Job summary Specialist Optometrist 37.5 hours per week Permanent Salary: £53,755 - £60,504 per annum Closing Date: 7th March 2025 Interview Date: TBC This post may close early due to high numbers of applications, so you are advised to apply promptly. All correspondence for this vacancy will be sent by email; please check your account regularly including your Junk and SPAM areas. A great and friendly place to work, so bring your passion, commitment and expertise and enjoy the opportunities to make a difference every day. JoinTeamEliot We are happy to support candidates who are either interested or have started their independent prescribers course The post holder will have clinical responsibility for the specialist paediatric and adult refraction clinics. To be an autonomous practitioner providing highly skilled and specialised HES optometric services to George Eliot Hospital Nuneaton (GEH). The post holder will participate in multi-disciplinary Glaucoma & Medical retina diagnosis and management clinics, working under the direction of the lead Consultants assessing both new and follow up patients. To work closely with the Ophthalmology Management to deliver a comprehensive range of specialist optometric services to the highest standards of quality and patient care. Main duties of the job To undertake full range of optometry services as required, providing expert treatment and advice. To appropriately assess, examine, investigate, diagnose and treat patients resulting in the safe management of patients, autonomously formulate appropriate management plans for patients. Demonstrate a critical understanding of own level of responsibility and autonomy and the limits of own competence and professional scope of practice, including when working with complexity, risk, uncertainty and incomplete information. Prescribe and review medication (as an independent prescriber) for therapeutic effectiveness appropriate to patient need and in accordance with best/evidence-based practice and national and local protocols and within the role's scope of practice and legal framework. Ability to order and interpret diagnostic pathological, microbial, and/or radiographic investigations (e.g. blood tests, ocular swabs, MRI etc) using findings to initiate treatment. To develop virtual clinics, within own advanced sub-specialty role, in line with the service demands. Developed scope of advanced clinical skills and practice to meet changing needs of service. Need for high levels of continuous concentration requiring working under significant pressure, with frequent interruptions from other clinical staff requiring advice. To support consultants on the day of surgery by conducting slit lamp examinations to ensure all patient history remains up to date. About us Here at George Eliot our vision to ' excel at patient care' takes centre stage. An ever evolving clinically-led acute service provider we are on a journey to continually provide high quality, safe and responsive services delivered by inspiring, friendly and compassionate staff who share our corporate values which underpin everything we do. Our values are not just words on a piece of paper, they bond us together, reflect our ambition and shape who we are: E ffective Open Communication e x cellence and safety in everything we do C hallenge but support E xpect respect and dignity L ocal health that inspires confidence Benefits: On-site nursery, 27 days minimum annual leave plus bank holidays, cycle to work scheme, flexible working, in house training and development, buying and selling of annual leave, subsidised restaurant, tranquillity garden and generous subsidised on-site parking. Date posted 21 February 2025 Pay scheme Agenda for change Band Band 8a Salary £53,755 to £60,504 a year per annum Contract Permanent Working pattern Full-time Reference number 230-50493889-SURG-SO-A-A Job locations George Eliot Hospital College Street Nuneaton CV10 7DJ Job description Job responsibilities The post holder is required to contribute to the teaching, audit, and clinical governance requirements of the Ophthalmology service. Ophthalmology staff work as part of a multidisciplinary team and all members contribute to providing a high-quality service for its users. If the post holder is a registered independent non- medical prescriber, to prescribe medicines for patients, working within the GEH Policy and Procedure for Non- medical Prescribing and Directorates local guidelines/procedures. To ensure prescribing activities comply with legal requirements and HCPC guidance for non-medical prescribers. To maintain competence under the National Competency Framework for all Prescribers. To monitor own prescribing activities and participate in the evaluation of this service development. To be an autonomous practitioner providing highly skilled and specialised HES optometric services to George Eliot Hospital Nuneaton (GEH). To work closely with the Ophthalmology Management to deliver a comprehensive range of specialist optometric services to the highest standards of quality and patient care. The post holder will have clinical responsibility for the specialist paediatric and adult refraction clinics. Patients may have specific learning difficulties, special needs, various degrees of visual disability and varying communication skills. The post holder will participate in multi-disciplinary Glaucoma & Medical retina diagnosis and management clinics, working under the direction of the lead Consultants assessing both new and follow up patients. The post holder is required to contribute to the teaching, audit, and clinical governance requirements of the Ophthalmology service. Ophthalmology staff work as part of a multidisciplinary team and all members contribute to providing a high-quality service for its users. If the post holder is a registered independent non- medical prescriber, to prescribe medicines for patients, working within the GEH Policy and Procedure for Non- medical Prescribing and Directorates local guidelines/procedures. To ensure prescribing activities comply with legal requirements and HCPC guidance for non-medical prescribers. To maintain competence under the National Competency Framework for all Prescribers. To monitor own prescribing activities and participate in the evaluation of this service development. For a full comprehensive list of main responsibilities and duties, please kindly refer to job description and personal specification attached. Job description Job responsibilities The post holder is required to contribute to the teaching, audit, and clinical governance requirements of the Ophthalmology service. Ophthalmology staff work as part of a multidisciplinary team and all members contribute to providing a high-quality service for its users. If the post holder is a registered independent non- medical prescriber, to prescribe medicines for patients, working within the GEH Policy and Procedure for Non- medical Prescribing and Directorates local guidelines/procedures. To ensure prescribing activities comply with legal requirements and HCPC guidance for non-medical prescribers. To maintain competence under the National Competency Framework for all Prescribers. To monitor own prescribing activities and participate in the evaluation of this service development. To be an autonomous practitioner providing highly skilled and specialised HES optometric services to George Eliot Hospital Nuneaton (GEH). To work closely with the Ophthalmology Management to deliver a comprehensive range of specialist optometric services to the highest standards of quality and patient care. The post holder will have clinical responsibility for the specialist paediatric and adult refraction clinics. Patients may have specific learning difficulties, special needs, various degrees of visual disability and varying communication skills. The post holder will participate in multi-disciplinary Glaucoma & Medical retina diagnosis and management clinics, working under the direction of the lead Consultants assessing both new and follow up patients. The post holder is required to contribute to the teaching, audit, and clinical governance requirements of the Ophthalmology service. Ophthalmology staff work as part of a multidisciplinary team and all members contribute to providing a high-quality service for its users. If the post holder is a registered independent non- medical prescriber, to prescribe medicines for patients, working within the GEH Policy and Procedure for Non- medical Prescribing and Directorates local guidelines/procedures. To ensure prescribing activities comply with legal requirements and HCPC guidance for non-medical prescribers. To maintain competence under the National Competency Framework for all Prescribers. To monitor own prescribing activities and participate in the evaluation of this service development. For a full comprehensive list of main responsibilities and duties, please kindly refer to job description and personal specification attached. Person Specification Experience Essential Significant experience at Band 7 or above Highly developed Specialist experience across a wide range of Ophthalmic case mix Evidence of organisational and leadership skills Documented evidence of continuing professional development Experience in change management and problem solving Working across organisational boundaries Team building and staff development Experience of clinical leadership and operational management experience Portfolio of evidence showing A) Achievements in Specialist practice B) Research & audit experience C) Team leadership experience D) Financial awareness E) Experience of assessing mental capacity F) Experience of service development Desirable Lead in audit or research projects Evidence of lecturing / presenting and clinical teaching experience Qualifications / Training Essential Registered Optometrist with General Optical Council (GOC) BSc in Optometry or equivalent qualification Higher degree or postgraduate qualification in Optometry Independent / non-medical prescriber qualification Management qualification completion of management programme Desirable Teaching and assessing qualification skills / Knowledge Essential Detailed knowledge of current best practice in relevant clinical areas Knowledge of the principles of clinical governance and its application Understand team dynamics with an ability to influence the building of effective relationships between staff, lead and motivate the team Highly developed analytical and judgement skills Excellent written and oral communication skills Negotiation and diplomacy skills Ability to work autonomously, plan, organise, prioritise and delegate Ability to work under pressure and cope in a stressful environment and with emotional / aggressive patients / carers Ability to understand and analyse professional and ethical issues and apply them to service development Personal Qualities Essential Ability to work autonomously Practical and calm under pressure Motivated and enthusiastic Adaptable and flexible Innovate and intuitive Able to work as part of a multidisciplinary team Ability to manage and lead a team Excellent role model Able to express self clearly and confidently - verbal and written Demonstrates commitment and ability to teach others Able to work under pressure and adapt to changing circumstances Able to achieve personal objectives Other Essential Excellent communication skills - written and verbal Ability to influence and negotiate at all levels Independent means of transport Flexible to meet the needs of the service Aware of current NHS issues and priorities Person Specification Experience Essential Significant experience at Band 7 or above Highly developed Specialist experience across a wide range of Ophthalmic case mix Evidence of organisational and leadership skills Documented evidence of continuing professional development Experience in change management and problem solving Working across organisational boundaries Team building and staff development Experience of clinical leadership and operational management experience Portfolio of evidence showing A) Achievements in Specialist practice B) Research & audit experience C) Team leadership experience D) Financial awareness E) Experience of assessing mental capacity F) Experience of service development Desirable Lead in audit or research projects Evidence of lecturing / presenting and clinical teaching experience Qualifications / Training Essential Registered Optometrist with General Optical Council (GOC) BSc in Optometry or equivalent qualification Higher degree or postgraduate qualification in Optometry Independent / non-medical prescriber qualification Management qualification completion of management programme Desirable Teaching and assessing qualification skills / Knowledge Essential Detailed knowledge of current best practice in relevant clinical areas Knowledge of the principles of clinical governance and its application Understand team dynamics with an ability to influence the building of effective relationships between staff, lead and motivate the team Highly developed analytical and judgement skills Excellent written and oral communication skills Negotiation and diplomacy skills Ability to work autonomously, plan, organise, prioritise and delegate Ability to work under pressure and cope in a stressful environment and with emotional / aggressive patients / carers Ability to understand and analyse professional and ethical issues and apply them to service development Personal Qualities Essential Ability to work autonomously Practical and calm under pressure Motivated and enthusiastic Adaptable and flexible Innovate and intuitive Able to work as part of a multidisciplinary team Ability to manage and lead a team Excellent role model Able to express self clearly and confidently - verbal and written Demonstrates commitment and ability to teach others Able to work under pressure and adapt to changing circumstances Able to achieve personal objectives Other Essential Excellent communication skills - written and verbal Ability to influence and negotiate at all levels Independent means of transport Flexible to meet the needs of the service Aware of current NHS issues and priorities Disclosure and Barring Service Check This post is subject to the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act (Exceptions Order) 1975 and as such it will be necessary for a submission for Disclosure to be made to the Disclosure and Barring Service (formerly known as CRB) to check for any previous criminal convictions. Certificate of Sponsorship Applications from job seekers who require current Skilled worker sponsorship to work in the UK are welcome and will be considered alongside all other applications. For further information visit the UK Visas and Immigration website (Opens in a new tab). From 6 April 2017, skilled worker applicants, applying for entry clearance into the UK, have had to present a criminal record certificate from each country they have resided continuously or cumulatively for 12 months or more in the past 10 years. Adult dependants (over 18 years old) are also subject to this requirement. Guidance can be found here Criminal records checks for overseas applicants (Opens in a new tab). UK Registration Applicants must have current UK professional registration. For further information please see NHS Careers website (opens in a new window). Additional information Disclosure and Barring Service Check This post is subject to the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act (Exceptions Order) 1975 and as such it will be necessary for a submission for Disclosure to be made to the Disclosure and Barring Service (formerly known as CRB) to check for any previous criminal convictions. Certificate of Sponsorship Applications from job seekers who require current Skilled worker sponsorship to work in the UK are welcome and will be considered alongside all other applications. For further information visit the UK Visas and Immigration website (Opens in a new tab). From 6 April 2017, skilled worker applicants, applying for entry clearance into the UK, have had to present a criminal record certificate from each country they have resided continuously or cumulatively for 12 months or more in the past 10 years. Adult dependants (over 18 years old) are also subject to this requirement. Guidance can be found here Criminal records checks for overseas applicants (Opens in a new tab). UK Registration Applicants must have current UK professional registration. For further information please see NHS Careers website (opens in a new window). Employer details Employer name George Eliot Hospital NHS Trust Address George Eliot Hospital College Street Nuneaton CV10 7DJ Employer's website http://www.geh.nhs.uk/ (Opens in a new tab)