Specialist Optometrist, Band 7

The post holder will have the opportunity to work in a variety of clinics including medical retina clinics working alongside consultant ophthalmologists assessing and managing patients presenting with a range of conditions, glaucoma clinics, cataract clinics and other hospital clinics such as specialist contact lens fitting and paediatric assessment. The role can be adapted to the key clinics interests of the successful applicant.

A flexible approach is essential to work in a fast paced and busy clinics. The successful post holder will need to be familiar with OCT and although full training and support is provided, additional qualifications or previous experience in similar clinics is desirable.

We have a fixed term part time post available (30 hours per week) and are looking for applications from candidates who are looking to develop into a hospital optometry role.

Our normal working hours are 9.00am to 5.15pm Monday to Friday but may also include the option of occasional weekend clinics. The post holder will be based either in Cheltenham General or Gloucestershire Royal Hospitals and there may be an option to work at other hospital sites across the county as we develop these clinics in community hospitals.

The post holder will work in both optometry and ophthalmology clinics. Full training will be given for the role. This post is therefore suitable for experienced optometrists without previous hospital experience who wishes to develop their clinical skills as well as optometrists currently working in hospital. The post holder will be expected to contribute to clinical audit for effective clinical governance and take on roles to support clinical lead optometrists and training and teaching within the department. Additional post graduate qualifications are not essential but if successful we would encourage and support the post holder to undertaken further training in their specialist area.

We are a friendly and progressive optometry team consisting of over 20 optometrist, ranging from newly qualified to experienced Medical Optometrists. The department works closely with the ophthalmology team and run joint clinics with orthoptists. Although a large department that works across several sites we are still a cohesive and supportive team. We encourage optometrists to pursue their clinical interests and gain further post graduate qualifications to progress their career.

Qualifications

Essential: - BSc (Hons) Optometry or equivalent/or MSc Optometry; - GOC registered as qualified Optometrist

Desirable: - 2:1 or higher; - Post graduate clinical qualification (s) or working towards further qualifications; - Member of College of Optometrists

Knowledge / Skills

Desirable: - Experience working with electronic patient records and databases

Knowledge/skills

Desirable: - Experience working in ophthalmology or extended role optometry clinics