We encourage applications from all with protected characteristics and from those in the Armed Forces Community. Applicants are invited to apply in Welsh, any application submitted through the medium of Welsh will not be treated less favourably than applications made in English. If you are successful at interview for this post you will receive your conditional offer of appointment and information pack via email. We reserve the right to close this vacancy at any time. Therefore we encourage early applications to ensure consideration for this post. If you are short listed for this post, you will be contacted via your email account you used to apply for this post, therefore please check your account regularly. Please check your email account regularly. Successful applicants will receive all recruitment related correspondence via the email account registered on the application form. Aneurin Bevan University Health Board support flexible working. Please note that this vacancy may be withdrawn at any time should it be filled via the internal redeployment process Job Overview An exciting opportunity has arisen within Aneurin Bevan University Health Board to work collaboratively with Primary and Secondary Care Eye Care Services. We are looking to appoint at least two highly motivated WGOS Referral Optometrists to join the Ophthalmology Team on a sessional basis. As WGOS Referral Optometrists you will support Wales General Ophthalmic Services (WGOS) by providing clinical validation of Hospital Eye Service (HES) referrals to ensure patients are seen by the most appropriate professional within Primary Care or HES. The post holder will work collaboratively with Health Board Senior Managers and clinicians to achieve agreed outcomes including the implementation of the Future Approach to Optometry and contract reform. The post holder will be expected to demonstrate knowledge, skills, training, competence and clinical experience to support the provision of high quality eye health care across the Health Board. If you would like to discuss any aspect of the post, please contact either: Clare Conaty, Principal Optometrist, Royal Gwent Hospital clare.conaty4wales.nhs.uk or Catherine McNamara, Optometric Advisor, Primary Care Contracting Team Catherine.McNamara1wales.nhs.uk Main duties of the job The Post will be registered with the General Optical Council and have professional knowledge acquired through Degree, clinical placement plus advanced clinical training and experience to Masters level equivalent. The post holder will support WGOS Services in Primary Care by providing clinical validation and completing thorough regular audit of HES to ensure patients are seen by the most appropriate professional within Primary Care of HES To have a high level of clinical training, knowledge, skill and experience in order to routinely advise Primary Care and Secondary Care colleagues on the appropriate patient pathway for large volumes of patients. It therefore demands a high level of individual professional responsibility and efficiency within clinical optometry and extensive knowledge, skills and experience particularly in relation to WGOS and patient care pathways over the entirety of the eyecare pathway The ability to speak Welsh is desirable for this post; Welsh and/or English speakers are equally welcome to apply. Working for our organisation Aneurin Bevan University Health Board is a multi-award-winning NHS organisation with a passion for caring. The Health Board provides an exceptional workplace where you can feel trusted and valued. Whatever your specialty or stage in your career, we have opportunities for everyone to start, grow and build your career. The health board provides integrated acute, primary and community care serving a population of 650,000 and employing over 16,000 staff. We offer a fantastic benefits package and extensive training and development opportunities with paid mandatory training, excellent in-house programmes, opportunities to complete recognised qualifications and professional career pathways including a range of management development programmes. We offer flexible working and promote a healthy work life balance, provide occupational health support and an ambitious plan for a Wellbeing Centre of Excellence to support you at work. Our Clinical Futures strategy continues to enhance and promote care closer to home as well as high quality hospital care when needed. Join us on our journey to pioneer new ways of working and deliver a world-class healthcare service fit for the future. Qualifications And Knowledge Essential criteria General Optical Council registration Professional knowledge acquired through Degree, clinical placement plus advanced clinical training and experience to Masters level equivalent Desirable criteria Hold / or demonstrate a willingness to work towards relevant specialist postgraduate qualifications Experience Essential criteria Relevant clinical experience Evidence of ongoing professional development. Desirable criteria Evidence of managing clinical session workload Specialist clinical experience Multidisciplinary team working Clinical audit / research experience relevant to specialist practice Skills and Attributes Essential criteria All specialist skills required for the scope of practice outlined in JD Highly developed interpersonal and communication skills; ability to communicate complex, sensitive and potentially emotive information to patients and other stakeholders in an appropriate manner independent of their level of understanding Able to reach decisions regarding management of sight threatening disease when guided by knowledge of principles of sub-specialist clinical care and care provision algorithms Able to work within a multidisciplinary team, prioritise work & gain credibility with all staff. Desirable criteria Evidence of leadership skills Evidence of research and audit activity Knowledge of ABUHB policy and procedures Ability to speak Welsh Other Essential criteria Additional demonstrable qualities that may be beneficial to the role, e.g. care, compassion, competence, communication, courage and commitment Ability to travel between sites in a timely manner