Clinical Nurse Specialist - Glaucoma

Be conversant with Trust policies, procedures and clinical guidelines, ensuring compliance with local and national standards relating to glaucoma care.

Act as a clinical expert within the Glaucoma Service, contributing to the development and delivery of high-quality, patient-centred care and supporting service improvement initiatives.

Undertake comprehensive patient assessment, monitoring and review

Ensure patients are managed within recommended clinical timescales and national targets, supporting the prevention of avoidable sight loss through timely intervention and follow-up.

Provide clear, evidence-based information, education and support to patients, carers and families to enable informed decision-making and promote self-management where appropriate.

Work autonomously within scope of practice to assess, plan, implement and evaluate patient care, making clinical judgements based on analysis of available information.

Initiate appropriate referrals to consultants, optometrists and other multidisciplinary team members to ensure seamless patient care and effective management of complex cases.

Supply and/or administer medications in accordance with Patient Group Directions (PGDs), local protocols, or the Trust's prescribing policy for non-medical prescribers where appropriate.

Provide advice and support to patients regarding diagnostic tests, treatment options, laser procedures and surgical interventions, ensuring relevant written and verbal information is provided.

The Glaucoma Clinical Nurse Specialist (CNS) will provide expert nursing care and clinical leadership within the Glaucoma Service across Mid and South Essex NHS Foundation Trust. Working autonomously within nurse-led clinics, the post holder will assess, monitor and manage patients with glaucoma and ocular hypertension, ensuring timely interventions and supporting the prevention of avoidable sight loss.

The successful candidate will provide specialist advice, education and support to patients, carers and healthcare professionals, promoting high-quality, evidence-based and patient-centred care. They will work collaboratively with consultants, optometrists and the wider multidisciplinary team to ensure patients receive safe, effective and seamless care throughout their treatment pathway.

The role will involve contributing to service development, clinical governance, audit and quality improvement initiatives, while supporting the development and education of nursing and clinical colleagues. The post holder will act as a specialist resource within Ophthalmology, ensuring care is delivered in accordance with professional standards, Trust policies and national guidance.

The position will be based across all MSE sites with Southend as the base site and offers an exciting opportunity to help shape and develop glaucoma services within a forward-thinking and innovative ophthalmology department.

At Mid and South Essex NHS Foundation Trust, our ambition is to deliver outstanding local and specialist services that improve the health, wellbeing and outcomes of our patients. We are committed to providing a supportive, innovative and inclusive environment where staff can develop their skills, advance their careers and contribute to service excellence.

We believe in making the most of the diverse skills, expertise and experiences of our workforce so that, together, we can achieve the highest standards of care. As one organisation, we are able to offer a wide range of opportunities for professional development, helping us attract, develop and retain exceptional specialist staff across our Trust.

As a Glaucoma Clinical Nurse Specialist, you will play a pivotal role in shaping and delivering high-quality glaucoma services, supporting patients through their care pathway and contributing to the continued development of our specialist ophthalmology services.

Role requirements

Essential

Essential: - Sound understanding of glaucoma, ocular hypertension and current glaucoma treatment pathways.

Desirable: - Experience of managing patients with glaucoma and other chronic ophthalmic conditions.