Senior Hospital Optometrist – Specialty Training Year
THIS POST IS FIXED TERM FOR 12 MONTHS DUE TO FUNDING
An exciting opportunity for an optometrist to work part time (15 hours per week) as part of the ophthalmology team within Swansea Bay University Health Board.
The successful candidate(s) will have weekly sessions working in our consultant‑led ophthalmic clinics which provide excellent opportunities to develop higher clinical expertise.
The ability to speak Welsh is desirable for this post; English and/or Welsh speakers are equally welcome to apply.
Main duties of the job
To work as a skilled autonomous practitioner and to gain expert knowledge in the fields of acute eye care, pre‑assessment, glaucoma and medical retina; to use highly specialist testing skills, providing patient‑centred clinical care. The post is intended to provide improved outcomes for patients by improving timeliness and consistency of care.
To be responsible for diagnosis and planning, implementation and monitoring individual treatment plans/care pathways using advanced clinical reasoning and evidence‑based practice for both new and follow‑up patients.
Where professional training permits, undertakes non‑medical prescribing within sphere of competence, complying with requirements of the non‑medical prescribing policy and professional body guidance (e.g., independent prescribing qualification / medical exemptions qualification).
To attend advanced training and specialist courses to maintain and develop skills and maintain evidence‑based practice.
About us
We believe staff are our best asset and we want you to be happy and confident about starting your career here in Swansea Bay University Health Board.
As one of the biggest healthcare groups in the UK we can offer a wealth of professional training and development opportunities in an innovative, forward‑thinking organisation.
There are also apprenticeships, work placements and volunteering roles available.
We are an inclusive employer and welcome applications from everyone, whatever their sex, religion or belief, race, age, sexual orientation, gender identity, or whether they are pregnant or have recently been on maternity leave, married or are in a civil partnership, or whether they are disabled.
Our values – Caring For Each Other, Working Together and Always Improving – show that our commitment to equality is at the heart of everything we do.
If you want excellent career and training opportunities while living on the doorstep of some of Europe's most spectacular scenery, with all the benefits of a thriving and cosmopolitan city – look no further.
Job responsibilities
You will be able to find a full Job description and Person Specification attached within the supporting documents or please click Apply now to view in Trac.
Person Specification
Qualifications & Knowledge
* WGOS Accreditation and demonstrable experience. Current inclusion in NWSSP Performers/Contractors list.
* Professional knowledge acquired through degree, clinical placements, and advanced clinical training to Master's level or equivalent.
* Evidence of ongoing continuous professional development (CPD). Knowledge and understanding of ophthalmic and optometric care provision within Wales. Understanding of the external political and social environment including NHS policies, priorities, and public policy agendas impacting relevant agencies.
* Knowledge of education and training frameworks at undergraduate and postgraduate levels within the UK.
* MSc in Clinical Optometry or College of Optometrists Higher Qualification in Glaucoma.
* GOC Independent Prescribing Specialty Registration.
* Previous experience working in hospital ophthalmology or eye care settings.
* Experience working as a registered optometrist within Wales.
Experience
* Significant post‑registration optometry experience, including in paediatric and complex cases.
* Experience participating in clinical audit, research, and service development initiatives.
* Experience of training and formally supervising staff, students, or junior colleagues.
* Experience of assessing and testing children and patients with additional learning needs or special requirements.
* Previous employment within NHS ophthalmology departments or similar specialist eye care settings.
* Experience working within hospital eye services or multidisciplinary ophthalmology teams.
* Experience using specialist ophthalmic equipment requiring high manual dexterity and hand‑eye coordination.
* Experience undertaking complex diagnostic procedures such as indirect ophthalmoscopy, gonioscopy, retinoscopy, slit lamp biomicroscopy.
Aptitude and abilities
* Excellent interpersonal and communication skills, including ability to convey complex clinical information sensitively to patients and multidisciplinary colleagues.
* Computer literate with experience using electronic patient records and Microsoft Office suite. Ability to work autonomously and use clinical judgment to make decisions independently within scope of practice.
* Ability to liaise effectively across multidisciplinary teams, including medical, nursing, orthoptic, and administrative staff.
* Adhere to and can demonstrate SBU Values & Behaviours.
* Ability to negotiate, motivate, and reassure patients and carers effectively.
* Strong problem‑solving skills and ability to manage change positively.
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.
Singleton Hospital Ophthalmology Department
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