Senior Retinal Screener-grader

The Sheffield Diabetic Eye Screening Service is expanding to provide additional slit lamp biomicroscopy and digital photography grading capacity. The postholder will provide a comprehensive Diabetic Eye Screening Service, including: retinal imaging, clinical investigation, higher level retinal grading, interpretation of retinal images and slit lamp biomicroscopy for patients of all ages suffering from diseases of the eye relating to diabetes. The postholder will also undertake line management of Band 5 (when a Band 6), Band 4 and Band 2 staff working as Screener-Graders and Health Care Support Workers within the service and will be responsible for undertaking analysis to support the quality assurance of grading of retinal images.
- To provide comprehensive Diabetic Eye Screening Service, including: retinal imaging, clinical investigation, higher level retinal grading including Arbitration, Referral Outcome and Digital Surveillance grading, interpretation of retinal images and slit lamp biomicroscopy for patients of all ages suffering from diseases of the eye relating to diabetes.
- Refers to other services in line with protocols
- Works collaboratively on a day-to day basis with others to contribute to the smooth and efficient running of the service.
- Undertakes line management of Band 5, Band 4 and Band 2 staff working as Screener-Graders and Health Care Support Workers within the Diabetic Eye Screening Programme.
- Responsible for undertaking analysis to support the quality assurance of grading in the Diabetic Eye Screening Programme.
- Collaboratively develops, participates and implements research and development programmes

You will be working for an organisation which values and respects all of its staff and the community it serves. The Trust is a leader in the NHS and research sectors and provides excellent benefits for its staff. This includes commitments to professional development but also many policies to support employees in balancing their personal and professional lives.

Please also note this vacancy is banded dependent upon applicants experience relevant to this post. The banding of the successful applicant/s will start at Band 5 unless applicants meet the necessary threshold of skills and experience or the training required to start on Band 6.

Band 5
- To perform slit lamp biomicroscopy to a standard assessed by the Clinical Lead for Diabetic Eye Screening. This involves clinical assessment of the patient, production of report on findings and referral to other services as appropriate and defined by protocol.
- To carry out visual acuity testing and administer prescribed eye drops to patients in accordance with trust policy and national guidelines.
- To image diabetic patients in the community and hospital, using a non-mydriatic camera.
- To provide primary, secondary and arbitration level grading of relevant images from the secure server in accordance with NSC guidelines.
- Identify any patients where there is progression of diabetic eye disease or deterioration of vision, and ensure the patient is urgently referred to the hospital
- Develop and maintain high professional standards in the provision of the Diabetic Eye Screening Service.
- Provide an efficient, safe and confidential service to all patients.
- Provide the appropriate level of clinical advice to patients relating to their level of diabetic retinopathy and related ophthalmic conditions
- Work collaboratively with colleagues to ensure services meet changing health care needs.
- Follows guidelines for the implementation of policies
- Maintain continuous professional development appropriate to the post.
- Undertake simple fault remedy, cleaning and maintenance of imaging equipment or any apparatus within the department
- Participate in the monthly grading test and training system
- To provide training for new screening staff

Band 6
- To complete the advanced grading course
- To undertake SLB assessments and take sole responsibility for the clinical decision making regarding the treatment of the patient, production of report on findings and referral to other services as appropriate and defined by clinical protocols.
- To provide all levels of grading for the Diabetic Eye Screening Service including Arbitration, Referral Outcome and Digital Surveillance grading from the secure server in accordance with NSC guidelines.
- Responsible for ensuring the timely safe delivery of clinics which often requires require short term adjustments to planned clinic schedules according to aspects of patient need.