Job overview
An exciting opportunity has arisen for an Ophthalmic Technician to join our team of 8 Orthoptists, 6 Optometrists and 7 Ophthalmic Technicians at Epsom & St Helier.
The successful candidate will work alongside a dedicated team of Ophthalmologists, Orthoptists, Optometrists, Nurses & Ophthalmic Technicians in a busy and supportive department. The post will involve working at both Epsom and St Helier Hospitals, with an interesting and varied caseload.
Main duties of the job
·The post holder will contribute in the assessment of patients attending the Ophthalmic department at Epsom and St Helier Hospitals across multiple sites. The post holder will work without direct supervision to provide a high quality technical serviceincluding diagnostic testing and imaging for adult and paediatric patients across a variety of sub-specialities under the direction of the Head Orthoptist and Clinical Leads.
·The post holder will provide a variety of diagnostic tests following training and achievement of competences. The tests required will include assessment of visual acuity, Ocular Coherence Tomography (OCT) both posterior and anterior, Digital Retinal Imaging, Corneal Topography, Biometry and Visual Field Assessment.
·The post holder should have the ability to work closely with members of the multi-disciplinary teams.
·The post holder is expected to participate in departmental teaching and clinical audit.
·The post holder will work within standard operating procedures, departmental guidelines and protocols, usually without direct supervision.
·The post holder will work within a variety of ophthalmology clinics to meet the needs of the service.
·The post holder will have the opportunity to carry out school vision screening in accordance with the BIOS training programme.
Working for our organisation
St George’s, Epsom and St Helier University Hospitals and Health Group cares for a population of four million people in South West London and North East Surrey. Our sites include St George’s Hospital, one of 11 major trauma centres in the UK and the largest healthcare provider and major teaching hospital in the area; St Helier Hospital, home to the South West Thames Renal and Transplantation Unit and Queen Mary's Hospital for Children; and Epsom Hospital, home to the South West London Elective Orthopaedic Centre (SWLEOC).
After years of collaboration, our two Trusts became a hospitals group in 2021. While remaining as two separate Trusts, being a hospitals group will help us to collaborate more closely on research, and the development, education, and training of our 17,000-strong workforce.
At gesh we are committed to supporting flexible working arrangements. Applicants are encouraged to discuss any flexibility they may need during the recruitment process.
Detailed job description and main responsibilities
Please see the attached job description and person specification for detailed job description and responsibilities.
Person specification
Communication and Organisation
Essential criteria
1. Excellent interpersonal and communication skills
2. Accurate documentation and written communication
3. Ability to maintain a professional manner at all times
4. Excellent organisational skills
5. Excellent time management skills
Knowledge
Essential criteria
6. Evidence of technical experience within ophthalmology
7. Previous experience undertaking visual fields, OCT, retinal photography and visual acuity assessment.
8. Testing and recording visual acuity in logmar notation.
9. Experience working in a team
Desirable criteria
10. Experience in manual focimetry
Qualifications
Essential criteria
11. Minimum of 5 GCSE’s grades C or above, or equivalent, in English, Maths and Science
Desirable criteria
12. Education to A level standard.
13. Evidence of continuing professional development.
Your recruitment team
The NHS South West London Recruitment Hub is your dedicated recruitment team, here to support you at every stage of the process. If you have a query, please contact us:
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Your application
Please ensure your supporting statement clearly reflects the job description and person specification, as shortlisting will be based on these criteria.
Please refer to the latest UKVI guidance and ensure you have the appropriate right to work before applying for this role.
Use of Artificial Intelligence
We kindly ask that you avoid using AI tools to draft your application. We value authentic, individual responses that reflect your own experience and communication style.
References
Please provide a minimum of 3 years’ employment and/or education history, including professional email addresses (not personal accounts such as Hotmail or Gmail). If you cannot provide these, please inform the interview panel to avoid delays in pre-employment checks.
Closing date
To help us manage recruitment efficiently, some vacancies may close early once we have received a sufficient number of applications.
Shortlisting
If you are successfully shortlisted, you will be contacted by email or SMS from the South West London Recruitment Hub. Please check your registered TRAC email regularly.
Application feedback
If you do not hear from us within four weeks of the closing date, please assume your application has not been successful on this occasion.
Safeguarding and DBS Checks
We are committed to safeguarding children and vulnerable adults. For roles with direct access to these groups, an Enhanced Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS) check will be required. All staff are expected to understand and uphold their safeguarding responsibilities as part of their role.
Employer certification / accreditation badges
Applicant requirements
This post is subject to the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act 1974 (Exceptions) Order 1975 (Amendment) (England and Wales) Order 2020 and it will be necessary for a submission for Disclosure to be made to the Disclosure and Barring Service.
Application numbers
This vacancy may have an application cap, so please apply promptly to avoid disappointment. Ensure your supporting statement clearly shows how you meet the job specifications.
Documents to download
Further details / informal visits contact
NameAlia HarrisonJob titleHead of Orthoptics and OptometryEmail addressTelephone number07391409915