The Orthoptic and Optometry team at County Durham and Darlington NHS Foundation Trust consists of a team of seven Orthoptists and three part time Optometrists working closely together with the Consultant Ophthalmologists to provide a high standard of care to our paediatric and adult patients. We work to the Trusts ethos of providing the patient with safe, compassionate, joined-up care.

We are looking for an enthusiastic and motivated Optometrist to join our team working predominantly with paediatric patients but also some low vision patients where service needs allow. You may be providing multi-disciplinary clinics with the consultant Paediatric ophthalmologist, providing optometry paediatric review. Additionally there would be training opportunities to expand into medical contact lenses through formal training and clinical practice.

Main duties of the job

This band 6 role is involved in the provision of core optometry work to the Orthoptic and Ophthalmology departments and patients predominantly involving the core paediatric elements of hospital optometry. You will be providing multi-disciplinary clinics with the consultant Paediatric Ophthalmologist, providing optometry paediatric review refraction clinics and also working in a collaborative clinic with the Orthoptist. All clinics involve a mix of new and review patients of all ages and abilities, including children with learning difficulties, and involve strong collaborative team working. In addition to skills with dilated retinoscopy you will be required to perform ophthalmoscopy on dilated paediatric patients and work closely with the other team members to manage clinical care. This role gives a unique opportunity to use your knowledge in strabismus and BSV and gain valuable experience in the management of complex cases not available in the private setting. There would also be the opportunity to undertake some training for Low Visual Aid work if required and through formal training to expand into the area of medical contact lenses.

About us

If you are being interviewed you must accept an interview slot in the system to continue, even if you have arranged with the manager

You must be able to produce ALL certificates stated essential in the person specification or you will not be able to complete pre-employment checks

We provide hospital services from two acute sites - Darlington Memorial Hospital and University Hospital of North Durham. We have a centre for planned care in Bishop Auckland and provide care from community hospitals in Chester-le-Street, Shotley Bridge, Barnard Castle, Sedgefield and Weardale as well as over 80 other community based settings and providing care in patients' homes.

We particularly welcome applications from disabled and Black, Asian and Minority Ethnic (BAME) candidates as BAME and disabled people are currently under-represented

We are unable to sponsor roles that do not meet the minimum salary requirements. please check the UK immigration skilled worker rules for information

Full Job Descriptions can be found in the adverts supporting documents

Job description

Job responsibilities

We are looking for someone who can undertake all the aspects of the core paediatric Optometry hospital role. We may also be able to train applicants in a qualification for the low vision service with involvement with clinics within this service once trained and where service needs allow. You may be providing multi-disciplinary clinics with the consultant Paediatric Ophthalmologist, providing Optometry paediatric review refraction clinics and also working in a collaborative clinic with the Orthoptist. All clinics involve a mix of new and review patients of all ages and abilities, including children with learning difficulties, and involve strong collaborative team working. In addition to skills with dilated retinoscopy you will be required to perform ophthalmoscopy on dilated paediatric patients and work closely with the other team members to manage the cases. This role gives a unique opportunity to use your knowledge in strabismus and BSV and gain valuable experience in the management of complex cases not managed in the private setting. Additionally we would be able to offer the opportunity through formal training to expand into medical contact lens clinics. We would encourage you to contact the department for more information on the possible working hours and responsibilities and duties of the post via email.

Person Specification

Statutory Registration

Essential

• Current GOC Registration

Special Skills & Knowledge

Essential

• Experience in paediatric refraction Good communication and organisational skills. Good interpersonal skills. IT skills.

Desirable

• Experience in low vision aids / willingness to undertake additional training if required Experience/interest in specialist contact lens work/ willingness to undertake additional training if required

Experience

Essential

• Experience in paediatric refraction

Qualifications

Essential

• Bsc Hon (Optometry) MCOptom

Desirable

• Significant post graduate experience

Special Requirements

Essential

• Well developed hand/eye co-ordination, skilled to work with all ages of patients. Flexible. Enthusiastic.

Desirable

• Receptive to change

Employer details

Employer name

County Durham & Darlington NHS Foundation Trust

Address

Darlington Memorial Hospital NHS Trust

Hollyhurst Road

Darlington

County Durham

DL3 6HX

Any attachments will be accessible after you click to apply.

C9439-25-0034