Job summary

An exciting opportunity has arisen for an enthusiastic experienced optometrist to join our highly skilled Ophthalmology team at the Royal Cornwall Hospital NHS Trust. The successful candidate will work within the optometry department as part of a multi-disciplinary team. This post is ideally suited to an individual with a keen interest in broadening their skills and helping to shape the expansion of the service.

In addition to delivering core optometric services such as paediatric refractions, the post holder will have the opportunity to become involved in the shared care glaucoma service and to diversify into other areas of the profession within the hospital optometry setting as we expand the service. Although not obligatory, this is an ideal post for someone looking to further their career in optometry with a view to gaining higher qualifications.

The successful applicant must be a qualified optometrist with post registration experience. Previous experience of working in a hospital setting would be advantageous but is not essential. Other key attributes for this post include excellent interpersonal and communication skills, team focus, initiative and the ability to deliver a high standard of patient care.

This is a part-time post working 8 hours per week.

Main duties of the job

The post requires the delivery of a broad range of specialised, complex routine and non-routine hospital optometric work. This will involve skilled diagnostic techniques (eg cycloplegic refraction and fundoscopy in children). Detailed knowledge of HES voucher entitlements is essential.

The post will involve performing paediatric cycloplegic refractions, fundoscopy and prescribing spectacles, as well as making case management decisions. There will be considerable liaising with the orthoptists in discussing treatment and management of cases.

There is also the possibility of helping to develop and supply 'core' optometric services such as diagnostic refraction, contact lenses and LVAs. And for those with the relevant qualifications, there may be the opportunity to become involved in the glaucoma surveillance and shared care service. In this case, detailed knowledge of the indications and contra-indications of treatment options in glaucoma would be required as well as the ability to competently assess new glaucoma patients as well as follow-ups.

A high level of individual responsibility will be required and patient management decisions will need to take account of precise diagnosis, known medical and ocular co-morbidity and the individual circumstances and needs of the patients.

About us

The post is based at the Royal Cornwall Hospital, Truro, but you will be expected to travel to outreach clinics around the county. You must therefore have a current full, clean driving licence and have access to a car.

The Royal Cornwall Hospital is located in Truro, the cobbled, cathedral capital city of Cornwall. With great shopping, art galleries and restaurants Truro offers easy access to the county's stunning coastline, peaceful countryside, lush valleys and beautiful estuaries. For those interested in an active lifestyle, Cornwall also has some of the best water sports and costal treks anywhere in the country.

Job description

Job responsibilities

To undertake paediatric cycloplegic refraction and fundoscopy clinics and to work alongside ophthalmologists, orthoptists and other health care professionals involved in the delivery of the service. Until the post holder has demonstrated competence the senior clinician should be kept fully informed about any relevant developments or treatment changes.

To make clinical decisions on the refractive status and when to prescribe spectacles

To be competent and capable of working with and examining children of all ages (new born to teenage) and or varying ability (ranging from severe developmental delay and complex medical conditions to healthy children with no developmental problems

To make clinical decisions on disease status.

To provide clinical care in Royal Cornwall Hospital and other locations as directed by the Head of Department or designated senior staff member and according to the needs of the service.

To maintain the highest standards and to participate where required in the auditing of clinical activity.

To remember that patients needs are paramount and to consider the interests of patients at all times.

To be responsible for the care of patients and advise and counsel them as necessary.

To indicate to the lead clinicians and management any improvements that can be made to the running of the service.

To undertake departmental administration as required.

To participate in other areas of clinical service delivery as agreed.

To assist in audit and clinical research activities within the department as required.

Where appropriate, to undertake glaucoma co-management clinics alongside consultant ophthalmologists and/or other optometrists/orthoptists and other health care professionals involved in the delivery of the service. The consultant ophthalmologist(s)/senior clinician(s) should be kept fully informed of any relevant clinical developments or treatment changes.

Person Specification

Qualifications

Essential

• degree in optometry

Desirable

• pre registration year within nhs

Experience

Essential

• post registration experience

Desirable

• previous experience working in an hospital eye care setting

Any attachments will be accessible after you click to apply.

156-5255572