The post holder will be guided by best practice and standard operating procedures.
-
To abide by all Trust corporate policies including Health and Safety and COSHH regulations.
-
To participate in all possible training and teaching sessions.
(please refer to the job description/person specification for full details on the role)
Person specification
Education / qualification
Essential criteria
- Registration as Optometrist with General Optical Council
- BSc Hons degree in Optometry
Desirable criteria
- MSc Degree or Postgraduate related qualification
- Independent prescriber
- Higher qualifications in glaucoma and other eye conditions
Knowledge and Experience
Essential criteria
- Minimum 4 years of post-graduate experience
- Clinical knowledge of Ophthalmic conditions and care
- Knowledge of technical skills within ophthalmology, in posterior and anterior segment examinations
- Experience of working as an autonomous practitioner
Desirable criteria
- Theoretical and practical ophthalmic knowledge of a range of work procedures and practices
- Minimum 2 years of advanced practice experience
- Evidence of independent prescribing
Skills/Ability
Essential criteria
- Clinical skills in ophthalmic examination & diagnosis.
- Excellent interpersonal skills: verbal , written and electronic
- Communicates complex, sensitive, condition-related information to patients , relatives and staff at all levels and outside agencies
Desirable criteria
- Skills in extended clinical setting
Applicant requirements
You must have appropriate UK professional registration.
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
- Nita Odedra
- Job title
- Clinical Lead Advanced Optometrist Practitioner
- Email address
- [email protected]
- Telephone number
- 0116 2585858
- Additional information
Clinical Lead Optometrists:
- [email protected] - Clinical Lead Optometrist
- [email protected] - Clinical Lead Optometrist
- [email protected] - Clinical Lead Optometrist
List jobs with University Hospitals of Leicester NHS Trust in Health Science Services or all sectors