Specialist Optometrist

We are seeking to appoint an enthusiastic and motivated optometrist to join the Ophthalmology team at the Royal Cornwall Hospital NHS Trust. The successful candidate will work within the optometry department as part of a multi-disciplinary team across a range of subspeciality clinics including paediatric, glaucoma and medical retina clinics.

The post holder will help to deliver both core optometric services and specialist clinical activity requiring the use of a broad range of advanced clinical techniques. The role will involve refraction of paediatric patients and the assessment and management of glaucoma patients, working both in patient facing and virtual review clinics. The responsibility for clinical decision-making will be supported by the consultants in the provision of specialised diagnosis, management, care and education of patients. The successful candidate will also have the opportunity of becoming involved in the medical retina service., The successful post holder will perform paediatric cycloplegic refractions, indirect bio-microscopy and prescribing spectacles, as well as making case management decisions. There will be considerable liaising with the orthoptists in discussing treatment and management of cases. There is also the possibility of helping to develop and supply 'core' optometric services such as diagnostic refraction for the research department.

Within the glaucoma service, the post will involve skilled diagnostic techniques as well as the ability to competently assess and manage patients in the patient facing and virtual glaucoma clinics with support from consultants in the provision of specialised diagnosis and the formulation of appropriate management plan, provision of care and education of patients.

For the first time in Cornwall, the post holder will have the opportunity to become involved in the medical retina service under close supervision of the consultant ophthalmologist in the assessment and management of patients presenting with a range of conditions including AMD, vein occlusion, diabetic retinopathy and maculopathy and CSR.

With regards to the delivery of the glaucoma and medical retina service, this work involves a role expansion outside the established boundaries of optometry and into the traditional realm of ophthalmology. As such it carries a high level of professional demand and responsibility consistent with practice as a specialist hospital optometrist.

Previous experience of working in a hospital setting and specialist College of Optometrist professional certificate qualifications would be advantageous. Ideally the post holder will be keen to develop professionally and support will be provided to the successful candidate in working towards gaining higher qualifications in the specialised areas.

Royal Cornwall Hospitals NHS Trust is the biggest provider of healthcare services in Cornwall and the Isles of Scilly. Our three main sites are Royal Cornwall Hospital Truro, St Michael's Hospital Hayle and West Cornwall Hospital Penzance, our staff and services are available across the region.

The Trust employs 5,000+ staff, has a budget of £380 million and 750 beds. We work with health and social care organisations -including NHS Kernow and NHS England- to ensure local healthcare needs are met. We provide acute medical, surgical and specialist services to around 500,000- which can increase significantly during busy holiday periods.

The Trust has teaching hospitals status as part of the University of Exeter Medical School. Keeping at the forefront of medical advances, we continually develop clinical services and are committed to maximising the range of specialist care offered locally.

We can offer you a rewarding career in a supportive working environment. We have extensive educational links to help you realise your full potential and develop skills to provide outstanding healthcare to the local community.

Enjoy an outstanding quality of life in a place that offers surfing beaches and fishing harbours to beautiful countryside and historic towns. With clean air, plenty of opportunities for outdoor activities and excellent schools, colleges and universities (including adult education) it is the ideal place for families and for you to develop your own career.