Specialist Optometrist
About our Trust
At UHSussex we’re proud to be at the heart of the NHS. As one of the UK’s largest acute Trusts, we’re a leading example of the excellence, the ambition and the values that have embodied the NHS for over 70 years.
Our hard-working, talented and dedicated people work together towards a common goal – to always put our Patient First . In fact our mission is summed up by our ‘where better never stops’ motto and you will play a part in driving us forwards and in improving the lives of patients across Sussex.
At UHSussex, diversity is our strength, and we want you to feel included to help us always put the Patient First. Your uniqueness and experiences will be part of our creative and innovative community where everyone is encouraged to succeed. We have a range of Staff Networks to help break down barriers, and can offer a buddy to help new members settle in.We’re proud to be a Disability Confident Employer (Level 2) and a Veteran Aware Trust.
We treat our patients and staff with the same compassion and empathy we expect for ourselves. We’re here for them when they need us, and we go above and beyond to meet their needs. This can be seen in our Wellbeing Programme for staff which is extensive and designed to support you when you need it, including where possible, flexible working to support work life balance - because we know that to look after others we must first look after ourselves.
As a university trust and a leader in healthcare research, we value learning, teaching and training so that we can be the best that we can be. From the moment you start with us and throughout your career we will help you to grow and develop. We hope that in choosing UHSussex you are choosing a long and happy career where you will be able to see the difference you make and feel valued for all that you do.
We look forward to receiving your application and the start of your journey with UHSussex.
Job overview
Advert: Clinical Optometrist Band 7 Part-time 0.4WTE
We have an exciting opportunity for a Clinical Optometrist to join our hard working and friendly team based at Southlands and St Richards Hospital. This part-time role will be supporting the growing glaucoma service but there will also be opportunities to develop in other areas such as medical retina and cataract care.
The Ophthalmology service boasts a state of the art unit in Shoreham, developed in 2017. It comprises of 2 dedicated eye theatres, supported by a suite of diagnostic equipment. The service’s vision is to be a world class eye care provider, widely recognised for providing safe, personal and effective care.Opportunities exist for candidates with previous hospital experience and for motivated individuals with a desire to gain experience working as a hospital optometrist. The ideal candidates will be expected to work effectively within a multidisciplinary team.
Post-graduation experience of enhanced service delivery and College of Optometrist higher qualifications would be advantageous. Our team consists of 10 consultant ophthalmologists, optometrists, orthoptists, nursing and technical team. For an informal discussion please contact Karen French, Consultant Optometrist, via email on [email protected].
Main duties of the job
This role will be to provide clinical support to the ophthalmology services, both as an autonomous practitioner and as a member of a team. The post holder may be expected to deliver a comprehensive range of core optometric services and extended role services to glaucoma, medical retina and other sub-specialities within the ophthalmology department as required.The post holder will be expected to work within a multi-disciplinary team, contributing to the supervision, teaching and training of staff, and participating in departmental research and audit activities.
Working for our organisation
At UHSussex, diversity is our strength, and we want you to feel included to help us always put the Patient First. Your uniqueness and experiences will be part of our creative and innovative community where everyone is encouraged to succeed. We have a range of Staff Networks to help break down barriers, and can offer a buddy to help new members settle in.We’re proud to be a Disability Confident Employer (Level 2) and a Veteran Aware Trust.
We treat our patients and staff with the same compassion and empathy we expect for ourselves. We’re here for them when they need us, and we go above and beyond to meet their needs. This can be seen in our Wellbeing Programme for staff which is extensive and designed to support you when you need it, including where possible, flexible working to support work life balance - because we know that to look after others we must first look after ourselves.
As a university trust and a leader in healthcare research, we value learning, teaching and training so that we can be the best that we can be. From the moment you start with us and throughout your career we will help you to grow and develop. We hope that in choosing UHSussex you are choosing a long and happy career where you will be able to see the difference you make and feel valued for all that you do.
We look forward to receiving your application and the start of your journey with UHSussex.
Candidate Information Pack: https://www.uhsussex.nhs.uk/resources/candidate-information-pack/
Detailed job description and main responsibilities- To communicate effectively with patients and their families
- To communicate effectively with doctors, nurses and orthoptists
- Communicate both verbally and in writing with GPs
- Support verbal communication by providing written educational material to patients and carers if required
- To identify opportunities for service, role and practice development within the Ophthalmic Service
- To assist with the implementation and evaluation of areas of practice/service development
- To review and develop written policies/protocols relevant to clinical procedures as necessary
- To undertake specific projects as requested by the Consultant Optometrist, Ophthalmologist body & Department Manager
- To participate in service reviews or improvement events and initiatives to drive improved patient experience, quality and productivity
- To take part in departmental audit
Please see Job Description for more information
Person specification
Professional Registration
Essential criteria- General Optical Council
Experience and Qualification
Essential criteria- BSc(Hons) Optometry or equivalent
- 2 years post-registration clinical experience.
- Post graduate qualifications such as College of Optometrist certificates / diplomas
People Management and Development
Essential criteria- Ability to act as a role model demonstrating high standards of care and providing clinical leadership in specialist area to others
- Teaching/supervision experience/ assessment skills
Equality Diversity and Inclusion
Essential criteria- Evidence of having undertaken own development to improve understanding of equalities issues
- Evidence of having championed diversity in previous roles (as appropriate to role).
Important information for applicants:
Please note, the use of AI generated applications will be closely monitored. It is at the managers discretion to reject your application if they feel the majority has been created through the use of AI tools.
Closing Adverts Early: In the event of exceptional interest, we may close adverts earlier than specified.
Some of our adverts are capped for a limited number of applications; therefore, the advert will close once the cap has been reached. We therefore encourage you to submit your application as soon as possible if you are interested in the position to prevent you from missing out on applying for the opportunity.
Flexible Working: If you would like to explore potential options regarding flexible working please speak with the appropriate recruiting/line manager.
DBS Checks: As part of our commitment to a safe working environment, we undertake a Disclosure and Barring Service check on all new employees where the role is eligible for a criminal record check . We make offers in line with the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act 1975.
Skilled Worker Visa: Applications for Skilled Worker sponsorship are welcome for the roles that meet the Visa and Immigrations eligibility criteria. For further information please visit the gov.uk website searching for Skilled Worker. It is your responsibility as the applicant to ensure that you meet this criteria.
UHSussex reserves the right to close the role early if we receive a high volume of applications
Further Information
For help with the application process for Nursing vacancies, please email [email protected].
For help with the application process for Non-Nursing vacancies, please email [email protected].