Orthoptist

Detailed job description and main responsibilities

To be involved in the following highly specialist clinics:

·      Orthoptic.

·      Paediatric.

·      Ocular motility, strabismus and botulinum toxin.

·      Neuro-ophthalmology.

·      To deliver extended roles:

·      Intra vitreal injections.

·      Stroke.

·      Trauma.

·      Work as an autonomous practitioner in a single-handed capacity, with support from others.

·      To be professionally and legally responsible and accountable for all aspects of own work including management of clinical risk, knowledge of indications and precautions in line with national and trust clinical guidelines, protocols and pathways where they exist.

·      To receive referrals, undertake assessment, conclude a diagnosis and independently plan individual treatment plans for patients (orthoptic, ophthalmic, optical and surgical) dependant on orthoptic diagnosis, using clinical reasoning and specialist skills and patient education.

·      To be responsible for the prioritising appropriate onward referral of patients.

·      To provide advice and support to patients and relatives regarding visual problems.

·      To assess patients pre-operatively and discuss with the ophthalmologist the need for surgical intervention, timing of surgery, risks and benefits, the type of surgery and alternative treatments.

·      To assess patients post-operatively and carry out the appropriate treatment.

·      To assist the ophthalmologist with adjustable suture strabismus surgery.

·      To use recognized outcome measures to evaluate the effect of interventions and ensure the treatment programmes are progressing appropriately.

·      With support discharge, PIFU or appropriate transfer of care for patients.

·      At all times to observe safe working practices and equipment procedures that comply with legislative requirements and health and safety regulations.

·      Dispenses medication using patient group directions or under delegation.

·      To be responsible for the standard of care performed by orthoptic assistants working with you.

·      To respect patient’s privacy, dignity, gender, sexuality and have due regard to patients cultural and religious beliefs.

·      Undertake other clinical duties as requested by the deputy head or lead of service.

Communication

·      To be able to persuade and motivate patients through effective communication.

·      To be sensitive to patients cultural identity and overcome language and other barriers to understanding (e.g. hearing or visual impairment, learning difficulties).

·      To provide and receive information from patients, carers and other professionals regarding a patient’s condition and treatment progress. This may include the sharing and receiving of complex and/or sensitive information.

·      To consult when necessary with appropriate senior specialist staff regarding patients with particular problems

2.   Management & Administrative

Information Management

·      To keep comprehensive records of activity in accordance with local and national requirements, using departmental IT software systems.

·      To deal with telephone queries and make appropriate decisions on limited information.

·      Ensure all patient episodes, including coding appropriate activity is recorded.

Human Resource Management

·      To have an active role in effective team working, assisting and supporting other team members where appropriate.

·      To deputise for senior Band 7 in their absence.

·      To participate in the Kings College Hospital Employee Performance Assessment Programme as an appraiser and appraisee, and fulfil its requirements.

Physical Resources

·      To ensure that the treatment and working areas are kept safe and tidy.

·      To regularly calibrate and ensure perimetry and slit lamp equipment are in good working order.

·      Ensure faulty equipment is reported.

·      To deal with accidents untoward occurrences and complaints according to accepted procedure.

·      To ensure the safety of patients, visitors and staff and report all outpatient hazards.

Service Development

·      To demonstrate a knowledge of Clinical Governance and have an active role in clinical effectiveness and audit programmes in order to develop and improve services.

·      Identify opportunities to improve the service and to discuss them with clinical leads.

·      To support the delivery of the service facilitating the use of clinical governance and development of competencies.

3.   Training Education and Research

·      To provide teaching, guidance and advice when appropriate to other staff groups.

·      To undertake in-service and post-graduate training to improve patient care and for professional development.

·      To contribute to the in-service training programmes for Optical Service staff.

·      To be involved in research and evaluation of practice as opportunities arise.

·      To prepare and present a research/audit or development project / in-depth study which contributes to service development, own personal knowledge and professional development, presenting the project to the department at the end of the rotation.