Job summary
Blackpool Orthoptic department is seeking an enthusiastic Optometrist with paediatric interest to join the Orthoptic team / Hospital Eye Service at Blackpool Teaching Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust, based at Blackpool Victoria Hospital. The vacancy is via hidden link (internal candidates only) as directed by the Appointing Manager. The successful candidate will be required to work in an Outpatient setting, working closely with the orthoptists. The Orthoptic department consists of 9 Orthoptists, 2 Optometrists and 6 Technicians / vision screeners. The trust employs 8 Consultant Ophthalmologists, including one Consultant specialising in Paediatric Ophthalmology and Adult Ocular Motility. The post-holder will deliver a paediatric clinic supported by the Orthoptists and ophthalmologists. This position would offer the opportunity for an experienced community optometrist to expand upon their knowledge and they would be fully supported by the Orthoptic team. Previous hospital experience is not essential. The Orthoptic department contributes to teaching and clinical audit. Applications are welcomed from Optometrists who are seeking a position in a friendly and progressive department. For informal enquiries about the post please contact Conrad Beacham, Orthoptic Services Manager, at [email protected].
Main duties of the job
To provide a broad range of highly specialised optometry services in support of the Ophthalmology directorate. To be responsible for independent and multi-disciplinary team working in extended roles. The post holder will have a depth of knowledge sufficient to manage complex cases and an ability to provide guidance and instruction to colleagues in both a clinical and supervisory capacity. To be responsible for and utilise high value ophthalmic equipment requiring a high degree of manual dexterity, often in challenging circumstances. Have an ability to analyse and interpret results to formulate a treatment plan and prescribe optical appliances as necessary. Advise Orthoptic and Ophthalmic managers in planning and participate in the development of new clinical pathways and policy changes. This clinician will work in outpatients or community clinics as the service requires, examining and treating patients with varying degrees of clinical need and ability.
About us
Blackpool Teaching Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust is ideally situated just a forty-five-minute drive from Manchester. The Trust provides services to the 440,000 residents of Blackpool, Fylde & Wyre and North Lancashire, as well as specialist tertiary care for Cardiac and Haematology patients. As one of the United Kingdom's largest coastal resorts, Blackpool has plenty to offer its residents - it's not just a good place to work; it's a great place to live. In addition to its bustling centre and historic seafront, the town is world famous for its many attractions, including the famous Blackpool Tower. Blackpool also offers a number of scenic cycling routes round our local parks and across the surrounding countryside, as well as boasting panoramic views of the coast on its picturesque Promenade. Further afield, Blackpool also benefits from less than three-hour connections via rail to Edinburgh in the north and London in the south.
Details
Pay scheme: Agenda for change Band: Band 7 Salary: £49,387 to £56,515 a year per annum, pro rata Contract: Permanent Working pattern: Part-time Reference number: 382-SWC149-26
Essential skills and ability
- Able to communicate complex written and verbal information to a broad range of staff, patients, and guardians.
- Ability to gain a child's co-operation in patients with a wide range of ability and understanding.
- Able to work independently or as part of a multi-disciplinary team.
- Excellent planning and organisational skills.
- Able to undertake audits and provide presentations.
- Strong I.T & administrative skills.
- Able to work independently and as a team member.
- Confident, motivated, and enthusiastic.
- Flexible and reliable, adaptable to changing work conditions.
- Able to cope under stress and work under pressure.
- Constant professional approach, especially in difficult or emotional situations.
- Caring and considerate attitude.
Desirable skills and ability
- Well-developed skills in working with patients with special educational needs and patients with learning difficulties.
- Keen to invest in continued professional development.
- Keen to engage with optometry partners in the community.
Essential education and qualifications
- BSc (Hons) Optometry or equivalent
- Registration with the General Optical Council
- Car owner/driver
Desirable education and qualifications
- Specialist knowledge in paediatric refraction, gained through post graduate experience and/or qualification, or desire to acquire further knowledge.
Essential experience and knowledge
- Evidence of post-registration experience.
- Ability to undertake a comprehensive range of core optometry skills including retinoscopy to perform accurate paediatric refraction.
- Ability to determine oculomotor status in children and be proficient using a range of vision tests to acquire an accurate visual acuity assessment.
- Ability to adapt assessment for children with additional needs.
- Ability to perform accurate fundus and media examination assessment in children using either direct or indirect ophthalmoscopy.
- General understanding of paediatric ocular disease and management.
Desirable experience and knowledge
- Experience of working in a hospital environment.
Disclosure and Barring Service check
This post is subject to the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act (Exceptions Order) 1975 and as such it will be necessary for a submission for Disclosure to be made to the Disclosure and Barring Service (formerly known as CRB) to check for any previous criminal convictions.
Certificate of sponsorship
Applications from job seekers who require current Skilled worker sponsorship to work in the UK are welcome and will be considered alongside all other applications. For further information visit the UK Visas and Immigration website.
UK registration
Applicants must have current UK professional registration. For further information please see the NHS Careers website.
Employer details
Employer name: Blackpool Teaching Hospitals NHS Foundation TrustAddress: Blackpool Victoria Hospital, Whinney Heys Road, Blackpool, FY5 8NS, United KingdomEmployer's website: https://www.blackpoolteachinghospitals.nhs.uk/
For questions about the job, contact
Head Orthoptist: Conrad Beacham, [email protected], 01253953457
The Trust's privacy notice is available on the employer's website.
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