Ophthalmic Imager & System Specialist (OVS Practitioner Specialist)

at  Gloucestershire Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust

KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS & EXPERIENCE REQUIRED - Degree or equivalent qualification in a relevant subject or equivalent experience in an ophthalmic imaging role. - Post-Graduate Qualification in OCT Capture & Interpretation (or equivalent). - Appropriate experience in an ophthalmic imaging role (or equivalent) experiencing the following modalities; Optical Coherence Tomography (OCT) Colour Fundus Photography (CFP) Fundus Fluorescein Angiography (FFA) Indocyanine Green Angiography (ICG) Confocal Scanning Laser Ophthalmoscopy Imaging (cSLO) Optical Coherence Tomography Angiography (OCT-A) Anterior Segment OCT (ASOCT) Slit-lamp Biomicroscopy Imaging (SLB) Corneal Topography B-Scan Imaging Visual Field Testing - Detailed knowledge of ophthalmic anatomy, ophthalmic imaging technical operations, ophthalmic imaging software and ophthalmic imaging instruments sufficient to enable post holder to manage ophthalmic images and data. -Good all-round knowledge of ophthalmic disease and associated pathology.

• Ability to communicate effectively, at a high level, within a multidisciplinary team Trust-wide, external stakeholders and with patients in a professional manner. - Enhanced levels of dexterity and accuracy pertaining to clinical skills including the use of diagnostic equipment i.e. fundus cameras, OCT and other ophthalmic imaging instruments in the direct examination of patients eyes. - To be able to use independently varied Ophthalmic Imaging equipment such as Topcon, Zeiss and Heidelberg machines to obtain digital imaging to facilitate in the record-keeping, assessment, diagnosis and management of a variety of retinal/ocular pathologies.
• To recognise when OCT and invasive procedures such as fluorescein angiography and ICG is not acceptable or appropriate to attempt on certain patients. - To understand the relevance of ophthalmic imaging in relation to timely treatment and outcomes - To understand the data management, archiving and handling of data from ophthalmic imaging devices. - To be able to discriminate between high- and low-quality OCT scans and understand the correct procedure for reporting faults. - Ability to work autonomously, efficiently and professionally in a range of healthcare environments.
• Demonstrate the ability to coordinate, manage and assess own workload. - Enhanced IT skills, including experience of Windows-based software, capture and review software for diagnostic purposes and competence in using Microsoft Office applications. - Understanding and awareness of NHS IT infrastructure - Knowledge of local and national eyecare pathways - Skills in responsive system support - Up-to-date knowledge and understanding of key professional developments and recommended good practice across Ophthalmic Imaging. KEY RESULT AREAS - Lead in identifying and progressing their own professional development within the role.
• Identify operational needs in clinical system practice and provide responsive support and solutions to these needs, sometimes requiring the evaluation of different options. - Manage the developing role of the service by contributing to the change processes through leadership, design, evaluation and clinical practice. - Bring and implement relevant national information, policies, guidelines and procedure changes that may impact service provision. - Ensure that staff are equipped to deliver service needs.
• Review and evaluate version control on an on-going basis. - Lead on the development of new implementations and upgrades when a need is identified. - Develop and distribute system material to support staff in practice. - Work closely with the service leaders to ensure that any change of provision of services is patient-centred, clinically effective and demonstrates value for money.
• Develop and use personal clinical knowledge and skills to promote excellence in Ophthalmic Imaging and educate staff on system usage. - To communicate effectively with healthcare professionals and patients, sometimes in distressing and sensitive circumstances, using empathy and professionalism in the management of information. - Proven competence to deliver effective and relevant one-to-one support, to encourage effective system management - Skill and attention to detail around accurate image and data handling, including image capture, upload, storage and retrieval, to ensure as timely image review as appropriate. - Adhere to all Trust policies and procedures and maintain accurate patient records.

COMMUNICATION & WORKING RELATIONSHIPS - To develop and maintain communication and commitment with all members of the immediate and wider ophthalmic team - Ophthalmologists and members of the optometry & orthoptic team - Ophthalmology Nursing team - Trust IT department - Gloucester Research Group - Multidisciplinary team within the Trust - Patients - General Practitioners, Practice Nurses, Practice managers and other surgery staff - Outside agencies for IT, camera and software support - Ophthalmic Imaging team MOST CHALLENGING PART OF THE ROLE - Ability to work autonomously and unsupervised in clinical and non-clinal settings, often under pressure and in the absence of guidance from department and clinical managers. Responsible for capturing and managing often complex high quality patient images and data to ensure timely effective Quality Assurance Standards. - To remain focused and resourceful in adverse working conditions so that any support requests or technical issues can be analysed and resolved. - To be part of a team delivering an ophthalmic imaging service in Cheltenham, Gloucester and Community Hospitals.

• To communicate effectively with a wide multidisciplinary team including but not limited to ophthalmology, optometry, nursing, and technical sectors. - To maintain a diverse and in-depth technical knowledge across all Ophthalmic hardware and software. - To keep personal development updated at all times due to current frequent changes in technology across a fast paced and dynamic speciality, and provide the clinical excellence needed at all times in imaging clinics. PHYSICAL EFFORT AND WORKING CONDITIONS - Will be required to work within recognised Manual Handling guidelines - Will be required occasionally to manoeuvre equipment up to 86Kg, sometimes in confined spaces.
• Will be required to conduct clinics in a darkened room, using VDU and specialist equipment, often in confined spaces. Image review is also conducted in a darkened room using a VDU. - Ability to work where there is a requirement to concentrate for prolonged periods e.g. during patient image capture - Will be required to follow Policies and Procedures pertaining to infection control and COSHH regulations.
• May occasionally be exposed to distressing situations with patients.

KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS & EXPERIENCE REQUIRED - Degree or equivalent qualification in a relevant subject or equivalent experience in an ophthalmic imaging role. - Post-Graduate Qualification in OCT Capture & Interpretation (or equivalent). - Appropriate experience in an ophthalmic imaging role (or equivalent) experiencing the following modalities; Optical Coherence Tomography (OCT) Colour Fundus Photography (CFP) Fundus Fluorescein Angiography (FFA) Indocyanine Green Angiography (ICG) Confocal Scanning Laser Ophthalmoscopy Imaging (cSLO) Optical Coherence Tomography Angiography (OCT-A) Anterior Segment OCT (ASOCT) Slit-lamp Biomicroscopy Imaging (SLB) Corneal Topography B-Scan Imaging Visual Field Testing - Detailed knowledge of ophthalmic anatomy, ophthalmic imaging technical operations, ophthalmic imaging software and ophthalmic imaging instruments sufficient to enable post holder to manage ophthalmic images and data. -Good all-round knowledge of ophthalmic disease and associated pathology.

• Ability to communicate effectively, at a high level, within a multidisciplinary team Trust-wide, external stakeholders and with patients in a professional manner. - Enhanced levels of dexterity and accuracy pertaining to clinical skills including the use of diagnostic equipment i.e. fundus cameras, OCT and other ophthalmic imaging instruments in the direct examination of patients eyes. - To be able to use independently varied Ophthalmic Imaging equipment such as Topcon, Zeiss and Heidelberg machines to obtain digital imaging to facilitate in the record-keeping, assessment, diagnosis and management of a variety of retinal/ocular pathologies.
• To recognise when OCT and invasive procedures such as fluorescein angiography and ICG is not acceptable or appropriate to attempt on certain patients. - To understand the relevance of ophthalmic imaging in relation to timely treatment and outcomes - To understand the data management, archiving and handling of data from ophthalmic imaging devices. - To be able to discriminate between high- and low-quality OCT scans and understand the correct procedure for reporting faults. - Ability to work autonomously, efficiently and professionally in a range of healthcare environments.
• Demonstrate the ability to coordinate, manage and assess own workload. - Enhanced IT skills, including experience of Windows-based software, capture and review software for diagnostic purposes and competence in using Microsoft Office applications. - Understanding and awareness of NHS IT infrastructure - Knowledge of local and national eyecare pathways - Skills in responsive system support - Up-to-date knowledge and understanding of key professional developments and recommended good practice across Ophthalmic Imaging. KEY RESULT AREAS - Lead in identifying and progressing their own professional development within the role.
• Identify operational needs in clinical system practice and provide responsive support and solutions to these needs, sometimes requiring the evaluation of different options. - Manage the developing role of the service by contributing to the change processes through leadership, design, evaluation and clinical practice. - Bring and implement relevant national information, policies, guidelines and procedure changes that may impact service provision. - Ensure that staff are equipped to deliver service needs.
• Review and evaluate version control on an on-going basis. - Lead on the development of new implementations and upgrades when a need is identified. - Develop and distribute system material to support staff in practice. - Work closely with the service leaders to ensure that any change of provision of services is patient-centred, clinically effective and demonstrates value for money.
• Develop and use personal clinical knowledge and skills to promote excellence in Ophthalmic Imaging and educate staff on system usage. - To communicate effectively with healthcare professionals and patients, sometimes in distressing and sensitive circumstances, using empathy and professionalism in the management of information. - Proven competence to deliver effective and relevant one-to-one support, to encourage effective system management - Skill and attention to detail around accurate image and data handling, including image capture, upload, storage and retrieval, to ensure as timely image review as appropriate. - Adhere to all Trust policies and procedures and maintain accurate patient records

COMMUNICATION & WORKING RELATIONSHIPS - To develop and maintain communication and commitment with all members of the immediate and wider ophthalmic team - Ophthalmologists and members of the optometry & orthoptic team - Ophthalmology Nursing team - Trust IT department - Gloucester Research Group - Multidisciplinary team within the Trust - Patients - General Practitioners, Practice Nurses, Practice managers and other surgery staff - Outside agencies for IT, camera and software support - Ophthalmic Imaging team MOST CHALLENGING PART OF THE ROLE - Ability to work autonomously and unsupervised in clinical and non-clinal settings, often under pressure and in the absence of guidance from department and clinical managers. Responsible for capturing and managing often complex high quality patient images and data to ensure timely effective Quality Assurance Standards. - To remain focused and resourceful in adverse working conditions so that any support requests or technical issues can be analysed and resolved. - To be part of a team delivering an ophthalmic imaging service in Cheltenham, Gloucester and Community Hospitals.

• To communicate effectively with a wide multidisciplinary team including but not limited to ophthalmology, optometry, nursing, and technical sectors. - To maintain a diverse and in-depth technical knowledge across all Ophthalmic hardware and software. - To keep personal development updated at all times due to current frequent changes in technology across a fast paced and dynamic speciality, and provide the clinical excellence needed at all times in imaging clinics. PHYSICAL EFFORT AND WORKING CONDITIONS - Will be required to work within recognised Manual Handling guidelines - Will be required occasionally to manoeuvre equipment up to 86Kg, sometimes in confined spaces.
• Will be required to conduct clinics in a darkened room, using VDU and specialist equipment, often in confined spaces. Image review is also conducted in a darkened room using a VDU. - Ability to work where there is a requirement to concentrate for prolonged periods e.g. during patient image capture - Will be required to follow Policies and Procedures pertaining to infection control and COSHH regulations.
• May occasionally be exposed to distressing situations with patients