Ophthalmic Technician
- NHS
- Full Time
- Northampton
- 24071.00 - 25674.00 a year
Job Description
Job summary
A fantastic opportunity has arisen for an enthusiastic and motivated candidate to join our team of dedicated ophthalmic vision technicians in our busy, friendly department. This role provides an exciting opportunity to work within ophthalmology clinics where you will provide technical assessments and assistance to the wider ophthalmology service. The role involves undertaking vision assessment, visual field assessment and imaging of the optic nerve, macular and anterior segment using OCT equipment. The post holder will have responsibility for ensuring that accurate and reliable measurements and assessments are undertaken for review by clinical staff.
There is not a requirement to have previously worked within the NHS or ophthalmology as our vision technicians are required to complete an in-house training and competency assessment programme in order to undertake all elements of the role.
The job will be based in Northampton but the role is cross site and the post holder will need to travel to Daventry to cover clinics as required.
Main duties of the job
To perform visual field assessments on a wide variety of patients, using the Humphrey Visual Field Analyser.
To capture images of the retina using Heidelberg's Retinal Tomography equipment and Heidelberg Spectralis.
To measure visual acuity and accurately test intra ocular pressure using Reichart tonometer.
To use all of these tests and any others that may be required, to participate in the smooth running of the glaucoma monitoring unit.
To be responsible for your own case load, prioritising and accepting urgent referrals when necessary.
To ensure patients are received in a sympathetic and courteous manner and that cultural difference is catered for.
To present findings to medical staff and other health care professionals.
About us
Northampton General Hospital is one of the largest employers in the area and we are on an exciting journey. All of our divisions are committed to doing things better, with more efficiency as we update, modernise, and advance. We have also entered into a Group Model with neighbouring Kettering General Hospital NHS Foundation Trust and become University Hospitals of Northamptonshire.
Our Excellence Values
Compassion
Accountability
Respect
Integrity
Courage
We want to recruit the best people to deliver our services across the University Hospitals of Northamptonshire and help to unleash everyone's full potential. As an organisation, we value how we communicate and promote our vacancies to all communities.
We are a Defence positive trust, supporting our reservists, veterans, spouses and partners.
The Hospital Group encourages applications from people who identify from all protected groups, especially those from BAME, Disabled and LGBTQ+ backgrounds as these are underrepresented in our hospitals.
We understand that we need to work with colleagues from diverse backgrounds and make sure the environment they work in is inclusive and collaborative.
We have active Networks that promote and support colleagues from all backgrounds. This ensures everyone feels supported and has a sense of belonging working for Kettering and Northampton General Hospitals.
Job responsibilities
Main Duties and Responsibilities
To participate in the smooth running of the glaucoma monitoring unit
To perform visual field tests using the Humphrey Visual Field Analyser using own initiative but with supervision if needed.
To perform retinal tomography measurements using corrective lenses as required.
To measure visual acuities using Snellans and LogMAR charts.
To measure intra ocular pressures using Reichart tonometer.
To measure patients spectacle corrections using a focimeter and interpret this information to select the correct lens for visual field testing.
To ensure patients attending the Glaucoma Monitoring Unit understand the new pathway.
To decide on the most appropriate test to perform by applying the protocols and procedures agreed by the Orthoptist and to seek advice when necessary.
To produce high quality readings by using high levels of concentration.
Help in the daily maintenance of the equipment and trial lenses.
The post holder may be required to carry out other relevant duties as required.
Person Specification
Knowledge and Experience / Education
Essential
- Computer literate
- Working with the general public
- Understanding of patient confidentiality
- Educated to GCSE level or equivalent level of education, training or experience. To include qualifications in Maths and English
Desirable
- Previous experience testing visual fields
Skills
Essential
- Ability to communicate clearly both in written and verbal forms
- Manage patients attending appointment times promptly
- Notify patients appropriately of clinic delays and deal with patients' reaction
- Use alternative methods of communication with patients who are hearing impaired or do not speak English
- Ability to prioritise workload and manage own time
- Ability to carry out assigned task effectively in a busy, ever changing environment
- Ability to build effective working relations with colleagues
- Legible hand writing
Key Competencies/Personal Qualities and Attributes
Essential
- Ability to work on own initiative within the boundaries of the role
- Be empathetic in approach to patients and carers
- Flexible approach to role
Disclosure and Barring Service Check
This post is subject to the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act (Exceptions Order) 1975 and as such it will be necessary for a submission for Disclosure to be made to the Disclosure and Barring Service (formerly known as CRB) to check for any previous criminal convictions.
Certificate of Sponsorship
Applications from job seekers who require current Skilled worker sponsorship to work in the UK are welcome and will be considered alongside all other applications. For further information visit the UK Visas and Immigration website (Opens in a new tab).
From 6 April 2017, skilled worker applicants, applying for entry clearance into the UK, have had to present a criminal record certificate from each country they have resided continuously or cumulatively for 12 months or more in the past 10 years. Adult dependants (over 18 years old) are also subject to this requirement. Guidance can be found here Criminal records checks for overseas applicants (Opens in a new tab).
Employer details
Employer name
Northampton General Hospital
Address
Orthoptic department
Northampton General Hospital
Northampton
NN1 5BD
Employer's website
https://www.northamptongeneral.nhs.uk/Home.aspx (Opens in a new tab)
