Trainee Ophthalmic Science Practitioner

Job summary
The Directorate of Ophthalmology requires a Trainee Ophthalmic Science Practitioner to join its team.

The post involves working in Cataract Assessment, Macular Degeneration, Diabetic, and Glaucoma Services and will be based in the Ophthalmic Imaging Department at the Royal Hallamshire, Northern General Eye Centre, Eye Imaging Hub and Sheffield Children's Hospital.

The post encompass retinal imaging, biometry, OCT Scanning, Confocal Microscopy, Physiological Measurement and Ultra-sound B Scan and Visual Field Analysis Angiography, applicants should be experienced in performing these procedures.

Applicants will be expected to work collaboratively on a day-to day basis with others to contribute to the smooth and efficient running of the service.

Main duties of the job
Clinical Imaging

• Perform retinal imaging and image analysis using current standard techniques.
• Slit lamp biomicroscopy & imaging of anterior segment of the eye utilising topical stains as appropriate .
• Clinical imaging of the external eye and Ocular adnexae.
• Perform retinal tomography, volumetric analysis of the optic nerve head to screen for glaucomatous neuropathy.
• Undertake optical coherence tomography of the neuro-sensory retina, optic nerve and retinal nerve fibre layer.
• Operating theatre imaging and examination of patients under anaesthetic.
• Ultra-sound B scan.
• Biometry & corneal k readings.

Ophthalmic Investigations

• Snellen visual acuity measurement.
• Log-Mar visual acuity measurement.
• Auto refraction - determine refractive error for purpose of investigation.
• Focimetry - determine prescription of optical aids.
• Microperimetry - static and kinetic technique.
• Fixation study.
• Static perimetry (Humphrey).
• Pachymetry.
• Evaluation and analysis of test data implementing additional test strategies as required.

About us
You will be working for an organisation which values and respects all of its staff and the community it serves. The Trust is a leader in the NHS and research sectors and provides excellent benefits for its staff. This includes commitments to professional development but also many policies to support employees in balancing their personal and professional lives. Here's a more detailed look at why working for STH can be appealing:

Flexible Working and Benefits:

• Flexible working options are available, including home working, annualised hours, and career breaks.
• Generous holiday entitlement, pension schemes, and salary sacrifice schemes are also offered.
• Access to a variety of discounts with retailers and service providers is also provided.

Supportive Work Environment:

• STH values and respects its staff and the community it serves.
• The Trust fosters a supportive environment where staff feel valued and appreciated.
• They also offer health and wellbeing support, including free mental health services.

Excellent Location and City Life:

• Sheffield offers a vibrant city life with easy access to the beautiful Peak District countryside.
• Known as the "outdoor city", it's a great place to live and work

Job responsibilities
Please view the attached Job Description and Person Specification documents for full details regarding this post.

When completing your application please ensure that you clearly demonstrate how you meet the role criteria.

This vacancy is advertised on a fixed term contract basis for a period of 3 years due to this being an apprenticeship/training programme. The fixed term contract status of the post holder will be reviewed in accordance with the Trust's legal obligations regarding fixed term contracts.

A learner/applicant must be a UK, EEA, or EU resident for at least the past three years to undertake an apprenticeship training programme.

Please note all existing NHS staff will only be considered on a secondment basis. This must first be agreed with your current line manager.

Salary will be in accordance with annex 21 of the AFC Terms and conditions, based on the maximum salary of AfC Band (5) as follows:

Year 1 65% Year 2 70% Year 3 75%

Upon successful completion of training the individual would then progress to the entry point of band 5.

Qualifications
Essential

• Degree in Science or equivalent science qualification that is valid in the UK
• Ophthalmic Science & Technology FdSc
• Healthcare Science (Ophthalmic Imaging) BSc

Desirable

• Recognised photographic qualification
• Experience in ophthalmic imaging
• Certificate of Diabetic retinopathy screening

Experience
Essential

• Evidence of Continuing Educational Development

Desirable

• Previous experience working with patients
• Experience in ophthalmic imaging
• Experience in Diabetic Screening
• Experience working with medical devices
• Previous experience in NHS

Further Training
Essential

• Ability and willingness to undergo further training and work towards qualifications as necessary

Special Skills/Aptitudes
Essential

• Excellent Communication skills, both written and verbal
• Good Patient inter-action/communication
• Ability to work in a multi-disciplinary team
• Ability to work independently and show initiative
• Excellent organisational skills
• Committed to delivering a quality service
• Committed to the Trust's Clinical Governance programme
• Understand and accept the need to maintain confidentiality

Other Factors
Essential

• Flexible to meet service needs
• Able to work the hours required, reasonably flexible as and when required
• Willing to travel to outreach clinics in the community

Desirable

• Clean UK driving licence

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.

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 (Opens in a new tab).

From 6 April 2017, skilled worker applicants, applying for entry clearance into the UK, have had to present a criminal record certificate from each country they have resided continuously or cumulatively for 12 months or more in the past 10 years. Adult dependants (over 18 years old) are also subject to this requirement. Guidance can be found here Criminal records checks for overseas applicants (Opens in a new tab).