Ophthalmic Technician inLiverpool inLiverpool PUBLISHED FRI 1 NOV 2024

Band 4: £26,530 to £29,114 a year per annum FIXEDTERM GOOD SALARY

ANTERIOR INTRAOCULAR PRESSURE NHS VISUAL ACUITY VISUAL FIELD

Liverpool University Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust r4GclzDY

Opportunity to work in the largest eyecare provider in Cheshire and Merseyside, gaining exposure to a diverse range of ophthalmic services.

Engagement with cutting-edge technology and advanced ophthalmic equipment, enhancing technical skills and expertise in ocular imaging.

Involvement in NHS, academic, and commercial research, providing an opportunity to contribute to advancements in eye care and treatment.

High volume of face-to-face interaction with patients, fostering meaningful relationships and improving patient care experiences.

Collaboration with a multidisciplinary team, including consultant ophthalmologists, enhancing professional development through teamwork and shared knowledge.

Regular access to clinical trials and academic research studies, enriching the role with unique learning opportunities and the chance to impact patient outcomes.

The role of Ophthalmic Technician at Liverpool University Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust involves working at St. Paul's Eye Unit, the largest eyecare provider in Cheshire and Merseyside. This is a fixed-term position for 12 months, where the technician will interact with patients, particularly those involved in clinical trials, to collect clinical data through various ocular imaging procedures and other assessments.

Key responsibilities include operating advanced ophthalmic equipment (e.g., OCT, Pentacam, HFA), conducting imaging procedures, performing visual acuity tests, and assessing ophthalmic measurements such as corneal thickness and intraocular pressures. The technician will support consultant ophthalmologists by obtaining crucial data that informs patient management. Regular collaboration with patients and multidisciplinary teams is required, along with general support duties as needed.

Candidates will be part of a team of 17 technicians based at the new Royal Liverpool University Hospital, contributing to the extensive range of subspecialties in ophthalmology covered by the unit.

St. Paul's Eye Unit is the largest eyecare provider in Cheshire and Merseyside delivering the full range of specialist ophthalmology services including: accident & emergency, corneal cataract and refractive surgery, diabetic eye care, glaucoma, ocular oncology, medical retinal and vitreo-retinal. The unit is also actively involved in NHS, academic and commercial research.

The post involves high volume, face to face contact with patients, including those in clinical trials/ academic research studies, to acquire clinical data through a wide range of ocular imaging procedures and other ophthalmic assessments, determined either through standard operating procedures / research protocols or ordered specifically for individual patients by clinical staff. Results are interpreted by clinical staff and inform patient management decisions.

The post holder interacts routinely with: patients, administrative, clerical, technical and clinical staff within the Trust and other external stakeholders when necessary.

THIS IS A FIXED TERM POST FOR 12 MONTHS

The post holder will be member of a team of 17 ophthalmic technicians based at the new Royal Liverpool University Hospital and will regularly work directly with eye patients in our busy outpatient clinics. They will operate advanced ophthalmic equipment to collect information which assists in the diagnosis and management of sight threatening eye conditions. Equipment used includes Heidelberg Spectralis OCT, Optos California, Pentacam Wave, Zeiss HFA and others.

This role provides valuable technician support to our consultant ophthalmologist led clinical staff by obtaining data from a range of scans, imaging techniques and clinical assessments as appropriate to the extensive range of subspecialties which our eye unit covers.

About us
CLINICAL DUTIES

A range of ophthalmic imaging procedures as required including but not limited to: OCT, Anterior OCT, HRT, optic disc, Colour fundus - high magnification and stereos, Fluorescein Angiography

Ophthalmic procedures / assessments including: Perform visual acuity tests using various types of acuity charts as appropriate, Instil eye drops in accordance with approved protocols for patient safety. Perform corneal topography / tomography assessments.

Ophthalmic clinical measurements including: Corneal thickness, Intra ocular pressures, Anterior chamber depth, Visual field testing, ensuring data & results generated are securely uploaded to as appropriate to Trust systems, EPR / CRF.

The post holder shall as necessary provide cover for and undertake duties of absent colleagues. Any other duties reasonably delegated by the line manager.

For a full list of duties, please refer to the attached job description and person specification

More information related to this job opportunity, from jobsincare:

Here are 5 questions you could be asked if you apply for this job: Start practice interview... NEW!

1. Can you tell us about your background and experience in ophthalmic care?

2. What motivated you to apply for the Ophthalmic Technician position in our unit?

3. How do you think your previous roles have prepared you for this position in a busy outpatient environment?

4. What types of ophthalmic imaging equipment are you proficient in operating, and can you describe your experience with them?

5. Can you explain the procedure for performing an OCT and the importance of this imaging technique in patient diagnosis?

Start a practice interview... NEW!

1. Can you tell us about your background and experience in ophthalmic care?

2. What motivated you to apply for the Ophthalmic Technician position in our unit?

3. How do you think your previous roles have prepared you for this position in a busy outpatient environment?

4. What types of ophthalmic imaging equipment are you proficient in operating, and can you describe your experience with them?

5. Can you explain the procedure for performing an OCT and the importance of this imaging technique in patient diagnosis?

Start a practice interview... NEW!

More about the NHS

The National Health Service (NHS) is a cornerstone of healthcare in the United Kingdom, established in 1948 with the simple yet profound principle of providing healthcare to all citizens, free at the point of use. This revolutionary system aimed to ensure that access to medical services would not depend on an individual’s financial situation, a concept that has since become fundamental to British societal values. Learn more...

Useful skills for an Ophthalmic Technician: Click to view

To work as an Ophthalmic Technician in the UK, you'll need a combination of technical, clinical, and interpersonal skills. Here are the key skills and qualifications typically required:

Educational Background

- Qualifications: Generally, a minimum of 5 GCSEs (or equivalent) at grade C/4 or above, including science and mathematics. Some positions may require A-levels or relevant vocational qualifications like a Level 2 or Level 3 Diploma in Optical Retail or similar.

- Training: Completion of a specific training program or apprenticeship in ophthalmic technology may be helpful. The British Ophthalmic Technology Association (BOTA) offers relevant training and courses.

Technical Skills

- Knowledge of Eye Anatomy and Physiology: Understanding the structure and function of the eye is fundamental for conducting assessments and procedures.

- Experience with Diagnostic Equipment: Proficiency in using various ophthalmic instruments such as tonometers, visual field analyzers, and fundus cameras is essential.

- Technical Proficiency: Ability to perform tasks such as visual acuity tests, refraction, and imaging for diagnosis.

Clinical Skills

- Patient Assessment: Skills to perform initial assessments of patients and gather relevant medical history.

- Assisting in Procedures: Knowledge of assisting ophthalmologists in various procedures and surgeries.

- Clinical Judgement: Ability to recognize signs of potential eye conditions and communicate findings to the healthcare team effectively.

Interpersonal Skills

- Communication: Strong verbal and written communication skills to explain procedures and treatments to patients and their families effectively.

- Patient Care: Ability to provide compassionate care, ensuring patient comfort and addressing concerns.

- Teamwork: Works well within a multi-disciplinary team, collaborating with other healthcare professionals.

Organizational Skills

- Time Management: Ability to manage time effectively and prioritize tasks in a busy clinical environment.

- Record Keeping: Accurate documentation skills to maintain patient records and report findings.

Continuous Professional Development

- Commitment to Learning: Willingness to undertake ongoing training and professional development to stay updated with advancements in ophthalmic technology.

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53.409481048583984 -2.962024688720703 Liverpool

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