NHS Jobs
Location
St. Helens, Merseyside | United Kingdom
Job description
KEY DUTIES To be responsible for the optometric management of patients referred to the St Helens Ophthalmology Service, including but not restricted to: Assessment and specialist ophthalmic measurement Prescription of appropriate optical appliances. Follow up assessment. Analysis and interpretation of specialist optometric/ophthalmological clinical test results. Providing advice to patients on needs, treatment and corrective aids. To be solely responsible for the optometric assessment of patients using clinical observation relevant optometric equipment and techniques to examine, measure, accurately record and interpret findings. The interpretation of findings for each individual patient is based on extensive clinical experience, specialised knowledge and by using advanced clinical reasoning. Assessment requires considerable manual dexterity and hand/eye co-ordination and speed, particularly when assessing infants To be responsible for the decision to instil drops for refraction tests, diagnostic and treatment purposes. To decide the appropriate strength of drops required and to advise patients/parents of the side effects. To be responsible for independently formulating accurate diagnoses and prognoses for new patients presenting with optical deficiencies which may have numerous causes. A significantly high level of clinical knowledge of anatomy, physiology and neurology is required as well as the use of advanced clinical reasoning and evidence-based practice. To take sole responsibility for the retinoscopic and ophthalmoscopic examination of patients and for instigating subsequent follow up care by the Orthoptist. To take responsibility for initiating onward referral to an Ophthalmologist of patients with ocular pathology. To be responsible for communicating complex diagnoses and treatment plans to patients, parents, carers and family, often requiring a considerable degree of empathy, tact and persuasion in order to: Convey bad news regarding sight loss or the significance of a sight defect to parents/carers. Gain informed consent and understanding by combating barriers to effective communication such as: Anxiety Learning disabled parents English not being the familys first language The patient/parent/carer with no previous knowledge of the ocular defect. Deafness Gain the confidence of and co-operation from children and parents. Involve the patient/parent/carer in choices regarding their treatment. Provide family support Provide a holistic interpretation of often highly complex medical conditions To update patient records and compile data for audit and reports. To be the lead specialist for optometric practice within the Trust CLINICAL & PROFESSIONAL RESPONSIBILITIES The Optometrist will implement and contribute to the formulation of optometry policies, proposing changes to practice using evidence-based methods. Planning, Organisation and Management Skills The Optometrist is responsible across a range of sites for managing, planning and organising his/her own: Workload Caseload Accurate patient records CPD Attendance at clinical training and mandatory training days Liaison with Educational Support Services, Social Services and Independent Optometrists Training sessions Specialist Services The Optometrist must be competent in the use of all specialist ophthalmic instrumentation for measurement purposes. Clinical sessions often include continual testing of infants and young children and the optometrist requires considerable powers of persuasion and patience to obtain accurate visual assessments, measurements, correct clinical diagnoses and to accurately record clinical finding ADMINISTRATIVE RESPONSIBILITIES Follow up assessment The Optometrist is responsible for ordering their own clinical and other supplies, maintaining stock control and ensuring equipment maintenance. TEACHING & TRAINING RESPONSIBILITIES The optometrist is responsible for developing optometrist delivered and led services within the department, including the development of Community Outreach Clinics. To support the Clinical Director and Directorate Manager in developing and advancing the Ophthalmic Services. ADMINISTRATIVE RESPONSIBILITIES Follow up assessment. The Optometrist is responsible for ordering their own clinical and other supplies, maintaining stock control and ensuring equipment maintenance. RESEARCH & AUDIT The optometrist is responsible for assisting in audits an surveys, data collection and presentation within his/her own work area. The optometrist is responsible for participation in audits, presentations and for assisting in research and development programmes which are required.
Job tags
Salary
£43.74k - £50.06k per annum
