Ophthalmic Assistant

Job summary

We are looking for a newOphthalmic Assistant to join our fantastic team in Bristol.

Our Ophthalmic Assistants are theface of Newmedica theyre often amongst the first people that our patientsinteract with on clinic visits and their welcoming, friendly, and empatheticapproach is a corner stone of our company ethos.

Main duties of the job

You will become an integral partof our clinic team, facilitating an important stage of the patient journeytaking patients through a range of diagnostic tests before passing them on to asenior clinician. Youll be taught how to use a variety of different equipmentand systems as well as learning about the anatomy of the eye and the conditionswe treat.

This is a clinic-based role,however, there will be some admin tasks included where necessary, including taking inbound and outbound calls, preparing andcompleting patient notes and the ability to complete clinical outcomes.

The thought of eye surgery can bea daunting prospect for patients to deal with. If you have the ability to putpatients at ease, have strong communication skills, and are able to explainclearly and effectively what the different tests are for so that patientsunderstand their treatment, then you are a great fit for the role.

You will spend most of your timeat our main location at Aztec West, however, there may be occasions where youwill be required to work at our locations in Clifton and Langford.

This is a fantastic opportunityto progress your skills within a clinic setting, or take the first step on aclinical career path. Newmedica is committed to the growth and development ofall our colleagues and being an Ophthalmic Assistant is a great platform topotentially explore a career in diagnostic (clinic) or theatre.

About us

Newmedica areone of the leading providers of NHS ophthalmology services in England,providing outpatients appointments, diagnostic testing and eye surgery. We aimto change lives through better sight and eye health.

We care forthousands of NHS and private patients a year in our specialist eye clinicsacross the country. We have significant growth plans over the next few years aswe look to establish a national footprint and open many new sites across theUK.

We arethrilled to say that following an independently conducted survey of Newmedicacolleagues, we have been certified as a Great Place to Work. This is a globalbenchmark that recognises employers who create an outstanding employeeexperience.

Job description

Job responsibilities

ROLE SUMMARY

Ophthalmic Assistants are the public face of Newmedica and are integral to the successful operation of the clinic. They are responsible for performing clinical diagnostic tests, supporting the clinical assessment of each patient and for ensuring that all patients understand their treatment. In addition, they are responsible for the administration of all clinical notes.

Combining a friendly and accessible personal manner with basic clinical testing skills, they pride themselves in delivering great customer service and their ability to work within a team to maintain and enhance processes to maximise quality and efficiency. No previous clinical knowledge is required and full training will be provided. It is expected that the companys growth plans will provide ongoing challenges for the post-holders as well as appropriate career development opportunities.

The Ophthalmic Assistant will work across all Newmedica Bristol sites, currently; Aztec West, Clifton and Langford.

KEY RESPONSIBILITIES

Primary responsibility for delivering ongoing clinic services including:

Provide support and assistance to both optometrists and ophthalmologists to ensure optimal patient flow and provide a high level of patient care by performing a wide range of ophthalmic diagnostics & imaging, including: Visual acuity autorefraction I-Care tonometry Biometry Drops instillation Blood pressure measurements Visual fields OCT Performing, verifying and recording results of clinical testing with absolute integrity. Managing the relationship with the patient and the provision of appropriate information to them, ensuring that exceptional customer service is delivered. Management of patient data; ensuring availability, required accuracy and confidentiality. Have a good understanding of BP readings and ensure an efficient handover to consultants is completed where necessary. Recognise changes in observations of patients, and report and act on said changes. Maintain high levels of infection control and take appropriate action if standards are not met. Assist in the safe use of specialist equipment by self and other and ensure that health and safety policies are always adhered to. Responsible for working within codes of practice and occupational standards. Undertaking other ad hoc and administrative tasks as required to ensure the smooth running of the clinic. Identifies potential and actual risks using the company incident reporting system in line with company policy and escalates as appropriate, contributing to investigations if required. Maintaining a positive relationship with all internal and external teams at every interaction. Committed to continued professional development and clinical governance, including participating in appraisal process, completion of mandatory training and clinical audits and research as required. Acts within own level of competency to undertake specific interventions and treatments, seeking advice and supervision when needed. Working with the Senior Leadership Team to ensure the service remains CQC compliant. The ability to perform administrative duties such as taking inbound and outbound calls, preparing and completing patient notes ahead of clinic and theatre and the ability to complete clinical outcomes and ensure appointments are booked. Person Specification

Qualifications

Essential

A good level of general education or with equivalent experience GCSE Maths and English

Skills and Personal Attributes

Essential

Ability to build a working knowledge of eye physiology and treatment. Previous experience is not expected. Fully computer literate - comfortable with Microsoft Office products and the ability to learn new patient record systems. Enjoys working with a range of people and can tailor their approach to a diversity of patient needs. Excellent verbal and written communication skills with a good telephone manner. Demonstrates a high level of discretion and confidentiality. Excellent organisation skills and the ability to multi-task. Committed to delivery of consistently high standards of testing and administration. Enjoys the routine and rhythm of a process driven environment. Able to work in high volume clinics Demonstrates an ability or willingness to learn, self-reflection, openness to feedback combined with the commitment to improve. Comfortable making a significant contribution within a small team. Able to balance working independently with appropriate escalation.

Experience

Essential

Proven customer service skills with a passion for customer care.

Desirable

Previous experience of working with patients or carers would be desirable although not essential.

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