Principal Optometrist OR Clinical Scientist- Lead Electrophysiology

at  Oxford University Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust

This post is open to Optometrists OR Clinical Scientists
An exciting, new opportunity to join the visual electrophysiology service at Oxford Eye Hospital. The unit is part of the Optometry Department and the post would suit those with relevant experience in visual electrophysiology. The role will require patient testing along with all the clinical reporting of results. There will be a requirement to lead on service management. Patients are drawn from multiple specialties (e.g. paediatrics, inflammatory eye disease, genetics ) as well as referrals from hospitals in surrounding areas. Oxford is a main hub for genetic eye disease and receives numerous tertiary referrals as well as being involved in cutting edge research with gene therapy.
The postholder will work alongside the current service lead in a joint capacity in delivering, reporting and managing standard electrodiagnostic tests with the plan that they will gradually assume a greater responsibility in preparation for the retirement of the current lead .
We are seeking an enthusiastic, well motivated individual with strengths in analysing electrophysiology data and interpreting the significance of the results, paediatric testing and service management, including calibration and implementation of extended protocols. The applicant should demonstrate they are able to work autonomously and be a member of an approved professional body and take part in peer review and CPD.
1. To autonomously provide highly specialist expertise in diagnostic visual electrophysiology services of both adult and paediatric patients. This will include:
a. Triage referrals, reflecting condition and cases of the greatest complexity, in patients of all ages presenting with a wide range of complex ophthalmological, neurological and genetic conditions.
b. Provision of highly specialized visual neurophysiological tests, to assess post-retinal function,
c. The application of expertise in visual pathway function, anatomy and physiology, and knowledge of developmental biology, neurology, genetic and metabolic conditions.
d. Sensitivity to the individual needs of the patient, e.g. appreciation of the technical and physiological factors that must be taken into account when patients have limited co-operation, poor communication etc. The need to adapt to protocols for patients with postural problems, facial and ocular anomalies and skin conditions. To work where necessary with interpreters, relatives, and support workers to achieve patient comprehension.
e. Acquiring, interpreting and reporting test results and provide clinical advice for these tests in the light of the clinical presentation and questions posed. This needs to be in a pertinent and contextual form that can be both written and verbal. To fully communicate the results of assessment, diagnosis, prognosis and specific treatment plans to referring clinicians
Oxford University Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust is one of the largest NHS teaching trusts in the country. It provides a wide range of general and specialist clinical services and is a base for medical education, training and research. The Trust comprises four hospitals - the John Radcliffe Hospital, Churchill Hospital and Nuffield Orthopaedic Centre in Headington and the Horton General Hospital in Banbury.
Our values, standards and behaviours define the quality of clinical care we offer and the professional relationships we make with our patients, colleagues and the wider community.
We call this Delivering Compassionate Excellence and its focus is on our values of compassion, respect, learning, delivery, improvement and excellence.

These values put patients at the heart of what we do and underpin the quality healthcare we would like for ourselves or a member of our family. Watch how we set out to deliver compassionate excellence via the OUH YouTube channel .

• To deputise in specific areas for the Head of Optometry in their absence, as required, particularly in areas related to clinical expertise and main purpose of the post.
• To work as part of the senior leadership team in Optometry to provide strategic direction and delivery of this strategy.
• To provide a clinical lead in the visual electrophysiology service, provided by the Department.
• To work closely with the Head of Optometry to personally deliver an extensive range of core and highly specialist/extended services to the highest standards of quality and care.
• To work with the Head of optometry in the development of and review of policies and procedures relating to the visual Electrophysiology service and/or other aspects of Optometry activity.
• To personally provide clinical support to all staff working in Visual Electrophysiology to ensure high standards of clinical care and to facilitate the development of clinical skills of staff .
• To personally champion high standards of clinical practice.
• To work closely with the Head of Optometry along with the Senior Leadership Team, to take delegated responsibility for the management of human resource issues relating to all staff levels (particularly, but not exclusively, the visual electrophysiology staff) within the Department including appointment panels, appraisals, return to work interviews and wellbeing reviews.
• To take an active role (on a case-by-case basis and within area of clinical expertise) in the supervision for the resident graduate pre-registration optometrist.
• To engage in and support the provision of teaching and training on relevant subjects to different staff groups within Oxford Eye Hospital.
• To undertake quality improvement projects and clinical audits, as required by the Head of Optometry, in area of expertise.

Please refer the Job description for details