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Job summary

Main area
Optometry
Grade
NHS AfC: Band 6
Contract
Permanent
Hours
  • Part time
  • Compressed hours
17 hours per week (Part time. 8-5pm shift, Monday and Tuesday.)
Job ref
216-LA-S6413623
Employer
University Hospitals Plymouth NHS Trust
Employer type
NHS
Site
Royal Eye Infirmary
Town
Plymouth
Salary
£35,392 - £42,618 £35,392 - £42,618 Per Annum Pro Rata
Salary period
Yearly
Closing
18/07/2024 23:59
Interview date
02/08/2024

Employer heading

University Hospitals Plymouth NHS Trust logo

Optometrist

NHS AfC: Band 6

Job overview

Applications are invited from enthusiastic and committed Optometrists to work with us in the Royal Eye Infirmary. This is a very exciting opportunity to work with us in our new REI building.

We are a collaborative team of Optometrists, and work closely with our colleagues in orthoptics, imaging, advanced clinical practitioners, nurse practitioners, and ophthalmologists. We are also very fortunate to have our own dispensing service and team of excellent dispensing opticians.

As a department, we are dedicated to the development of a strong Optometry team ready for the future. The post holder will ensure that the care provided is consistent and of a high standard throughout the patient care pathway, working alongside an experienced Optometry team.

***Preference will be given to internal Trust staff, as well as ‘Priority’ and 'At Risk' status including NHS At Risk staff throughout Devon who are able to display recent relevant experience as dictated by the Person Specification.***

Main duties of the job

To provide a comprehensive optometric service of specialised technical, clinical and diagnostic skills to patients in cooperation with medical staff/line managers and other agencies. To assist other members of staff, including pre-registration optometrists.

Working for our organisation

We are a people business – where every member of staff matters and can make a difference. Patients are at the heart of everything we do. Joining University Hospitals Plymouth NHS Trust means becoming part of a team of dedicated staff, who are committed to leading the way through innovation, clinical excellence and great customer care. The Trust has great opportunities for career development in a highly progressive working environment. We offer all of this in a vibrant, modern city with a historic reputation for adventure.

PLEASE NOTE THAT ALL COMMUNICATION WILL BE ELECTRONIC, PLEASE CHECK YOUR EMAIL ACCOUNT REGULARLY. If you have any issues with applying online and need additional support including reasonable adjustments with the application process please contact the recruitment team on 01752 432100. We recognise that work life balance is important for our colleagues and so we invite requests from applicants around less than full time/flexible working for our advertised roles. Please contact the recruiting manager to discuss this prior to your application submission.

We commit to giving this full consideration in each case. We encourage people from diverse backgrounds to apply for our roles, as diversity strengthens our teams. It is sometimes necessary to close vacancies before the closing date. If you have not heard from us within 4 weeks of the closing date, please assume that you have not been shortlisted.

Detailed job description and main responsibilities

To initiate, evaluate and independently plan the management and discharge of individual patients, based on evidence and departmental guidelines.
• Management of sight-threatening conditions as directed by Consultant Ophthalmologist/ Head of Optometry. 
• To interpret various imaging tests (e.g. visual fields, OCT).
• To provide highly skilled refraction data necessary to improve vision by means of spectacles and/or highly specialised contact lenses, low vision aids, etc. 
• To provide highly skilled pre and post-operative refractions, topographic and biometric data aimed at the measurement, assessment and evaluation necessary to prioritise surgery.
• To deliver a high-quality service by use of specialised techniques: low vision aids, lighting and DSE assessment, complex therapeutic contact lenses, topography, tonometry, fundus examination, colour vision testing, etc. 
• To prescribe and advise on use of eye-drops, contact lens solutions. 
• To assist in the activities of other departmental members, imaging technicians, preregistration optometrists, trainee ACPs, and dispensing opticians. 
• To help and advise other hospital staff in the correct use and calibration of complex machineries.
• To act as a valuable link between the trust and other organisations with regards to delicate issues.
• Demonstrate a commitment to evidence based practice and clinical excellence and play an active role in the introduction of this evidence to improve person centred care.
• Maintain personal and professional development to meet the changing demands of the job, participate and initiate appropriate training activities and encourage and support staff development and training. 
• Proactively and positively contribute to the achievement of clinical outcomes through individual and team effort. 
• Ensure that resources are used effectively and in accordance with agreed procedures.
• Promote health education both within and outside the Trust and advise patient, family, and others in health promotion issues.
• Report and manage untoward incidents such as complaints, clinical emergencies, and injury or drug administration errors as detailed in Trust-wide and local protocols and procedures.

Person specification

Knowledge & Experience

Essential criteria
  • Qualified Optometrist in the UK (pre-registration Optometrists can apply for employment for when training completed).
  • Theoretical and demonstrable practical experience across a broad range of optometric skills.
Desirable criteria
  • Demonstrable experience of working with patients with special needs, children, and others, requiring high levels of communication skills and use of special techniques.

Qualifications

Essential criteria
  • BSc (Hons) Optometry or equivalent degree.
  • GOC Registration (General Optical Council).
Desirable criteria
  • Member of the Royal College of Optometrists.

Aptitude & Attitude

Essential criteria
  • Written and verbal communication skills, necessary to provide, receive and present complex, sensitive or contentious information to peers, public or staff or in situations where there may be significant barriers to acceptance (e.g. in a hostile or antagonistic atmosphere).
  • Ability to work independently within a busy environment, take own initiative and at the same time be an efficient team player.
Desirable criteria
  • Demonstrable experience of communicating with hearing and/or speech impaired patients and those with language problems and challenging behaviour.

Employer certification / accreditation badges

Disability confident leaderArmed Forces Covenant Gold AwardMindful employer.  Being positive about mental health.Defence Employer Recognition Scheme (ERS) - Gold

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

Apply online now

Further details / informal visits contact

Name
Elizabeth Cave
Job title
Head Optometrist
Email address
[email protected]
Telephone number
01752 39311
Additional information

Spectacle dispensing: 01752 439320

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