Detailed job description and main responsibilities

2.         JOB PURPOSE

To assist in the delivery of the orthoptic service by providing a high standard of care, undertaking a range of professional duties based in the Acute unit at BRI e.g. general out-patients, paediatric out-patients, and visual fields without direct supervision.  To assist in the delivery of the school vision screening programme across Bradford and Airedale.

3.    JOB DIMENSIONS

To be responsible as an autonomous practitioner for the orthoptic assessment, diagnosis and management of patients referred from various departments e.g. ophthalmology, paediatrics, casualty and maxillo-facial.

To undertake the orthoptic vision screening of reception age children in the primary schools across Bradford Metropolitan Area (Bradford & Keighley) as directed by the Head or Deputy Head Orthoptist.

PRIMARY DUTIES & AREAS OF RESPONSIBILITY

To be professionally responsible and accountable for all aspects of orthoptic care delivered, ensuring a high standard of clinical care for the patients.

To independently undertake the comprehensive assessment of patients using investigative and analytical skills to form a diagnosis.

Formulate individual management and treatment plans, using advanced clinical reasoning skills and evidence based practice to gain informed consent.

To perform pre-operative and post-operative orthoptic assessments, in order to provide the ophthalmic surgeon with accurate measurements of motility defects.

Identify post-operative risk factors and utilise their knowledge of evidence based practice to discuss the risks with the patient, carer and surgeon.

To work as an autonomous practitioner with support from a senior orthoptist as required.

To instil ophthalmic drops and advise on side effects as required in line with the Patient Group Directions for the Orthoptic Service.

To work in the community with support from a senior orthoptist.

To liase with the Deputy Head/ Head Orthoptist regarding problems arising from the treatment of orthoptic disorders.

To carry out visual field testing.

To communicate effectively with patients and carers to encourage a therapeutic environment. Communication skills of persuasion, motivation, and explanation are required to ensure the appropriate care is delivered.

Ensure effective communication and work in collaboration with all levels of staff, the multidisciplinary team and other health, social care or education professionals.

Education

To supervise, support staff and students as appropriate

To take responsibility for own professional development, maintaining an up to date knowledge of techniques and technology demonstrable by maintaining a CPD portfolio

Active participation in the departments Clinical Governance and Audit meetings including journal club presentations

To take responsibility for own compliance to the HCPC Statement of Conduct

Management

To assist in the management of the workload

Compliance with the professional requirements for patient records and the provision of accurate information as required

To undertake administrative duties e.g. collection of data and provision of clinical reports

To adhere to Trust and department policies, protocols and standards

To undertake any other duties at a comparable level of responsibility allocated to the post