A&E Optometrist

An exciting opportunity has arisen for an enthusiastic and motivated optometrist to join our team at Western Eye Hospital,a part of Imperial College Healthcare NHS Trust, as a hospital optometrist.We are a progressive,growing department, and are looking for an individual to work in our emergency department/emergency clinics. Western Eye Hospital is a busy hospital with an equally busy eye casualty. The emergency department feeds directly in to the outpatient clinics by administering immediate treatment and then referring onwards appropriately. Our optometrists work across many of these clinics, supporting the ophthalmology department and as such,we are looking for an optometrist who will contribute to the development of the optometry services.The successful applicant will have the opportunity to learn from our award-winning ophthalmology team as well as using their knowledge and skills to help train other health professionals. You will work within a multidisciplinary team, consisting of consultants, trainee doctors, nurses, optometrists and orthoptists. The role will consist of sessions in both A&E as well as our Emergency Hot Clinics and Corneal PCC clinics. This post is open to optometrists with a minimum of 2 years post qualification experience. A diploma in Independent Prescribing is essential. The role is being advertised as a full time working role, however for the right candidates we would also accept a job share. Please see JD for essential requirements for the post.

• Provide specialist A&E examination, diagnosis and treatment of patients who present at A&E. Provide individualised care to patients/clients and relatives/carers, without supervision, in collaboration with the multi-disciplinary team, in line with local and national targets and protocols
• The Optometrist will provide specialist care to the A&E service and support. This will involve dealing with complex situations and having to take appropriate action in a variety of settings
• Work in the Emergency Hot Clinic to help triage those patients that are deemed to be less urgent
• To develop skills to assess and interpret specialist information, diagnosis and takes appropriate action based on protocols.
• Undertakes clinical procedures that require dexterity and accuracy. Including Slit-lamp skills examination, minor lid surgery and Cross linking.
• Undertakes prescribing within the sphere Patient group Prescribers/ Non-medical prescriber
• To provide specialist training and education to staff patient
• The post holder will see relevant ophthalmology patients and provide them with a diagnosis, treatment and support whilst working with the medical and nursing teams, dealing with difficult situations and taking appropriate action to ensure a satisfactory outcome for the patients/clients and relative/carers

At Imperial College Healthcare you can achieve extraordinary things with extraordinary people, working with leading clinicians pushing boundaries in patient care. Become part of a vibrant team living our values – expert, kind, collaborative and aspirational. You’ll get an experience like no other and will fast forward your career. Benefits include career development, flexible working and wellbeing, staff recognition scheme. Make use of optional benefits including Cycle to work, car lease schemes, season ticket loan or membership options for onsite leisure facilities. We encourage staff to have the Covid vaccination to protect themselves, patients, other colleagues as well as the wider community. Please note it is an operational requirement to comply with infection prevention and control procedures within the Trust such as lateral flow testing, handwashing and the wearing of masks, according to the procedures in place at any time or location. As part of our continued response to Covid19 we are still conducting the majority of our interviews virtually. We are committed to equal opportunities and improving the working lives of our staff and will consider applications to work flexibly, part-time or job share.