Ophthalmic Technician

We are looking to recruit individuals who are motivated to work as ophthalmic technicians in our South Site Ophthalmology Services : Queen Mary's, Sidcup and the Eye Department at Orpington Hospital, Eye Clinic. The departments provide a comprehensive adult and children outpatient service covering a wide range of sub-speciality clinics, emergency and pre assessment clinics, laser treatment, oculoplastic procedures and intravitreal injections. Our technicians work as part of a team and individuals must demonstrate a caring approach while completing ophthalmic diagnostic investigations either in a technician delivered clinic or a face to face multi-professional patient appointment., Ophthalmic Technicians provide high quality individualised care in partnership with the multi-professional team to a defined group of service users while maintaining safety and always working in a manner that promotes dignity and human rights through the adoption of person centred care principles. They are key members of the team who care and display high attention to detail as they complete a wide variety of ophthalmic diagnostic investigations, working and behaving in line with the Trust values : kindness, respectful and a team to ensure the safety and well-being of service users., Clinical Responsibilities

• To support qualified staff in the assessment of health needs, planning, delivery and evaluation of care for a number of individuals or groups of patients, including clinical and laser risk assessment
• To exercise a reasonable and agreed degree of professional autonomy and make judgements and decisions in order to satisfy the expectations and demands of the job after a period of training and completion of appropriate competencies.
• To work alongside all staff in all areas of the patient pathway : ophthalmic outpatient clinics and nurse led pre assessment clinics, procedural rooms, and admission and discharge areas.
• To undertake clinical work and related tasks as delegated by qualified nursing staff, following appropriate training and assessment of competency.
• To liaise effectively with all stakeholders in the care process, including carers and relatives, aspiring to provide an effective, seamless and integrated service to patients.
• Develop ophthalmic technical skills appropriate to their role and responsibilities after a period of training and completion of competencies
• Measuring and documenting patient observations (BP electronic and manual measurement, TPR, RBS, HbA1c, BMI calculation)
• Vision assessment : measuring visual acuity using logMAR, Snellen and other acuity tests, auto-refractor and pinhole for best corrected vision.
Determine optical prescription in spectacles using manual and automated focimetry.
• Visual field tests : perform relevant department protocol visual field tests on the Humphrey Field Analyser, identify where visual fields have changed significantly, understand unexpected variations, or which may indicate deterioration, and required to give detailed explanation of tests
• Perform routine retinal imaging using the appropriate diagnosis protocols (HRT, GDX, Disc photos)
• Identify when a best corrected visual acuity is required and undertake this refractive visual acuity for post-operative patients.
• To perform intra ocular measurement using non-contact tonometry such as icare and corneal pachymetry using a high level of skill and knowledge to avoid damage to the eye and have an understanding of the test and when to measure again.
• To develop knowledge when to perform OCT, disc photograph, corneal topography, auto refraction and learn additional diagnostic / technical skills as required.
• Support departmental laser safety and stock ordering and management.
• Be a competent user of the variety of technical equipment (computerised and mechanical) and act as a resource person for novice users.
• Support the site to ensure the equipment is cleaned and calibrated, following local and Trust policies and procedures
• To develop an understanding and knowledge of reviewing patient referral letters including GP and Optician information to ensure additional investigations are completed.
• To give clear and concise explanation and test instructions to ensure maximum patient understanding and co-operation takes place, taking into account patients who have sensory impairment (visual and / or hearing loss), physical or mental health, learning difficulties, different age groups, cultural differences and non-English speaking individuals or carers.
• To act as a chaperone
Communication and Representation
• To communicate effectively (written and verbally), respectfully and in a timely manner within the team.
• Understand the principle of confidentiality, always communicating in a way that maintains the patients confidentiality, To maintain and update relevant knowledge and skills, maintain a professional portfolio and participate in further training as appropriate, in order to enhance quality of care for patients and carers.
• Maintain care group, trust, statutory and mandatory training requirements
• To develop within the framework of a personal development plan as agreed with your manager.
• To participate in training to achieve the competencies required to undertake the role under the supervision of a trained nurse.
  
  Ideally you would already be working in a health care or ophthalmology setting with experience of measuring visual acuity, visual fields and OCT.
While this experience is desirable it is not essential as training will be given. If you are someone who can put the patient at the centre of all they do, with excellent communication, IT skills and you can work independently and part of a team then please apply. The service is operational 7 days a week, and the successful candidates would be expected to work flexibly which involves cross site working., Qualifications Essential GCSEs / NVQ Level 2 or equivalent Desirable
• Evidence of or planning to undertake future relevant educational or training programmes
• Care Certificate
Experience Essential
• Work in an ophthalmic setting supporting patients and the multidisciplinary team with a range of ophthalmic technical skills
• Work with photographic equipment, computers, data handling, and interpretation of results
• Customer service
Skills Essential
• Communicating effectively both verbally and written English
• Working under pressure
• Demonstrated an ability to support members of the team, support and reassure patients / carers
  
  King's College Hospital NHS Foundation Trust is one of the UK's largest and busiest teaching Trusts with a turnover of c£1 billion, million patient contacts a year and more than 15,000 staff based across South East London.
The Trust provides a full range of local and specialist services across its five sites. The trust-wide strategy of Strong Roots, Global Reachis our Vision to be BOLD, Brilliant people, Outstanding care, Leaders in Research, Innovation and Education, Diversity, Equality and Inclusion at the heart of everything we do. By being person-centred, digitally-enabled, and focused on sustainability, we aim to take Team King's to another level. We are at a pivotal point in our history and we require individuals who are ready to join a highly professional team and make a real, lasting difference to our patients and our people. King's is committed to delivering Sustainable Healthcare for All via our Green Plan. In line with national Greener NHS ambitions, we have set net zero carbon targets of 2040 for our NHS Carbon Footprint and 2045 for our NHS Carbon Footprint Plus. Everyone's contribution is required in order to meet the goals set out in our Green Plan and we encourage all staff to work responsibly, minimising their contributions to the Trust's carbon emissions, waste and pollution wherever possible