Band 7 Advanced optometrist

Job summary

We have an exciting opportunity for an optometrist to join our friendly and forward-looking team.

We are particularly looking for someone with hospital contact lens and paediatric experience. But we can plan a varied job plan for you. We will also consider job shares for those wishing to join us part-time.

The successful candidate will join a team of 7 Advanced Clinical Practitioners, 10 orthoptists, 6 optometrists, 2 Ophthalmic Scientific Practitioners and our ECLO.

The Ophthalmology Department at King's is large, with 19 consultants covering all sub-specialities of ophthalmology. We have a large ophthalmology research office, supporting a varied range of research projects. King's serves a dynamic, diverse and vibrant local population, providing a wide range of tertiary and specialist services.

In addition we can offer sessions across South East London, including Denmark Hill, Lewisham and Queen Mary's Sidcup.

We welcome applicants with experience, however, we also welcome those who aspire to develop their extended skills and knowledge - we can then offer a band 6 to 7 run through.

Funding can be made available for those interested in independent prescribing.

Main duties of the job

To work within the multi-disciplinary team working autonomously as an optometrist, managing a wide and complex clinical caseload. Working collaboratively to ensure the effective and efficient running of the ophthalmology service. To develop extended roles. To continually audit the optometry service.

We are interested attracting an optometrist with contact lens and paediatric experience.

But your job plan may also include:

Emergency Cornea. Medical retina. Research. Post-op patients Low visual aids.

About us

King's College Hospital NHS Foundation Trust is one of the UK's largest and busiest teaching Trusts with a turnover of c£1 billion, million patient contacts a year and more than 15,000 staff based across South East London. The Trust provides a full range of local and specialist services across its five sites. The trust-wide strategy of Strong Roots, Global Reach is our Vision to be BOLD, Brilliant people, Outstanding care, Leaders in Research, Innovation and Education, Diversity, Equality and Inclusion at the heart of everything we do. By being person-centred, digitally-enabled, and focused on sustainability, we aim to take Team King's to another level.

We are at a pivotal point in our history and we require individuals who are ready to join a highly professional team and make a real, lasting difference to our patients and our people.

King's is committed to delivering Sustainable Healthcare for All via our Green Plan. In line with national Greener NHS ambitions, we have set net zero carbon targets of 2040 for our NHS Carbon Footprint and 2045 for our NHS Carbon Footprint Plus. Everyone's contribution is required in order to meet the goals set out in our Green Plan and we encourage all staff to work responsibly, minimising their contributions to the Trust's carbon emissions, waste and pollution wherever possible.

Job description

Job responsibilities

Work is varied and we can offer sessions across South East London, including Denmark Hill, Lewisham and Queen Mary's Sidcup.

Clinical Responsibilities

To undertake highly skilled, specialist and extended roles.

To take sole responsibility for the assessment of your workload which will cover a wide, varied and complex patient group.

To be responsible for the prioritising appropriate onward referral of patients.

To conclude a diagnosis, supported by sound investigative techniques using problem solving and advanced analytical skills

To develop treatment plans for individual patients (orthoptic, ophthalmic, optical and surgical).

To provide advice and support to patients and relatives regarding visual problems.

To assess patients pre-operatively and discuss with the ophthalmologist the need for surgical intervention, the timing of surgery, risks and benefits, the type of surgery and alternative treatments.

To assess patients post-operatively and carry out the appropriate treatment.

To discharge patients or organise appropriate onward referral for their on-going care.

At all times to observe safe working practices and equipment procedures that comply with legislative requirements and health and safety regulations.

Dispenses medication using patient specific directions.

To deal with accidents untoward occurrences and complaints according to accepted procedure.

To ensure the safety of patients, visitors and staff and report all outpatient hazards.

To respect patients privacy, dignity, gender, sexuality and have due regard to patients cultural and religious beliefs.

Administrative Responsibilities

To take responsibility for all administrative paperwork ensuring it is kept in order and up to date. Follow-up appointments should be made and sent as appropriate.

Undertake general clerical duties and clinical queries (appointments, filing etc).

To deal with telephone queries and make appropriate decisions on limited information.

To maintain the integrity of computerised patient appointment systems, inputting data accurately and ensuring proper storage, back up and retrieval of information.

Ensure all patient episodes, including coding appropriate activity is recorded.

Communication and Representation

To write appropriate patient records and hospital case notes.

To liaise with other members of the multidisciplinary team. Ensure information regarding treatment, outcomes, diagnosis and discharge summaries are appropriately communicated.

Liaise with the referrer, the on-call ophthalmologist or early referral service regarding onward care of the patient.

Liaise with other departments (including admissions, medical records and wards) ensuring effective and efficient communication and work practices.

To work with the community visual impairment team to ensure all patients access the appropriate services.

Deal with patients in a sensitive manner and act with empathy, tact and understanding with their needs especially those with highly complex medical and ophthalmological conditions.

To be sensitive to patients cultural identity and overcome language and other barriers to understanding ( hearing or visual impairment, learning difficulties).

To actively participate and positively contribute to departmental meetings, discussing the operational aspects of the department and set agreed standards for care.

Education and Training

Mentor junior members of the team and new starters, leading by example supporting others within the wider ophthalmic team

To support competency based learning objectives for ophthalmic technicians (including perimetry, imaging and tonometry).

To give clear, informative and well presented practical demonstrations and theoretical talks to colleagues, undergraduate orthoptists, ophthalmologists, medical students, optometrists and primary care practitioners.

Research and Service Development

To collaborate with research leads over recruitment to studies.

To assess research participants according to protocol and good clinical practice guidelines.

To support the delivery of the service facilitating the use of clinical governance and development of competencies.

Forecast clinical demand, triage clinics to manage demand and capacity.

Management of the patients journey through the clinic.

To maintain and develop guidelines on the extended care.

To effectively manage your annual leave.

To actively participate and positively contribute to the senior leadership team regarding the operational aspects of Optical Services.

Person Specification

Qualification

Essential

Degree/Diploma in Optometry GOC registration

Desirable

Postgraduate study Independent prescribing

Experience

Essential

Extended role experience Evidence of appropriate knowledge base and CPD. Paediatric Refraction (including Cycloplegic and Subjective Refraction) Complex Contact Lens fitting and management (including soft, RGP, cosmetic and large diameter lenses)

Desirable

Large teaching hospital experience

Skills and competence

Essential

GOC code of professional conduct. Able to manage own workload and use own initiative Ability to work independently or as part of a team Can work under pressure in an unpredictable working environment. Meets deadlines. Flexible working practices Well organised, neat and accurate Excellent presentation skills. Ability to handle difficult situations including aggressive patients.

Desirable

Safeguarding

---