Specialist Optometrist - EMPCC | University Hospitals of Leicester NHS Trust

We are seeking an enthusiastic and motivated band 7 Specialist Optometrist to join our Ophthalmology team at UHL. This post will primarily be based at the East Midlands Planned Care Centre (EMPCC) at the Leicester General Hospital (although travel to other UHL and community sites may be required).The EMPCC will see a high volume of patients per day. It will be a fast-paced environment and will require a highly motivated and adaptable candidate. This is a unique opportunity to join UHL at an exciting time, as we collaboratively expand our services cross site, working together to further enhance the quality of care delivered to our patients.This post is aimed at optometrists wishing to expand and consolidate their knowledge and clinical skills. There will be opportunities to develop new skills to enhance your clinical repertoire, making this a very rewarding experience. The Department of Ophthalmology provides a centre of excellence for ophthalmic care in the East Midlands. We foster a collaborative and multidisciplinary approach to our services. The post may involve some sessions in eye casualty, cornea, glaucoma and medical retina. There are confirmed sessions in the job plan working in diabetic slit lamp clinics, virtual clinics and core optometry contact lens clinics. You will be working alongside consultants in other sub specialities within Ophthalmology. The Optometry Unit is a well-established and significant service provider to the Department and is undergoing a period of expansion and development. You must hold a degree in Optometry and be registered with the General Optical Council. Previous hospital experience would be an advantage but is not essential. This post is aimed at optometrists wishing to expand and consolidate their knowledge and clinical skills. There will be opportunities to develop new skills to enhance your clinical repertoire, making this a very rewarding experience. The Department of Ophthalmology provides a centre of excellence for ophthalmic care in the East Midlands. We foster a collaborative and multidisciplinary approach to our services. The post may involve some sessions in eye casualty, cornea, glaucoma and medical retina. There are confirmed sessions in the job plan working in diabetic slit lamp clinics, virtual clinics and core optometry contact lens clinics. You will be working alongside consultants in other sub specialities within Ophthalmology. The Optometry Unit is a well-established and significant service provider to the Department and is undergoing a period of expansion and development. You must hold a degree in Optometry and be registered with the General Optical Council. Previous hospital experience would be an advantage but is not essential. Our new strategy, developed with the support and feedback of colleagues, patients, and partners, is our compass for the next seven years (2023-2030). We have four primary goals:

• high-quality care for all,
• being a great place to work,
• partnerships for impact, and
• research and education excellence
And we will embed health equality in all we do - taking active steps to reduce the avoidable differences in healthcare that some people face, working in partnership with communities. Our strategy is underpinned by new values and we will work to ensure they are an everyday reality for all:
• we are compassionate,
• we are proud,
• we are inclusive, and
• we are one team
This is an exciting moment as we look to the future with clarity on what we already do well and where we need to focus our energies to make an even bigger difference for the people we serve.,
• To work closely with ophthalmology team to deliver a comprehensive range of extended optometry services to the highest standards of quality and care.
• To work flexibly in order to meet the ongoing demands of the service and needs of the patient. This may involve adjustments to the job plan. Please note the service reserves the right to make changes to the job plans with reasonable notice
• To take sole responsibility for the assessment of patients of all ages, abilities and with wide ranging communication abilities in order to determine a clinical diagnosis.
• To formulate individualised management and treatment plans and make onward referral to other clinical members of the Ophthalmology Specialty.
• To implement management plans and a wide range of treatment regimens communicating with patients, relatives and carers including those with learning, communication and language difficulties.
• To make timely recommendations for medical / surgical intervention as determined by optometric assessment, advise the patient and refer to the ophthalmologist for discussion.
• To undertake the continued management of routine patients' caseload as an autonomous practitioner and discharge patients in line with agreed protocols.
• To frequently communicate sensitive issues to patients including diagnosis and prognosis and provide a counselling and support role to patient, relative or carer.
• To plan and prioritise individual workloads as delegated by the Clinical Lead
• To maintain patient records to the highest standards at all time & take responsibility for the monitoring of certain information and information systems
• The post holder will be guided by best practice and standard operating procedures.
• To abide by all Trust corporate policies including Health and Safety and COSHH regulations.
• To participate in all possible training and teaching sessions.