Detailed job description and main responsibilities

   Clinical and Patient Care

·       To support qualified staff in the assessment of health needs, planning, delivery and evaluation of care for a number of individuals or groups of patients, including clinical and laser risk assessment 

·       To exercise a reasonable and agreed degree of professional autonomy and make judgements and decisions in order to satisfy the expectations and demands of the job after a period of training and completion of appropriate competencies. 

·       To work alongside all staff in all areas of the patient pathway: ophthalmic outpatient clinics and nurse led pre assessment clinics, procedural rooms, and admission and discharge areas. 

·       To undertake clinical work and related tasks as delegated by qualified nursing staff, following appropriate training and assessment of competency. 

·       To liaise effectively with all stakeholders in the care process, including carers and relatives, aspiring to provide an effective, seamless and integrated service to patients. 

·       Develop ophthalmic technical skills appropriate to their role and responsibilities after a period of training and completion of competencies 

·       Measuring and documenting patient observations (BP electronic and manual measurement, TPR, RBS, HbA1c, BMI calculation)

• Vision assessment: measuring visual acuity using logMAR, Snellen and other acuity tests, auto-refractor and pinhole for best corrected vision. Determine optical prescription in spectacles using manual and automated focimetry. 

• Visual field tests: perform relevant department protocol visual field tests on the Humphrey Field Analyser, identify where visual fields have changed significantly, understand unexpected variations, or which may indicate deterioration, and required to give detailed explanation of tests 

• Perform routine retinal imaging using the appropriate diagnosis protocols (HRT, GDX, Disc photos) 

• Identify when a best corrected visual acuity is required and undertake this refractive visual acuity for post-operative patients. 

• To perform intra ocular measurement using non-contact tonometry such as icare and corneal pachymetry using a high level of skill and knowledge to avoid damage to the eye and have an understanding of the test and when to measure again. 

• To develop knowledge when to perform OCT, disc photograph, corneal topography, auto refraction and learn additional diagnostic/technical skills as required

• Support departmental laser safety and stock ordering and management. 

• Be a “competent user” of the variety of technical equipment (computerised and mechanical) and act as a resource person for novice users. 

• Support the site to ensure the equipment is cleaned and calibrated, following local and Trust policies and procedures 

• To develop an understanding and knowledge of reviewing patient referral letters including GP and Optician information to ensure additional investigations are completed. 

• To give clear and concise explanation and test instructions to ensure maximum patient understanding and co-operation takes place, taking into account patients who have sensory impairment (visual and/or hearing loss), physical or mental health, learning difficulties, different age groups, cultural differences and non-English speaking individuals or carers

• To act as a chaperone