Ophthalmic Technician - Medical Retina Clinic

Job overview

We are looking for a full time Band 3 Ophthalmic Technician in our busy Medical Retina Service. The role of an Ophthalmic Technician in this sub specialty is fascinating. You will have the opportunity to use own initiative and excellent interpersonal skills as well as a range of technical skills while looking after the patients attending this busy outpatient department.

You will be required to carry out investigatory procedures for patients with medical retinal eye disease including Optical Coherence Tomography, Visual Fields Analyser, Auto refraction, Logmar and Snellen visual assessments.

Training will be provided and you will be required to complete a competency assessment. Previous experience as a healthcare assistant or Ophthalmic Technician, an NVQ level 2 in care or equivalent healthcare related qualification is required. We will consider applications from candidates with other scientific or nursing experience.

Experienced mentors are assigned to all new staff and there are excellent opportunities for continuing professional development.

Main duties of the job

The post holder works as part of a team under supervision and will:

Participate in the delivery of patient centred care, maintaining a compassionate and professional attitude at all times. Contribute to the ward/clinic/department/organisation.

Assist the nurse practitioners in the delivery of intravitreal injections and in any other future roles deemed suitable for ophthalmic technicians. Support senior staff in the provision of a caring and safe environment.

Demonstrate competence in generic and specialist skills as required from Appendix 1 following the completion of the appropriate training and education and within 12 months from commencement in role.

Function at a competency level in line with the requirements of the post and achieve and maintain both mandatory and statutory training requirements associated with the role.

Detailed job description and main responsibilities

Support qualified staff in the assessment of health needs and the delivery of care for a number of individuals or groups of patients, including clinical risk assessment.

Work collaboratively with others as part of the multi-disciplinary team, assisting nursing and other clinical staff in duties associated with patient care.

To work with the nurse practitioners in the injection rooms assisting to deliver the Intravitreal injections.

Support colleagues in ensuring that patients receive care in a timely manner during their visit to Moorfields. Ensuring that patients are fully informed of any delays and what is being done to address or rectify delays in treatments or clinical tests.

To be involved and assist nurses in the clinical area to collect blood samples from patients and label vials with patient names and dates.

Following the completion of training must be competent to undertake a range of physical/clinical observations appropriate to the area of practice. Record the outcome and report and escalate exceptions to registered nurses or medical staff.

Treat patients with dignity and respect and maintaining their confidentiality both inside and outside the hospital environment.

Provide support to the clinical team in the delivery of care ensuring that these are within your personal scope of knowledge and competency.

Ensure that the clinical areas are prepared for use at the start of each shift and reviewed at regular intervals throughout the day e.g. ensuring that clinical areas are clean and tidy, all the necessary equipment such as clinical documents and consumables are stocked up adhering to all health and safety and infection control policies

Be responsible for the initial reporting of faulty equipment and follow-up repairs, keeping the supervisor or nurse in charge informed.

Provide comfort, reassurance and support to patients and their carers in times of high anxiety or distress.

Respond appropriately to emergency situations. Act as a chaperone when required.