Job summary
We have an exciting opportunity for a Clinical Optometrist to join our hard working and friendly team based at Southlands and St Richards Hospital. This cross-site role will pre-dominantly be supporting the growing Glaucoma service but there will also be opportunities to develop in other areas such as medical retina and primary care.
The Ophthalmology service boasts a state of the art unit in Shoreham, developed in 2017. It comprises of 2 dedicated eye theatres, supported by a suite of diagnostic equipment. The service's vision is to be a world class eye care provider, widely recognised for providing safe, personal and effective care. Opportunities exist for candidates with previous hospital experience and for motivated individuals with a desire to gain experience working as a hospital optometrist. Both full-time or part-time / job share will be considered. The ideal candidates will be expected to work effectively within a multidisciplinary team. Post-graduation experience of enhanced service delivery and College of Optometrist higher qualifications would be advantageous. Our team consists of 10 consultant ophthalmologists, optometrists, orthoptists, nursing and technical team.
Main duties of the job
This role will be to provide clinical support to the ophthalmology services, both as an autonomous practitioner and as a member of a team. The post holder may be expected to deliver a comprehensive range of core optometric services and extended role services to glaucoma, medical retina and other sub-specialities within the ophthalmology department as required. The post holder will be expected to work within a multi-disciplinary team, contributing to the supervision, teaching and training of staff, and participating in departmental research and audit activities.
About us
At UHSussex, diversity is our strength, and we want you to feel included to help us always put the Patient First, as shown in our Outstanding for Caring CQC rating. Your uniqueness and experiences will be part of our creative and innovative community where everyone is encouraged to succeed. We have a range of Staff Networks to help break down barriers, and can offer a buddy to help new members settle in. We're proud to be a Disability Confident Employer (Level 2) and a Veteran Aware Trust.
We treat our patients and staff with the same compassion and empathy we expect for ourselves. We're here for them when they need us, and we go above and beyond to meet their needs. This can be seen in ourWellbeing Programmefor staff which is extensive and designed to support you when you need it - because we know that to look after others we must first look after ourselves.
As a university trust and a leader in healthcare research, we value learning, teaching and training so that we can be the best that we can be. From the moment you start with us and throughout your career we will help you to grow and develop. We hope that in choosing UHSussex you are choosing a long and happy career where you will be able to see the difference you make and feel valued for all that you do.
We look forward to receiving your application and the start of your journey with UHSussex.
Job description
Job responsibilities
Main Duties and Responsibilities
Communication
To communicate effectively with patients and their families
To communicate effectively with doctors, nurses and orthoptists
Communicate both verbally and in writing with GPs
Support verbal communication by providing written educational material to patients and carers if required
Utilise the interpreting service for patients with language barrier
Ensure the provision of a quality and co-ordinated service by establishing and maintaining liaison amongst all disciplines in patient care within the Trust
Attend departmental meetings for the Ophthalmology department, communicating effectively and developing positive working relationships with other team members
Service Delivery and Improvement
To identify opportunities for service, role and practice development within the Ophthalmic Service
To assist with the implementation and evaluation of areas of practice/service development
To review and develop written policies/protocols relevant to clinical procedures as necessary
To undertake specific projects as requested by the Consultant Optometrist, Ophthalmologist body & Department Manager
To participate in service reviews or improvement events and initiatives to drive improved patient experience, quality and productivity
To take part in departmental audit
People Management and Development
Assist in training and education for Community optometrists and GPs as required
Keep up to date with current research and evidence-based practice by attending relevant meetings, courses and seminars. Responsible for sharing knowledge with other professionals and team to influence better care and outcomes for patients
To keep documentary evidence of Continuing Professional Development and use personal development, clinical supervision, appraisal and Knowledge and Skills Framework
To be involved and act as a role model for clinical placements of work experience students, orthoptic students, optometry students, medical students, GPs, health visitors
To be able to supervise less experienced staff and students
To participate in health promotion for GPs and community optometry services
To partake in appraisal as an appraisee
To continue to update and develop own clinical and theoretical knowledge of eye care pathways including areas of clinical research
To participate in any related research programmes which have been formally agreed
In agreement with the team, identify areas for and actively participate in audit
Person Specification
Professional Registration
Essential
Experience and Qualification
Essential
- BSc(Hons) Optometry or equivalent
- 2 years post-registration clinical experience.
Desirable
- Post graduate qualifications such as College of Optometrist certificates / diplomas
People Management and Development
Essential
- Ability to act as a role model demonstrating high standards of care and providing clinical leadership in specialist area to others
- Teaching/supervision experience/ assessment skills
Equality Diversity and Inclusion
Essential
- Evidence of having undertaken own development to improve understanding of equalities issues
- Evidence of having championed diversity in previous roles (as appropriate to role).
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.
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 .
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 .
UK Registration
Applicants must have current UK professional registration. For further information please see
NHS Careers website .
Employer details
Employer name
University Hospitals Sussex NHS Foundation Trust (279)
Address
Southlands Hospital & St Richards Hospital
Shoreham by Sea
BN43 6TQ