Optometrist

The successful candidates will

initially work predominantly within our core optometric services, delivering a

wide range of clinical care to patients across the service. This includes

routine, diagnostic and paediatric refraction, specialist medical contact lens

management (including keratoconus, post-corneal graft, high myopia and

hyperopia, cosmetic and diagnostic lens fitting), and Low Vision Aid

assessments.

As part of a progressive and

developing service, there will be opportunities in the future for Band 7

optometrists to expand into more advanced clinical roles, with full training

and support provided. Optometrists within the department currently contribute

to specialist clinics across the Retinal, Emergency Eye Care, Glaucoma and

Research services, and successful applicants will have the opportunity to

develop skills in these areas as experience and service needs allow.

Please add your telephone number to your application form so we can contact you quickly if required.

One Team One Trust - There are many reasons to work at our Trust. From our commitment to putting people first to our accessible services and award winning teams. We have a passion for research, innovation and tackling inequalities. We are committed to respect, fairness and civility and promote a compassionate, caring and positive culture / working environment.

We welcome all applications irrespective of peoples race, disability, gender, sexual orientation, religion/belief, age, gender identity, marriage and civil partnership, pregnancy/maternity and in particular those from under- represented groups. Looking after our workforces health and wellbeing is a priority for us. We also provide access to high quality education, training, career progression and support. Flexible working is supported via our Flexible Working Policy.

The Trust employs around 8,746 people and provides a range of hospital services to a local community of around 430,000 residents. We also provide a range of more specialised services outside this area. We offer our staff outstanding benefits - Fitness Centre (SRH), libraries at both hospital sites, chaplaincy support and access to a Care Co-ordinator to help staff with childcare arrangements.If you use AI,

and it poses a risk to the integrity of your individual recruitment process, we

may withdraw your application at any stage of the process.

Essential: - Ability to work independently and as part of a multi-disciplinary team.; - Some experience in managing a caseload and taking clinical and organisational responsibility for that caseload.; - Experience of using core optometry skills; - New starters will commence at Staff Optometrist level (Band 6) with progression to Specialist Optometrist (Band 7) anticipated within one year for a full-time optometrist, once skills, experience and competency framework are achieved. If appropriate, the successful candidate will benefit from the Preceptorship Programme which provides a structured start for new practitioners.

Desirable: - Previous experience within a hospital eye service; - Experience to Specialist Optometrist (Band 7) level; - Successfully completed Preceptorship Programme

Essential: - Knowledge of local and national optometric issues and regulations and a sound knowledge of NHS policies and procedures.; - Motivational skills and ability to mentor & develop others.; - Teaching and presentation skills.; - Excellent IT skills across a range of Microsoft Office and Trust IT packages.; - Ability to show empathy and professionalism throughout patient consultations and achieve sound clinical outcomes, even when receiving/delivering complex or distressing information.; - Evidence of excellent communication and interpersonal skills including effective report writing; - Ability to work under pressure.; - Ability to use own initiative and make independent clinical; - decisions.; - Excellent organisational and time management skills, both in clinical and non-clinical roles.; - Ability to work with patients of all ages but particularly young children (often with learning disabilities) and the elderly.

Desirable: - Past experience in the training of basic optical skills to nurses and junior medical staff.; - Past experience of the independent supervision of student optometrists and other students attending clinics in observational capacities

Essential: - Significant levels of dexterity, precision and speed, requiring significant levels of hand eye and sensory co-ordination.; - Sufficient manual dexterity for clinical examination; - Able to maintain significant levels of concentration for; - Flexible and adaptable approach to working patterns.; - Must be able to meet the independent travel requirements of the role.; - Ability to sit at VDU workstations for prolonged periods of time

Essential: - BSc (Hons) Optometry; - Registration with General Optical Council; - Continuing Education and Training Program maintained (further qualification or attending lectures and undertaking study relevant to role)

Desirable: - Member/ Fellow of The College of Optometrists; - Willingness and ability to travel from base site