Obtain a brief clinical history, measure and record visual acuities plus instillation of eye drops according to protocol and report immediately any changes in the patients condition to a senior member of staff. Use own initiative, but with the daily support of supervisors and peers to maintain continuous flow of patients through the screening pathway. Monitor own time management to ensure all duties are carried out. Capture and review retinal images using specialised fundus photography and, where appropriate, alert grading staff for urgent assessment.
After appropriate training and competency sign-off, operation of Optical Coherence Tomography (OCT) 3D retinal scanner. Triage images and place in appropriate grading queue using Traffic Light Grading Queue. Responsible for monitoring clinical and consumable stock levels on a daily basis and placing orders when required. Proactively seek and maintain up to date information and training to ensure that skills are sustained to a high standard.
Participate in External Quality Assurance and participate in simple clinical audits. Act in a manner which illustrates respect for privacy, dignity, equality & diversity and confidentiality, and demonstrate excellent customer care. Maintain personal and professional development to meet the changing demands of the role, and participate in training activities. Ensure all mandatory training is undertaken in line with Trust policy.
Excellent communications skills are essential to the post to be able to: Liaise internally with colleagues to ensure the smooth running of the Retinal Screening clinic. Ensure good relationships are developed and maintained at all screening locations with other Trust staff who may be involved in associated patient care. Provide advice to patients and carers where there may be barriers to screening. Work collaboratively with the wider team, clinical lead, programme manager, clinical staff and failsafe department to ensure the smooth delivery of the screening programme.
Regular requirement to deal with sensitive and confidential information demonstrating empathy, tact and diplomacy. Requirement to communicate effectively with people from different cultural backgrounds. Maintain confidentiality at all times of patient information to which the post holder has access, including patient records when undertaking screening duties. Attend departmental meetings and participate in MDT providing feedback to the programme manager.
Able to assist patients who may need some help transferring to the camera chair. Enhanced levels of dexterity and accuracy in the use of diagnostic equipment ie fundus camera / OCT scan in the direct examination of patients eyes. Reassure patients about the screening process, using tact, diplomacy and persuasive skills where appropriate to ensure that patients are fully prepared for screening. Encourage and re-assure patients the importance of screening To undertake any other duties that would be a reasonable expectation of the role.