Job summary This is a 12-month, part-time role designed primarily to support digital referrals across primary care Optometry practices and secondary care ophthalmology providers. This is an exciting opportunity to join a team that is passionate about using technology to improve healthcare delivery and outcomes. This role is ideal for a proactive, collaborative individual who is passionate about making a tangible difference in local eye care through digitally led innovation. With flexible remote working, and travel to sites as needed to provide on-site support and foster collaboration, you will have an opportunity to contribute to the evolving landscape of digital health during this project. You will use your excellent communication skills to host regular virtual drop-in sessions, engaging with a diverse range of stakeholders to share good practices and support the development of digital skills across the workforce for effective use of digital referrals. The role sits in the Optometry service under the management of the Greater Manchester Primary Care Provider Board (PCB). Main duties of the job The Digital Facilitator - Optometry (DFO) will be instrumental in enhancing referral quality, reducing delays, and streamlining patient pathways by maximising digital referrals functionality. Through technical guidance, data-driven insights, and fostering collaborative engagement, the DFO will contribute to the modernisation and efficiency of referral processes. In addition, this role will play a key part in supporting and contributing to other exciting digital Optometry projects as they emerge, ensuring alignment with broader evolving digital health initiatives. About us Viaduct Care is the GP Federation of Stockport. The federation was formed to empower local GPs to provide the best possible care for patients whilst tackling some of the challenges faced by General Practice by helping doctors and other healthcare professionals work together, share resources and expertise. Our vision is to be consistently recognised for enabling the delivery of high-quality patient centred healthcare, which is innovative, equitable, efficient, effective, and contributing to a healthy population in Stockport. Viaduct Care is host to the Greater Manchester Primary Care Provider Board (PCB) which brings together the four primary care disciplines of Community Pharmacy, Dentistry, General Practice and Optometry. Established in 2015, the PCB aims to improve quality within our 1,800 primary care providers across Greater Manchester to deliver better outcomes for our communities. Whatever stage you are at in your career, we will provide you with the high-quality support you need to continue developing your skills, achieve job satisfaction and help shape the future of healthcare to make a real difference to peoples lives. Click on the 'Why join Viaduct Care' link (right) for more information on the benefits and support available to our employees. Date posted 13 February 2025 Pay scheme Agenda for change Band Band 6 Salary Depending on experience £37,338-£44,962 pro rata based on 37.5 hours per week Contract Fixed term Duration 12 months Working pattern Part-time, Flexible working, Home or remote working Reference number B0463-25-0000 Job locations Office 25, Merseyway Innovation Centre 21-23 Merseyway Stockport Cheshire SK1 1PN Job description Job responsibilities Main Roles & Responsibilities 1. Technical Support and Assistance Provide hands-on support to optical practices and practitioners ensuring efficient digital referrals setup and troubleshooting for seamless integration. Offer technical assistance for day-to-day usage of the digital referral platform, enabling optimal functionality and outcomes. Host regular monthly drop-in sessions for optical practices to address support requirements, including additional specialist sessions focused on data transfer from specific diagnostic equipment and brands. Provide hands-on support to secondary care providers by ensuring they can make the best use of referral reports and associated images received via a digital referral platform, optimising integration and data utility within their own systems and Electronic Patient Records (EPR). 2. Referral Data Quality and Optimisation Ensure that referral data sent via digital referrals is complete, accurate, and clinically relevant, enabling effective decision-making. Collaborate with providers to capture essential information within referrals, leveraging the platform to enhance quality of patient care. 3. Engagement and Best Practice Implementation Act as a liaison between optical practices, secondary care providers, and referral centres to foster collaboration across the referral network. Encourage best practices in referral documentation and address any technical challenges that may impede effective usage. Support other digital transformation initiatives within optometry, as part of the Optometry Primary Care Board Network (OPBN) digital workstream, including and not limited to the Greater Manchester Care Record (GMCR) and electronic Prescription Service (ePS). Work collaboratively with stakeholders to enhance digital integration in eye care across primary and secondary care. 4. Training Develop and deliver training sessions for healthcare professionals to ensure a thorough understanding of digital referral functionality and best practices. Encourage digital literacy across users, empowering them to leverage technology confidently and competently. 5. Monitoring, Reporting, and Continuous Improvement Track the progress of digital referrals implementation, identifying areas for improvement and where additional support is needed. Maintain a working knowledge of technical challenges, software issues, and other operational risks to mitigate issues proactively. Regularly report to project leads on implementation status, highlighting successes and challenges, and recommending strategies for further digital optimisation. 6. Supporting Health Equity Analyse referral trends and identify areas where digital referrals can address health disparities, with a focus on improving outcomes for high-deprivation populations. Collaborate with data analysts to harness referral data, fostering equitable patient outcomes, particularly in populations of high deprivation. 7. Reporting and Accountability The DFO will work closely with the Optometry Excellence team, and report to the Optometry Provider Board (OPB) via the Optometry Referrals Improvement Program Lead to support objectives outlined in the Optometry Excellence framework. This role is integral to enhancing the quality and efficiency of referral processes in optometry across the Greater Manchester footprint. This list of duties is not intended to be exhaustive but indicates the main areas of work and may be subject to change after consultation with the post-holder to meet the changing needs of the service. Job description Job responsibilities Main Roles & Responsibilities 1. Technical Support and Assistance Provide hands-on support to optical practices and practitioners ensuring efficient digital referrals setup and troubleshooting for seamless integration. Offer technical assistance for day-to-day usage of the digital referral platform, enabling optimal functionality and outcomes. Host regular monthly drop-in sessions for optical practices to address support requirements, including additional specialist sessions focused on data transfer from specific diagnostic equipment and brands. Provide hands-on support to secondary care providers by ensuring they can make the best use of referral reports and associated images received via a digital referral platform, optimising integration and data utility within their own systems and Electronic Patient Records (EPR). 2. Referral Data Quality and Optimisation Ensure that referral data sent via digital referrals is complete, accurate, and clinically relevant, enabling effective decision-making. Collaborate with providers to capture essential information within referrals, leveraging the platform to enhance quality of patient care. 3. Engagement and Best Practice Implementation Act as a liaison between optical practices, secondary care providers, and referral centres to foster collaboration across the referral network. Encourage best practices in referral documentation and address any technical challenges that may impede effective usage. Support other digital transformation initiatives within optometry, as part of the Optometry Primary Care Board Network (OPBN) digital workstream, including and not limited to the Greater Manchester Care Record (GMCR) and electronic Prescription Service (ePS). Work collaboratively with stakeholders to enhance digital integration in eye care across primary and secondary care. 4. Training Develop and deliver training sessions for healthcare professionals to ensure a thorough understanding of digital referral functionality and best practices. Encourage digital literacy across users, empowering them to leverage technology confidently and competently. 5. Monitoring, Reporting, and Continuous Improvement Track the progress of digital referrals implementation, identifying areas for improvement and where additional support is needed. Maintain a working knowledge of technical challenges, software issues, and other operational risks to mitigate issues proactively. Regularly report to project leads on implementation status, highlighting successes and challenges, and recommending strategies for further digital optimisation. 6. Supporting Health Equity Analyse referral trends and identify areas where digital referrals can address health disparities, with a focus on improving outcomes for high-deprivation populations. Collaborate with data analysts to harness referral data, fostering equitable patient outcomes, particularly in populations of high deprivation. 7. Reporting and Accountability The DFO will work closely with the Optometry Excellence team, and report to the Optometry Provider Board (OPB) via the Optometry Referrals Improvement Program Lead to support objectives outlined in the Optometry Excellence framework. This role is integral to enhancing the quality and efficiency of referral processes in optometry across the Greater Manchester footprint. This list of duties is not intended to be exhaustive but indicates the main areas of work and may be subject to change after consultation with the post-holder to meet the changing needs of the service. Person Specification Skills Essential Strong IT and technical skills, with experience in healthcare platform integration and digital systems support. Exceptional communication skills, including the ability to engage and support diverse stakeholders across optical practices and secondary care providers. Skilled in facilitating feedback loops and maintaining clear communication channels to identify user needs, address concerns, and foster continuous improvement. Proficient in identifying and troubleshooting technical issues quickly and effectively to minimise disruption. The ability to contribute to CPD sessions that support best practices in optometry referrals and digital health solutions. Excellent communication skills, particularly in training and supporting healthcare professionals in adopting digital solutions. Personal Attributes Essential Organised and capable of managing multiple priorities. Collaborative, with a strong ability to work across various care settings. Proactive in solving problems and improving processes. Passionate about using technology to improve healthcare quality. Eager to stay updated with the latest advancements in health technology and apply them effectively to enhance service delivery. Strong attention to detail, ensuring accuracy in data management and the implementation of digital processes. Able to interpret complex data and provide actionable insights to improve referral processes and outcomes. Ability to travel to varied locations across Greater Manchester. Qualifications Essential Degree Level qualification in IT related subject or equivalent gained through practice. Experience Essential Experience in managing and delivering digital projects within set timelines, ensuring successful outcomes. Proven experience in delivering training sessions, with an ability to tailor to varying levels of digital literacy among healthcare professionals. Background in healthcare-related digital implementation or IT systems support, with an understanding of digital transformation principles in a healthcare setting. Desirable Clinical experience within optometry or ophthalmology is preferred but not essential; IT and digital implementation skills are crucial. Knowledge of electronic referral systems, ideally within the NHS. Familiarity with optometry and ophthalmology workflows. Knowledge of change management strategies to facilitate digital adoption in healthcare settings. Person Specification Skills Essential Strong IT and technical skills, with experience in healthcare platform integration and digital systems support. Exceptional communication skills, including the ability to engage and support diverse stakeholders across optical practices and secondary care providers. Skilled in facilitating feedback loops and maintaining clear communication channels to identify user needs, address concerns, and foster continuous improvement. Proficient in identifying and troubleshooting technical issues quickly and effectively to minimise disruption. The ability to contribute to CPD sessions that support best practices in optometry referrals and digital health solutions. Excellent communication skills, particularly in training and supporting healthcare professionals in adopting digital solutions. Personal Attributes Essential Organised and capable of managing multiple priorities. Collaborative, with a strong ability to work across various care settings. Proactive in solving problems and improving processes. Passionate about using technology to improve healthcare quality. Eager to stay updated with the latest advancements in health technology and apply them effectively to enhance service delivery. Strong attention to detail, ensuring accuracy in data management and the implementation of digital processes. Able to interpret complex data and provide actionable insights to improve referral processes and outcomes. Ability to travel to varied locations across Greater Manchester. Qualifications Essential Degree Level qualification in IT related subject or equivalent gained through practice. Experience Essential Experience in managing and delivering digital projects within set timelines, ensuring successful outcomes. Proven experience in delivering training sessions, with an ability to tailor to varying levels of digital literacy among healthcare professionals. Background in healthcare-related digital implementation or IT systems support, with an understanding of digital transformation principles in a healthcare setting. Desirable Clinical experience within optometry or ophthalmology is preferred but not essential; IT and digital implementation skills are crucial. Knowledge of electronic referral systems, ideally within the NHS. Familiarity with optometry and ophthalmology workflows. Knowledge of change management strategies to facilitate digital adoption in healthcare settings. Employer details Employer name Viaduct Care Address Office 25, Merseyway Innovation Centre 21-23 Merseyway Stockport Cheshire SK1 1PN Employer's website https://www.viaductcare.org.uk/ (Opens in a new tab)