Band 7 Advanced optometrist

at  Kings College Hospital NHS Foundation Trust

We have an exciting opportunity for an optometrist to join our friendly and forward-looking team.
We are particularly looking for someone with hospital contact lens and paediatric experience. But we can plan a varied job plan for you. We will also consider job shares for those wishing to join us part-time.
The successful candidate will join a team of 7 Advanced Clinical Practitioners, 10 orthoptists, 6 optometrists, 2 Ophthalmic Scientific Practitioners and our ECLO.
The Ophthalmology Department at King’s is large, with 19 consultants covering all sub-specialities of ophthalmology. We have a large ophthalmology research office, supporting a varied range of research projects. King’s serves a dynamic, diverse and vibrant local population, providing a wide range of tertiary and specialist services.
In addition we can offer sessions across South East London, including Denmark Hill, Lewisham and Queen Mary’s Sidcup.
We welcome applicants with experience, however, we also welcome those who aspire to develop their extended skills and knowledge – we can then offer a band 6 to 7 run through.
Funding can be made available for those interested in independent prescribing.
To work within the multi-disciplinary team working autonomously as an optometrist, managing a wide and complex clinical caseload.
Working collaboratively to ensure the effective and efficient running of the ophthalmology service.
To develop extended roles.
To continually audit the optometry service.
We are interested attracting an optometrist with contact lens and paediatric experience.

Clinical Responsibilities

• To undertake highly skilled, specialist and extended roles.
• To take sole responsibility for the assessment of your workload which will cover a wide, varied and complex patient group.
• To be responsible for the prioritising appropriate onward referral of patients.
• To conclude a diagnosis, supported by sound investigative techniques using problem solving and advanced analytical skills
• To develop treatment plans for individual patients (orthoptic, ophthalmic, optical and surgical).
• To provide advice and support to patients and relatives regarding visual problems.
• To assess patients pre-operatively and discuss with the ophthalmologist the need for surgical intervention, the timing of surgery, risks and benefits, the type of surgery and alternative treatments.
• To assess patients post-operatively and carry out the appropriate treatment.
• To discharge patients or organise appropriate onward referral for their on-going care.
• At all times to observe safe working practices and equipment procedures that comply with legislative requirements and health and safety regulations.
• Dispenses medication using patient specific directions.
• To deal with accidents untoward occurrences and complaints according to accepted procedure.
• To ensure the safety of patients, visitors and staff and report all outpatient hazards.
• To respect patient’s privacy, dignity, gender, sexuality and have due regard to patients cultural and religious beliefs

Administrative Responsibilities

• To take responsibility for all administrative paperwork ensuring it is kept in order and up to date. Follow-up appointments should be made and sent as appropriate.
• Undertake general clerical duties and clinical queries (appointments, filing etc).
• To deal with telephone queries and make appropriate decisions on limited information.
• To maintain the integrity of computerised patient appointment systems, inputting data accurately and ensuring proper storage, back up and retrieval of information.
• Ensure all patient episodes, including coding appropriate activity is recorded