Ophthalmic Technician

Applications are invited for an enthusiastic Orthoptist to join our dynamic team of 11 ophthalmic technicians, 7 Orthoptists and an Optometrist. The Orthoptic department works closely with the Eye Department which currently has 10 Consultants including specialists in Paediatric Ophthalmology and Ocular Motility.

The role provides technical support to Ophthalmology to assist diagnosis and assessment of various eye conditions. Diagnostic tests are performed at 2 hospital sites, so being able to commute for the needs of the service is essential. For all informal enquiries please contact Pam Grewal, Optical Services Manager.

Main duties of the job

You will provide technical support, following relevant training and competency assessment if required, to the Ophthalmology service and other hospital departments. This includes undertaking Ocular Coherence Tomography (OCT) and other diagnostic tests as requested by the Clinicians, in a timely and accurate manner.

You will also assist with administrative and clerical tasks relating to the provision of Orthoptic and ophthalmic services.

Job responsibilities

Please refer to the attached job description for full details of the main duties and responsibilities that the post holder is required to undertake.

Person Specification

Qualifications & Education

• GCSE Maths and English at least Level 5/grade C or equivalent numeracy and literacy skills level 2
• NVQ level 3 qualification or equivalent

Knowledge and Training

• Commitment to learning new skills as required
• Willingness to attend training courses (internal and external) and complete all mandatory training as required by the role
• Previous experience using related ophthalmic technology eg Humphrey Visual fields, OCT, Corneal Topography and Biometry

Experience

• Previous experience of working with the general public
• Previous experience working with patients in a hospital/healthcare setting
• Previous experience working in a clinical ophthalmic setting
• Previous responsibility for the care and calibration of clinical equipment and the reporting of faults

Communication & Relationship Skills

• Good communication skills both verbal and written with the ability to communicate effectively. Using sensitivity with patients and carers, including those with learning and communication difficulties
• Ability to confidently convey and prioritise information to a range of people including Medical and nursing staff, Patients, and carers, some of whom may have communication difficulties or language barriers, or may be anxious or distressed about their eye condition.
• Reliable, flexible, adaptable and a team player
• Maintain professional manner at all times
• Able to work autonomously, and as part of a multi-disciplinary team
• Able to work effectively in a busy and demanding environment with some interruptions
• Counselling skills to deal with sensitive, unpleasant, or distressing issues

Analytical & Judgement Skills

• Ability to work with accuracy and attention to detail
• Ability to make appropriate judgements about what can be dealt with by self, and what needs to be passed onto a more senior member of staff
• Evidence of the understanding and ability to maintain patient and staff confidentiality
• Ability to deal with interruptions and act on new information/process change
• Committed to delivering high quality service and developing clinical practice based on reflection and evidence-based practice

Planning & Organisational Skills

• Ability to work under instruction as well as to work on own initiative as required
• Ability to work at speed and under pressure
• Able to organise and prioritise own workload

Physical Skills

• Ability to move patients and equipment as required and after relevant training
• Ability to work in clinic rooms where lighting may be reduced at times for testing purposes
• Able to commute to meet the needs of the service

Equality, Diversity, Inclusion and Trust Values

• Able to provide safe, caring, and effective services
• Values and behaviours that reflect the Trust values of Care, Respect and Responsibility
• Commitment to creating a diverse and inclusive workplace that is free from discrimination and where people feel they belong, and their contribution is valued

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.