Optometrist

Job summary

The Orthoptic and Optometry team at County Durham andDarlington NHS Foundation Trust consists of a team of seven Orthoptists andthree part time Optometrists working closely together with the ConsultantOphthalmologists to provide a high standard of care to our paediatric and adultpatients. We work to the Trusts ethos of providing the patient with safe,compassionate, joined-up care.

We are looking for an enthusiastic and motivatedOptometrist to join our team working predominantly with paediatric patients butalso some low vision patients where service needs allow. You may be providingmulti-disciplinary clinics with the consultant Paediatric ophthalmologist,providing optometry paediatric review.Additionally there would be trainingopportunities to expand into medical contact lenses through formal training andclinical practice.

Main duties of the job

Thisband 6 role is involved in the provision of core optometry work to theOrthoptic and Ophthalmology departments and patients; predominantly involvingthe core paediatric elements of hospital optometry. You will be providingmulti-disciplinary clinics with the consultant Paediatric Ophthalmologist,providing optometry paediatric review refraction clinics and also working in acollaborative clinic with the Orthoptist. All clinics involve a mix of new andreview patients of all ages and abilities, including children with learningdifficulties, and involve strong collaborative team working. In addition toskills with dilated retinoscopy you will be required to perform ophthalmoscopyon dilated paediatric patients and work closely with the other team members tomanage clinical care. This role gives a unique opportunity to use yourknowledge in strabismus and BSV and gain valuable experience in the managementof complex cases not available in the private setting. There would also be the opportunity toundertake some training for Low Visual Aid work if required and through formaltraining to expand into the area of medical contact lenses.

About us

If you are being interviewed you must accept an interview slot in the system to continue, even if you have arranged with the manager

You must be able to produce ALL certificates stated essential in the person specification or you will not be able to complete pre-employment checks

We provide hospital services from two acute sites - Darlington Memorial Hospital and University Hospital of North Durham. We have a centre for planned care in Bishop Auckland and provide care from community hospitals in Chester-le-Street, Shotley Bridge, Barnard Castle, Sedgefield and Weardale as well as over 80 other community based settings and providing care in patients' homes.

We particularly welcome applications from disabled and Black, Asian and Minority Ethnic (BAME) candidates as BAME and disabled people are currently under-represented

From April 1 2024 we are unable to offer sponsorship for healthcare roles that do meet the minimum salary£23,200, to apply you must have Right to Work in the United Kingdom. If you are in the UK on a VISA please ensure you have no restrictions that would prevent you from taking this post

Full Job Descriptions can be found in the adverts supporting documents

Job description

Job responsibilities

Weare looking for someone who can undertake all the aspects of the corepaediatric Optometry hospital role. We may also be able to train applicants ina qualification for the low visionservice with involvement with clinics within this service once trained andwhere service needs allow. You may be providing multi-disciplinary clinics withthe consultant Paediatric Ophthalmologist, providing Optometry paediatricreview refraction clinics and also working in a collaborative clinic with theOrthoptist. All clinics involve a mix of new and review patients of all agesand abilities, including children with learning difficulties, and involvestrong collaborative team working. In addition to skills with dilatedretinoscopy you will be required to perform ophthalmoscopy on dilatedpaediatric patients and work closely with the other team members to manage thecases. This role gives a unique opportunity to use your knowledge in strabismusand BSV and gain valuable experience in the management of complex cases notmanaged in the private setting. Additionally we would be able to offer theopportunity through formal training to expand into medical contact lensclinics. We would encourage you to contact the department for more informationon the possible working hours and responsibilities and duties of the post viaemail. We would consider appointing more than one candidate to share the WTE(2 days) of clinical work so please consider applying if you wanted less than 2days with the hospital setting.

Person Specification

Special Skills & Knowledge

Essential

Experience in paediatric refraction Good communication and organisational skills. Good interpersonal skills. IT skills.

Desirable

Experience in low vision aids / willingness to undertake additional training if required Experience/interest in specialist contact lens work/ willingness to undertake additional training if required

Special Requirements

Essential

Well developed hand/eye co-ordination, skilled to work with all ages of patients. Flexible. Enthusiastic.

Desirable

Receptive to change

Qualifications

Essential

Bsc Hon (Optometry) MCOptom

Desirable

Significant post graduate experience

Experience

Essential

Experience in paediatric refraction

Statutory Registration

Essential

Current GOC Registration

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