There are so many reasons to join our team at Sunderland Eye Infirmary. Aside from our fantastic staff, we have lots of exciting things going on. Our plans for our Eye Hospital in Sunderland are taking shape and will be our new home, with work due to start later this year. The new hospital means Sunderland will remain home to the regions only dedicated standalone eye hospital. It will strengthen our excellent reputation across the NHS, both regionally and nationally as a centre of excellence for ophthalmology care.

We endeavour to keep discovering new and better treatments. As one of the few specialist eye hospitals in the country, research and using developing technology is a key part of our work. We encourage innovation and research in everything we do. There is always something to get involved in. If you share our vision for 'excellence in all that we do', wed love you to join us!

We are looking for 2.86.wte experienced optometrists to join our expanding team to undertake advanced clinical roles in e.g. Medical Retina, Cataract, Glaucoma and Emergency Department. A wide range of specialist core clinical roles would also be expected i.e. adult and paediatric refraction, medical contact lenses (including sclerals), low vision rehabilitation and participation in clinical research trials

Full clinical and financial support will be given to develop skills in extended clinical roles with the opportunity to obtain e.g. College of Optometrists Postgraduate Higher Qualifications

Main duties of the job

To undertake a lead role in the delivery of a broad range of highly specialist core optometric services to the highest standards of quality and care for Sunderland Eye Infirmary and its outreach clinics. This would include diagnostic refraction, independent management of highly complex specialist medical contact lenses and low vision rehabilitation.

To work as independent practitioner and to work autonomously as part of multi-disciplinary team, providing an extensive range of advanced optometric services to the highest standards of quality and care.

To undertake a significant caseload involving advanced highly specialist extended clinical roles in e.g. Glaucoma, Medical Retina, Cataract, Emergency Department and optometric management of children with wide ranging learning disabilities.

To ensure that the patient is the central focus

About us

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One Team One Trust - There are many reasons to work at our Trust. From our commitment to putting people first to our accessible services and award winning teams. We have a passion for research, innovation and tackling inequalities. We are committed to respect, fairness and civility and promote a compassionate, caring and positive culture / working environment.

We welcome all applications irrespective of peoples race, disability, gender, sexual orientation, religion/belief, age, gender identity, marriage and civil partnership, pregnancy/maternity and in particular those from under- represented groups. Looking after our workforces health and wellbeing is a priority for STSFT. We also provide access to high quality education, training, career progression and support.

The Trust employs around 8,300 people and provides a range of hospital services to a local community of around 430,000 residents. We also provide a range of more specialised services outside this area, in some cases to a population as great as 860,000. We offer our staff outstanding benefits - Fitness Centre (SRH), libraries at both hospital sites, chaplaincy support and access to a Childcare Co-ordinator to help staff with childcare arrangements.

Job description

Job responsibilities

PLEASE REFER TO THE ATTACHED JOB DESCRIPTION FOR FULL DUTIES OF THE ROLE.

• Working as an Advanced Specialist Optometrist, provide a prompt response to calls from colleagues, prioritising importance and clinical need.
• Manage own caseload to include assessment, investigation, diagnosis and treatment within defined parameters and training.
• To actively prepare and undertake teaching and training of students attending the department.
• Provide immediate care management of patients including communication of plan to patients and significant others.
• Review and refer to appropriate person, e.g. Consultant Ophthalmologist.
• Liaise with Eye Clinic Liaison Officer for patients with untreatable sight loss
• Provide specialist education and training at post-graduate level to qualified and pre-registration Optometrists and other multiple disciplines in Ophthalmology.
• To undertake administrative responsibilities as determined by the Head, or Deputy Head of Optometry.
• Personal commitment to continuous professional development (CPD) and continuing education in order to fulfil all requirements to work within complex advanced extended clinical roles.
• To undertake research relevant to the needs of the specialist area and participate in in on-going clinical trials.
• To comply with the STSFTs vision, values and behavioural compact.

Person Specification

Experience

Essential

• Extensive post registration experience, some of which will be at a senior level.
• Evidence of ongoing continuous professional development.

Desirable

• Specialist medical contact lens experience
• Low vision rehabilitation experience
• Management experience
• Previous clinical experience in chosen specialist area e.g. glaucoma
• Experience of teaching in Optometry
• Previous demonstrable Hospital Eye Service experience

Skills and Knowledge

Essential

• Ability to practice at a level comparable to a senior ophthalmic specialist trainee (OST) ophthalmology doctor including clinical history taking ocular examination skills
• Ability to autonomously undertake a comprehensive range of highly complex hospital optometry core specialist services including: diagnostic refraction, specialist medical contact lens, low visual aids for patients or all ages (including those with wide ranging learning disabilities)
• Ability to undertake audit of personal and others data
• Competent IT skills (Word, Excel, PowerPoint)
• Able to work independently and across disciplines as a member of a multi-disciplinary team
• Ability to undertake advanced extended clinical extended clinical role in chosen areas of specialist clinical practice e.g. glaucoma
• Evidence of excellent communication and interpersonal skills including effective report writing
• Able to work under pressure
• Ability to use own initiative and make independent clinical decisions
• Good organisational and time management skills
• Change management skills and involvement in project work. Willingness to implement change where necessary
• Ability to work with patients of all ages but in particular young children (often with learning disabilities) and the elderly
• Courteous at all times with patients with excellent chairside manner

Desirable

• Counselling skills
• Ability to undertake further training in order to practice advanced extended clinical roles
• To assist in the training of basic optical skills to nurses
• To independently undertake supervision of pre-registration optometrists and other students attending clinics in observational capacities

Physical Skills

Essential

• Significant levels of dexterity precision and speed, requiring significant levels of hand eye and sensory co-ordination
• Able to maintain significant levels of concentration for long periods
• Flexible and adaptable approach to working patterns
• Must be able to meet the travel requirements of the role

Desirable

• Willing to work in outreach clinics

Qualifications

Essential

• Degree in Optometry
• Registered with General Optical Council (GOC)
• Postgraduate College of Optometrists Qualification Independent Prescribing DipTp(IP) or willingness to work towards and successfully complete within 5 years of appointment

Desirable

• Member/ Fellow of The College of Optometrists

Employer details

Employer name

South Tyneside and Sunderland NHS Foundation Trust

Address

Sunderland Eye Infirmary

Queen Alexandra Road

Sunderland

SR2 9HP

Any attachments will be accessible after you click to apply.

C9155-OPAHP-0923-24