Detailed job description and main responsibilities

The Post holder, after the necessary training and induction, will be an integral member of the ophthalmic service, ensuring the effective and efficient maintenance of a comprehensive patient pathway. They should have the ability to work independently as well as working closely with other members of the team.

·         Provide an effective technical service in the Ophthalmology Department.

·         To perform visual fields tests and imaging on patients including the elderly and children.

·         Participate in Diabetic eye disease service by performing imaging including OCT scans.

·         Provide an ophthalmic photography service including fluorescein angiography service.

·         Perform biometry.

Knowledge, Training and Experience

·         Knowledge and training to work at equivalent of NVQ/SVQ Level III demonstrated by appropriate qualifications or equivalent experience.

·         Knowledge and experience of Hospital policies and procedures.

·         Standard keyboard skills required for utilisation for use of necessary equipment and IPM/EPR system.

·         To undertake in house training, including basic anatomy, physiology of the eye and achieve set departmental competencies.

·         To undertake appropriate external training as deemed appropriate.

·         Have adequate knowledge to facilitate understanding of visual fields, OCT scan and ophthalmic photography and have an understanding of the basic principles of glaucoma, diabetes and macular degeneration and its treatment.

·         Required to maintain and keep current the skill set required for the post.

Physical Effort

·         Will be required to manoeuvre equipment towards every patient in confined spaces.

·         Will be required to manoeuvre s patient from a wheelchair to a chair.

·         Will be required to manoeuvre furniture to make access for wheelchairs.

·         Will be required to demonstrate a visual field, visual field acuity test and imaging in a darkened area using a VDU and specialist equipment.

·         Ability to work where there is a requirement to concentrate for prolonged periods of time.

·         Have the ability to be flexible.

Professional and Personal Responsibilities

·         Competent in the use of MEH PAS, e-patient and computer programmes required for specialist technical equipment.

·         Be responsible for maintaining your own professional development – developing and sustaining your knowledge, clinical skills and professional awareness.

·         Be familiar with national, professional and local quality issues relevant to the delivery of the technical services, e.g. NHS PLAN. Making a Difference, Agenda for Change, Shared vision, Modernisation agenda etc.

·         Uphold quality initiatives that improve “customer care” and enhance the interface between staff, patients and visitors.

·         To be involved in the handling and resolution of complaints within your span of control in accordance with MEH policy, referring to the clinical lead or directorate manager when necessary/appropriate.

·         To ensure effective communication between staff, patients and visitors.

·         To keep the clinical lead /directorate manager informed of relevant issues pertaining to the running of the department.

·         To organise and monitor own workload.

·         To ensure patient information is accurate and updates.

·         To observe working practices and make recommendations for improvement where appropriate.

·         To work closely with clinicians and their teams, Clinical nurse specialists, Orthoptist, Optometrist and administrators.