Practice Educator and Ophthalmic Imager (Healthcare Scientist) Band 6

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. Qualification in OCT Capture & Interpretation or equivalent. Extensive experience in an ophthalmic imaging role or DES role To be able to recognize and interpret a range of ocular pathologies that may need urgent treatment and therefore need to be brought to the immediate attention of a clinician. Detailed knowledge of ophthalmic anatomy, ophthalmic imaging technical operations, ophthalmic imaging software and ophthalmic imaging instruments sufficient to enable post holder to capture accurate images and data.
Good all-round knowledge of ophthalmic disease and associated pathology. In-depth understanding of diabetes and diabetic retinopathy. Enhanced levels of dexterity and accuracy pertaining to clinical skills including the use of diagnostic equipment Enhanced IT skills, including experience of Windows-based software, capture and review software for diagnostic purposes and competence in using Microsoft Office applications. Ensure that all practice is evidence based b) Communication & Relationship Skills Ability to communicate effectively within a multidisciplinary team Trust-wide, external stakeholders and with patients in a professional manner.
Ability to work autonomously, efficiently and professionally in a range of healthcare environments. Demonstrate the ability to coordinate, manage and assess own workload. Up-to-date knowledge and understanding of key professional developments and recommended good practice across Ophthalmic Imaging. The post holder needs to have the abilities to teach the subject of retinal image grading and Optical Coherence Tomography (OCT) grading to a highly specialised level.
c) Analytical & Judgemental Skills To be able to use independently varied Ophthalmic Imaging equipment to obtain digital imaging to facilitate in the record-keeping, assessment, diagnosis and management of a variety of retinal/ocular pathologies. To understand the data management, archiving and exporting of data from ophthalmic imaging device. To be able to discriminate between high- and low-quality OCT scans and understand the correct procedure for reporting fault. Have the abilities to analyse the images taken in virtual imaging clinics which include digital imaging of the retina, OCT results, ultra-wide field pseudo colour imaging particularly in the field of diabetic retinopathy.
They would also need an understanding of how to resolve complex equipment or process problems within the research environment. Ability to work autonomously and unsupervised in clinical settings, often under pressure and in the absence of guidance from department and clinical managers, whilst maintaining a high standard of patient care, education and time management. Responsible for capturing often complex high quality patient images and data to ensure timely review and effective Quality Assurance Standards. To remain focused and resourceful in adverse working conditions so that any clinical or technical problems 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, education and technical sectors. To maintain a diverse and in-depth technical knowledge across all Ophthalmic instruments. 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.
d) Planning & Organisational Skills The post holder would need to plan their own workload and the activity of those requiring education and training. e) Physical Skills The post holder will need high degree of precision and hand-eye co-ordination to undertake the various tests required in imaging of the eye. 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.
Leadership and managementf) Responsibility for Education The post holder will regularly undertake Education activities as a major part of their work, and undertaking imaging for clinical trials and equipment testing for R&D activities. g) Responsibility for Patient/ Client Care The post holder will be responsible for imaging in clinical trials. They will provide advice to patients and clinical and scientific advice to clinicians. h) Responsibility for Policy/ Service Development The post holder will be responsible for collaborating with colleagues to develop and maintain an education strategy for the ophthalmic imaging team at Gloucestershire Hospitals and the students placed within the team studying ophthalmic imaging.
They will also be responsible for maintaining up to date Standard Operating Procedures. i) Responsibility for Financial & Physical ResourcesNone j) Responsibility for Human Resources The postholder will be responsible for supervising students on placement and delivery of education and training for the ophthalmic imaging and related teams. Tripartite meetings with students and university tutors will be required on a regular basis. k) Responsibility for Information Resources The postholder will be responsible for accurate recording of results from research imaging clinics that they undertake and for the storage and appropriate use of data within the research environment.
They will also be responsible for the completion of tripartite meeting documentation l) Freedom to Act The postholder will works independently and autonomously as a lead specialist for their area

Please refer the Job description for details