Ophthalmic Technician

Job summary
Ophthalmic Technician, Band 4 - 1 x Permanent; 1 x 6-month fixed term - please specify which one you are interested in on your application

We are looking for a highly skilled, enthusiastic and patient-centred band 4 ophthalmic technician with great communication and IT skills to join our very busy team in the ophthalmology outpatient department at the Chelsea and Westminster Hospital.

You will be working in a multi-disciplinary team with other ophthalmic technicians, healthcare assistants, nurses, orthoptists, optometrists, ophthalmologists and admin teams on a daily basis. You will be supporting clinics with patients from different sub-specialties within ophthalmology including, glaucoma, medical retina, cataract, oculoplastic, orthoptics, uveitis and cornea. You will also be working with our wards and A&E departments.

Main duties of the job
Measurement of visual acuity using logMAR, and other acuity tests

Visual field tests - Perform the relevant visual field test for the patient within Eye Department protocols on the Humphrey Field Analyser, liaising with Orthoptic staff where necessary in complex cases. Identify where visual fields have changed significantly, have unexpected variations, or which may indicate deterioration and to seek advice from either Medical or Orthoptic staff.

Perform routine retinal imaging using the appropriate diagnosis protocols

Perform Ocular Coherence Tomography and provide the required analysis to aid diagnosis and monitor treatment of retinal conditions

Biometry - To undertake Biometry with a high level of accuracy and speed, using both contact and non-contact methods. To ensure regular monitoring of personal accuracy and to take part in regular audit of biometry. This technique may involve an uncomfortable working position particularly with patients confined to a wheelchair.

Fundus photography - To take clear accurate photographs of various eye conditions and to record the results on the computer database demonstrating knowledge of the more frequently seen ophthalmic conditions such as diabetic retinopathy, macular degeneration, and glaucoma.

Assist in the printing of all modes of ophthalmic imaging as required

Instil drops for use in ophthalmic procedures in line with current Patient Group Directions

About us
Chelsea and Westminster Hospital NHS Foundation Trust is one of England's top-performing and safest trusts. We operate two main acute hospital sites--Chelsea and Westminster Hospital and West Middlesex University Hospital--along with award-winning clinics across North West London.

Our nearly 7,500 staff care for a diverse population of 1.5 million, providing full clinical services, including maternity, A&E, and children's services, plus specialist HIV and sexual health clinics. The Care Quality Commission rates us 'Good' in safety, effectiveness, care, and responsiveness, and 'Outstanding' in leadership and resource use.

We continually invest in our facilities, including a £30m expansion of critical care at Chelsea and Westminster and an £80m Ambulatory Diagnostic Centre at West Middlesex.

We welcome applications for flexible working arrangements, accommodating requests where possible to support our staff and patient needs.

The Trust is committed to equality and welcomes applications from all, regardless of background. Adjustments can be made for disabled candidates. Early application is advised as vacancies may close once sufficient applications are received. If you haven't heard from us within three weeks of the closing date, your application was likely unsuccessful. Employment is subject to a six-month probationary period.

Some roles may require weekend shifts at multiple sites.

Job responsibilities
Clinical Responsibilities
Measurement of visual acuity using logMAR, and other acuity tests

Visual field tests Perform the relevant visual field test for the patient within Eye Department protocols on the Humphrey Field Analyser, liaising with Orthoptic staff where necessary in complex cases. Identify where visual fields have changed significantly, have unexpected variations, or which may indicate deterioration and to seek advice from either Medical or Orthoptic staff.

Perform routine retinal imaging using the appropriate diagnosis protocols

Perform Ocular Coherence Tomography and provide the required analysis to aid diagnosis and monitor treatment of retinal conditions

Biometry - To undertake Biometry with a high level of accuracy and speed, using both contact and non-contact methods. To ensure regular monitoring of personal accuracy and to take part in regular audit of biometry. This technique may involve an uncomfortable working position particularly with patients confined to a wheelchair.

Fundus photography To take clear accurate photographs of various eye conditions and to record the results on the computer database demonstrating knowledge of the more frequently seen ophthalmic conditions such as diabetic retinopathy, macular degeneration, and glaucoma.

Assist in the printing of all modes of ophthalmic imaging as required

Instil drops for use in ophthalmic procedures in line with current Patient Group Directions

Maintain accurate records for all clinics undertaken

Undertake pre-assessment of cataract patients and provide initial advice accordingly

Use the hospital appointment system to make appointments and deal with patient enquiries

Undertake clerical duties in administration of the intravitreal service for macular degeneration and other pathologies needing treatment

Undertake training, as required, in ophthalmic imaging and technical procedures, under the supervision of the Head Orthoptist or other designated staff.

Organisational Responsibilities
To maintain accurate comprehensive and up-to-date documentation, in line with legal and professional standards and requirements, and communicate assessment and treatment results to the appropriate disciplines in the form of reports and letters.

To be actively involved in the collection of appropriate data and statistics for the use of the department

To be aware of the Health and Safety aspects of the job, implement any policies which may be required to improve the safety of the workplace, record and report promptly any adverse incident to the appropriate staff, and ensure that equipment in use is safe.

To comply with Trust and departmental policies and procedures, and be involved in the reviewing and updating as appropriate.

Professional and Personal Responsibilities

• To undertake measurement and evaluation of work and current practice through the use of multi-disciplinary (including Doctors, nurses, health care assistants, secretaries and optometrists) and audits within the ophthalmology department. From this to be able to make recommendations for and implement changes in practice
• Participate in staff meetings, professional clinical meetings and other courses/conferences to maintain CPD and enhance personal knowledge and skill
• Reporting for duty punctually.
• Attend such mandatory training as required within the role
• To be CRB cleared.
• To undertake any other in-house training as required by the Head Orthoptist
• Maintain and adhere to Trust Policies and Procedures
• Promote Health and Safety of patients, relatives and Trust staff
• There may also be a requirement to undertake other duties as part of this post in order to provide a quality service. These will be consistent with the level of responsibilities outlined above.

PLEASE SEE JOB DECRIPTION FOR FULL DUTIES OF THE ROLE

Person Specification
Experience
Essential

• Working in a multi-disciplinary environment
• Recent experience in an ophthalmic environment
• Ability to perform Humphrey Visual Field testing, OCT scan, retinal photography and biometry
• Ability to plan and prioritise own and others workload
• Approachable. Polite. Flexible. Excellent communication skills
• Basic IT skills
• Demonstrates an interest in the specialty
• Ability to demonstrate initiative
• Manual dexterity
• Foundation Degree in Ophthalmic Science and Technology or equivalent

Desirable

• Recent experience of working in the specialty
• Previous experience with fluorescein angiography
• Previous experience with IOL Master and A scan ultrasound
• Previous experience with Ocular Response Analyser (ORA)

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.

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.