The Optometry Department offers an extensive range of services across South Tees Hospitals Ophthalmology Outpatient clinics. As an autonomous practitioner, the post holder will provide high-quality, optometric assessment, diagnosis, and treatment as part of a busy multidisciplinary ophthalmology team across South Tees Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust.
The post holder will be required to provide autonomous practice and sole handed clinics across hospital sites across South Tees Hospitals, including James Cook, University Hospital of North Tees, Low Grange Health Village, and Friarage hospital.
Optometrists provide highly specialist core optometric services including refraction, specialist medical contact lenses, and low visual aids.
Please note, if you do not meet the essential requirements for a Band 7 position, we will consider appointing a Band 6 and uplifting to a Band 7 upon completion of competencies.
Main duties of the job
As a Band 7 Specialist Optometrist, the post holder will spend the majority of their time in the Core Optometry Services (paediatrics and adults). The post holder will also be expected to undertake a caseload involving advanced specialist extended clinical roles which may include Glaucoma, Medical Retina, Cataract, and/or Emergency Department. These are all recognised as key clinical areas by the Royal College of Ophthalmologists Ophthalmic Practitioner Training (OPT) framework and College of Optometrists Postgraduate Higher Qualifications.
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 South Tees Hospitals 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 an independent practitioner and to work autonomously as part of a multi-disciplinary team, providing an extensive range of advanced optometric services to the highest standards of quality and care.
About us
South Tees Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust offers leadership and improvement training to all new staff. This training programme has been designed to support our leaders in developing their understanding of leadership and management skills. You will be expected to attend the leadership development programme and the Quality Improvement Programme that the Trust delivers. This programme aims to:
1. Explore leadership within the NHS
2. Promote Trust Values and Behaviours
3. Develop your Leadership effectiveness and skills
4. Equip you with the skills to champion, lead and complete quality improvement within your role
After you complete this four and a half days of training, you will be able to explore further leadership and improvement training opportunities. We offer further in-house courses dependent upon your role and bitesize programmes and leadership apprenticeships at levels 3, 5, and 7.
Job description
Job responsibilities
Please see the full job description and person specification document(s) for main responsibilities of the role.
Person Specification
Knowledge and Skills
Essential
* Able to work independently and across disciplines as a member of a multidisciplinary team undertaking a comprehensive range of complex hospital optometry core specialist services including diagnostic refraction, specialist medical contact lens, low visual aids for patients of all ages.
* Ability to undertake audit of personal and other's data.
* Competent IT Skills - e.g. use of Microsoft office (including Access, Excel, Outlook, PowerPoint & Word).
* Ability to undertake extended role in specialist areas such as cataract, glaucoma, paediatrics, medical retina, acute and emergency eye care.
* 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 skills and time management skills.
* Ability to work with patients of all ages but in particular children and the elderly.
* Courteous at all times with patients with excellent chairside manner.
* Change management skills and involvement in project work with the willingness to implement and lead change where necessary.
* Ability to undertake audit.
* Ability to work with patients of all ages and abilities.
Qualifications and Training
Essential
* Degree in Optometry (BSc or MSc).
* Registered Optometrist with the General Optical Council (GOC).
* Evidence of ongoing continuing professional development (CPD) in line with GOC registration requirements.
* Ability to work independently and as part of a multi-disciplinary team.
* Further highly developed specialist knowledge including theoretical and clinical training.
Experience
Essential
* Post registration optometrist experience.
* Experience working in a multidisciplinary team.
* Experience of shared care/ extended role in one or more of: glaucoma, cataract, medical retina, complex refraction, low vision, medical contact lenses or clinical trials.
* Experience of undertaking research and audit.
* Broad understanding of the developing roles of the ophthalmic professions, within primary, secondary & tertiary care.
* Knowledge and experience of clinical governance.
* Evidence of ongoing continuous professional development.
* Knowledge and experience of adult/child safeguarding.
* Able to work independently and across disciplines as a member of a multi-disciplinary team.
Employer details
Employer name
South Tees Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust
Address
The James Cook University Hospital
Marton Road
Middlesbrough
TS4 3BW
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