Orthoptist

This role is eligible for visa sponsorship under the UK Visas & Immigration (UKVI) Skilled Worker route however sponsorship can only be provided where applicants meet the specific requirements set by UKVI, including the relevant skill and salary thresholds (£25000), and any role-specific criteria. Main Duties and Responsibilities Communication To communicate effectively with patients,parentsand carers,and those with learning difficulties and non-English speaking,gaining informed consent for treatment plans.This may include the communication ofhighly sensitiveinformation and advice on distressing conditions. To keep andmaintainappropriate patientrecords. To discuss management options with the Ophthalmologist and other members of the department asrequiredin a professional manner. To utilise other means of communication such as Microsoft Teams meetings,telephoneor video consultations asappropriate. Communicate results of consultations to GPs and otherreferrersas necessary. Support verbal communication by providing written educational material to patients,carersand healthcare professionalsto ensure understanding of complex issues. Utilise the interpreting service for patients with language barrier. Attend departmental meetings for the Orthoptic and Ophthalmology department, communicating effectively and developing positive working relationships with other team members. Service Delivery andImprovement To be aware of and follow departmental policies and protocols, giving commentsregardingthese if needed. Keep and maintain appropriate records (electronic and paper) at all timesensuring that all paperwork isfiled promptly into case-notes or uploaded. Toassistin the collection of and recording outcomes of patients to support service development and clinical audit. Toassistwith the updating and development of departmental patient information as necessary and give these to patients and their carers toassistunderstanding. People Management andDevelopment To be involved with teaching optometry and orthoptic students,junior doctors,nursesand health visitors asrequired. To partake in appraisal as an appraisee. Patient Care Delivery To work as an autonomous practitioner in providing orthoptic assessment,diagnosisand management of patients of all ages, ranging from pre-term babies to the elderly. This includes those referred from various specialities including Ophthalmology, paediatrics, A&E,MaxilloFacial, Neurology, Stroke, Endocrinology.To liaise with a more seniorOrthoptistregardingany problems. To be able to assess all cases of ocular motility defects and amblyopia, complex congenital andacquiredcases, including neurological abnormalities, genetic disorders and associated ocular abnormalities. Tobe responsible for assessing, planning, implementingandmonitoringindividual Orthoptic treatment plans/care pathways using clinical reasoning andevidence basedpractice. Support and advice from the more senior Orthoptists will be available. To instil pupil dilating drops for diagnosis and treatment of vision problems whererequired. To undertakepreand post-operative measurements and discuss surgical options with the Ophthalmologist.Advise on timing of surgery andidentifypost-operative risk and discuss with surgeon,carerand patient. To maketimelyonward referral to other clinical members of the Ophthalmology Department and beyond asappropriate, e.g.: neuro-ophthalmology, sight care support team. To communicate sensitive issues to patients including diagnosis and prognosis and provide a counselling and support role to patient,relativeor carer. To tailor the delivery of care to the personal needs of individual patients and be able to adapt emotional,mentaland physical responses appropriately. Toparticipatein secondary vision screening andidentifythose children requiring referral to the optometrist or ophthalmologist. Todemonstrateconsiderable manual dexterity and speed in a variety of clinical procedures to ensureaccurateresults. To accurately assess spectacle prescriptions using automated focimetry. To carry out auto-refraction and interpret the results. To perform Humphrey automated perimetry and interpret the results asrequired. Observe safe working practices and equipment procedures,complying withlegislative requirements under H&S regulations. Respect patient andstaff confidentiality at all times. Manage an unpredictable workload dependant due to changing demands and interruptions. Keep workup to datewithin departmental set standards, notifying the line managerimmediatelyif this becomes problematic. To work as an autonomous practitioner with extensive freedom to act, carrying full responsibility for patient care and outcomes. Working with support from the Orthoptic team whererequiredor requested. Learningand Development Attend mandatory training updates as required. Undertake training as necessary in line with the development of the post and as agreed with the line manager as part of the personal development process. Achieve and demonstrate agreed standards of personal and professional development within agreed timescales. Identify own learning needs and jointly plan training requirements with your line manager Participate in the Trusts appraisal process to discuss how your role will help deliver the best possible care to our patients and help to deliver any changes in service. This job description is an outline of the role and responsibilities. From time to time due to the needs of the service, we may ask you to flexibly undertake other duties that are consistent with your role and banding, including project work, internal job rotation and absence cover. The job description and person specification may be reviewed on an ongoing basis in accordance with the changing needs of the department and the organisation.