Detailed job description and main responsibilities

Clinical Responsibilities

1.     To perform a full range of investigative, diagnostic and therapeutic optometric procedures, as required by the Consultant Ophthalmologist.

This will involve analysis and interpretation of specialised test results, and informing and guiding patients through of a range of treatment options

2.     To work autonomously in providing a service in our Paediatric optometry and other clinics as required.

3.     To participate in a multi-disciplinary team in patient assessment.

4.     To impart expert clinical knowledge and advice to professional colleagues by verbal written and electronic means.

5.     To impart expert clinical advice to patients and carers. This may involve the communication of complex information such as an understanding of refractive error in everyday terms. Furthermore the information may be of a sensitive or distressing nature, such as when counselling patients about permanent loss of sight. There may be significant barriers to understanding, such as language barriers or special needs, and patients may be occasionally antagonistic.

6.     To record clinical observations accurately in hospital notes, observing data protection with some use of data bases and computerised appointment systems.

7.     To carry out procedures which involve a high level of hand eye-co-ordination and where speed and accuracy are essential, such as insertion and removal of contact lenses, or measurement of refractive error in a distressed young child.

8.     To supervise and carry out procedures under occasionally unpleasant conditions such as close examination of patients with poor hygiene, children with head lice and under close and at times restricted working conditions.

9.     To be responsible for the health and safety of patients.

Managerial Responsibilities

1.     To organise and manage own patient caseload.

2.     To be responsible for developing and implementing trust/local policies/protocols within the optometric service.

3.     To work closely with the Consultants/Managers/Matron/Orthoptists  to ensure that professional standards are achieved and maintained at all times.

4.     To contribute to the operational planning and development of services within ophthalmology.

5.     To ensure effective use and maintenance of expensive complex equipment, and ensure others using this equipment under your supervision do so safely.

6.     To ensure effective use of expensive stock such as low vision aids or contact lenses, taking responsibility for ordering stock cost –effectively and maintaining adequate stock levels. Assisting the directorate achieve Cost improvement programmes.

Responsibility for Clinical Governance

1.     To be involved in patient surveys, clinical audits, clinical trials and research and development, as far as patient caseload allows. To make suggestions towards the future of this programme, and to lead individual projects where required to do so.

2.     To work closely with the Consultants/Matron to ensure that clinical risk management is regularly considered within all areas of practice.

3.     To work closely with the Consultants/Business Manager and Matron to manage complaints in accordance with trust policy.

4.     To identify own individual development needs as part of the annual professional development review programme.

5.     To maintain a high level of personal continuing education and training so as to function effectively as a specialist in an ever advancing and changing field, and to be able to respond to new service developments as they arise.

Responsibility for Education and Training

1.     To teach and supervise pre-registration optometrists, visiting registered optometrists, medical staff, and staff and students of all other related disciplines. This may involve planning a teaching session unassisted.

2.     To take part in the organisation and implementation of in house training and teaching sessions, delivering complex information to groups of staff.

3.     To liaise with all colleagues on a regular basis, undertaking peer review to ensure optimum working practices and high standards of patient

4.      Attend all mandatory training sessions as required by the Trust.