Ophthalmic Technician

Choose Well - Choose WWL

Job overview

An exciting opportunity has arisen for an ophthalmic technician to work in the ophthalmic department in Wigan Eye Unit at Boston House and Leigh Infirmary. The unit sees patients with a number of ophthalmology conditions including medical retina and glaucoma. Working in a friendly environment you will carry out Ophthalmic technical and imaging procedures including OCT, Visual fields and visual acuity assessments.

Ophthalmic imaging experience is essential.

You must be able to travel independently across the Trust.

The post holder will have a flexible and adaptable approach to support the delivery of our ophthalmology services . We are recruiting to a 37.5 hour post, flexible working hours over 7 days will be expected.

Previous applicants need not apply. 

Main duties of the job

To operate advanced ophthalmic imaging equipment to collect information which assists in the diagnosis and management of sight threatening eye conditions. Equipment and software used includes Zeiss Humphrey Visual Field Analyser, Heidelberg Spectralis OCT / OCTA systems, Canon CX1 retinal camera, Tomey TMS Corneal Topography and others.

This role provides valuable technical support to our clinical team by obtaining data from a range of scans, imaging techniques and clinical assessments as appropriate to the extensive range of subspecialties which our eye unit covers.

Working for our organisation

Wrightington, Wigan and Leigh NHS Foundation Trust are the proud providers of acute hospital and community services to the people of the Wigan Borough and surrounding areas. At WWL, we value our staff believing that ‘happy staff, makes for happy patients’. We have a recognised track record in staff engagement and living our values ‘the WWL Way’.

WWL are committed to placing the patient at the heart of everything we do, and in the provision of safe, effective care that acknowledges and ensures dignity. With this in mind we are seeking to recruit people who share our values and beliefs.

On-Call

Please note that senior positions (AFC band 8A or above) may be expected to participate in an on-call rota, if the role is predominantly operational.

Detailed job description and main responsibilities

Key results from the job holder

To liaise with the Lead Technician to ensure smooth and efficient running of clinic. To maintain high levels of cleanliness and tidiness within the working environment following Trust, departmental and medical supplier’s policies. To undertake administration tasks as required by the post to plan and work within schedules. To review patients records / referral to determine the type of test required by doctor/clinician. To follow protocols and patient pathways in relating to the Ophthalmic Imaging Service

Communications and Key Working Relationships

To accurately assess the Visual acuity of patients attending for ophthalmic imaging procedures. To instil dilating drops for the purposes of retinal imaging. To advise the patient, when necessary, the effects of drops used i.e. daily living tasks such as precautions with driving and blurred near vision and reading. To competently perform ophthalmic imaging procedures such as Visual filed testing (automated and manual), retinal and ocular photograph and biometry. To undertake focimetry (manual and automated) and hand neutralization of glasses to ensure accuracy of visual field testing. Adjust the camera setting appropriately and trouble shoots any camera/hardware issues that arise before reporting any problems according to Trust procedure. To assist with Minor procedure To give clear and concise explanation and test instructions to patients to ensure maximum understanding and co-operation takes place. To communicate with patients in difficult situations showing understanding, respect and empathy. (This could include unpleasant news such as cancellation of appointments and delays in clinics) To provide reassurance, advice and comfort to all patients.

Responsibility for Education, Teaching and Development

To be competent in the use of computer software in retinal imaging and input of relevant patient and clinical information. To maintain accurate patient records in accordance with Trust and departmental policies To maintain statistical requirements for ophthalmic imaging clinics. Access relevant information systems for communication and research e.g. email and Internet. Be competent in the use of. software systems (e.g. PAS, Zeiss, Heidelberg and IBEX etc) to enable smooth running of the clinics and accurate patient care.

Responsibility for Research

To contribute towards the on-going development of the service and care to patients. To follow all Trust and departmental policies and procedures. To take part in and be aware of directorate clinical governance including clinical audit. To maintain up to date knowledge and attend relevant in-house and external courses. To work shadow other related professionals in order to develop and increase knowledge of diabetic related conditions and ocular diseases.

Responsibility for Finance

To report any faults of capital or software equipment To maintain equipment to full working standards Maintain effective uses of resources and stock management. To be responsible for the security of own working areas and equipment

Responsibility for Human Resources

To implement departmental and Trust policies and procedures into own working area. To aid in the training of new starters by demonstrating own work place activities. To undertake annual personal development review To be involved in peer review

Responsibility for Health & Safety

Compliance with the Health & Safety at Work Act 1974 – the post holder is required to fulfil a proactive role towards the management of risk in all of their actions. This entails the risk assessment of all situations, the taking of appropriate actions and reporting of all incidents, near misses and hazards, and a statutory duty of care for their own personal safety and that of others who may be affected by their acts or omissions.

Work Circumstances

As per the needs of the service.

Person specification

Qualifications

Essential criteria

Level 3 NVQ (or equivalent experience) GCSE level Maths & English (or equivalent experience) Relevant diploma level qualification (or demonstrates equivalent competency)

Experience

Essential criteria

Previous experience working in a hospital setting Experience in Humphrey Visual Fields, OCT and retinal imaging Intermediate level theoretical and practical knowledge of Ophthalmic clinic settings Experience of working within ophthalmic technical roles

Skills

Essential criteria

Good communication and interpersonal skills Excellent hand/eye dexterity to be able to make fine adjustments to imaging equipment/apparatus

Knowledge

Essential criteria

Good technical knowledge of imaging equipment The ability to work within a multidisciplinary team, undertake own workload, manage time and cope with the pressures of a busy out-patient department The ability to communicate effectively with staff & patients, including patients with learning / communication difficulties and deal with sensitive / unpleasant situations

Additional

Essential criteria

Flexible and able to work on any ward and site within the Trust Excellent visual acuity and colour vision due to imaging requirement Speak English to an appropriate standard relevant to their role, i.e. with confidence and accuracy, using correct sentence structures and vocabulary, and without hesitation.

---