Newmedica are one of the leading providers of NHS ophthalmology services in England, providing outpatients appointments, diagnostic testing and eye surgery. We aim to change lives through better sight and eye health.
We care for more than 225,000 NHS and private patients a year in over 26 locations and we’re growing.
Role overview
We are looking for a new Optometrist to join our Worcester and Bromsgrove site, ideally a part time applicant over two days, ideally Tuesdays and alternative Saturdays. From September on a fixed-term contract.
Optometrists play a vital role at Newmedica. They run both the pre and post operative clinics and triage patients. They operate a full range of diagnostic equipment to make clinical assessments and will analyse and interpret specialist diagnostic test results including identifying new or deteriorating eye conditions.
They provide advice to patients as well as explaining procedures. The thought of eye surgery can be a daunting prospect for patients to deal with, so our Optometrists need to be empathetic and friendly and able to put patients at ease.
The Optometrist role at Newmedica offers a modern hospital-based environment with opportunities for clinical learning. We provide numerous Ophthalmology services including cataract, YAG, Vitreoretinal, Oculoplastic and Glaucoma. Our patients have a variety of interesting clinical cases which offer more complex decision-making scenarios. This is therefore a great role for a qualified Optometrist looking for personal development and to expand their professional horizons under the direct clinical supervision of local Consultant Ophthalmologists.
KEY RESPONSIBILITIES
Clinical Duties and Responsibilities
· To perform a comprehensive range of diagnostic procedures and clinical assessments, working autonomously and making clinical decisions using own judgement and initiative.
· To analyse and interpret specialist diagnostic test results.
· To identify new or deteriorating conditions and carry out relevant tests and refer to a consultant or Non-Consultant Doctor, as appropriate.
· To advise patients on the appropriate care for their eye conditions.
· To explain the implications of eye conditions, treatment options, medication and possible side effects to patients, some of which may be distressed or confused.
· To ensure that patient confidentiality is maintained at all times.
· To ensure that evidence based clinical standards of care to patients are achieved.
· To ensure the delivery of agreed quality standards, taking any necessary action to remedy shortcomings in services that contribute to patient care.
· To be responsible for ensuring the safe use of specialist equipment.
Administrative Duties
· To keep accurate patient health records, including archiving and other requirements of record keeping, and write to GPs and other professionals regarding patient progress and outcomes.
· To support senior staff in the investigation of complaints and clinical incidents, ensuring that any investigations are thorough and that action plans are completed to enable lessons to be learned and shared.
· To ensure that infection risks are identified and acted on.
What skills and experience do I need?
You need to be a fully qualified optometrist (a MCOptom specialist optometry degree, or BSc(hons) in Ophthalmic Optics or Optometry or equivalent qualification is essential) and you need a current registration with the General Optical Council.
Alongside the mandatory qualifications the following things will be advantageous:
- Previous hospital eye service or private eye clinic experience
- Knowledge of clinical practice and aware of current developments in Optometry
- IP Qualified (preferable not essential)
- Capable of working in a high-volume clinical setting, seeing circa 18-22 patients per day
- Experience of delivering consistently high standards of specialist optometric diagnostic tests using complex equipment.
- The training and coaching of others
- The desire for and commitment to continuous professional development
- A competent user of computer systems and programmes
- An excellent grasp of the English language both verbally and in written format
- A good team player – happy to jump in and support others when required
What we’re offering
- A competitive salary of up to £65,000 DOE pro rata for part time
- 25 days annual leave plus bank holidays
- A company pension scheme
- Access to a range of benefits including free eye tests, discounted or free glasses, a free 24/7 well-being/counselling/advice service, access to a registered mental health nurse, cycle to work scheme, life assurance, blue light card, pension scheme, birthday gift, employee of the quarter, bonus scheme, plus more.
- An environment where your learning and development is supported through a range of various learning tools and courses.
- Working with a friendly multi-disciplinary team passionate about improving the lives of our patients
- A bright, spacious and modern working environment, built to the highest standards
If you would like an informal chat about the opportunity, please contact jenna.worsley@newmedica.co.uk along with a copy of an up-to-date CV.
Our employment offers are subject to receipt of satisfactory pre-employment checks. Applicants must have the right to work in the UK and a Disclosure and Barring Service check will be necessary in the event of a successful application which we will pay for.
At Newmedica, we actively promote diversity and equal opportunities, and we are committed to this in both the running of our services and how we recruit our staff. We actively encourage applications from everyone with the essential requirements of the job, regardless of any protected characteristics.
Newmedica is fully committed to safeguarding the welfare of all people, irrespective of gender, age, disability, sexual orientation, race, language, religion, ethnic or social origin.