Ophthalmic Technician

Main Duties and Responsibilities

Following appropriate training and competency assessment, the post holder will support the delivery of safe, effective and patient-centred care within the Ophthalmic Emergency Department.

• Clinical Care Duties
• Perform a range of delegated clinical procedures including visual acuity testing, intraocular pressure measurement, colour vision testing, blood glucose monitoring, ECG recording, blood pressure monitoring, conjunctival swabs and eye irrigation following chemical injury.
• Assist patients with mobility and personal care requirements where necessary.
• Prepare patients for investigations and support their comfort, dignity and safety throughout their attendance.
• Prepare clinical rooms for ophthalmologists and optometrists and undertake general housekeeping duties.
• Communication and Professional Practice
• Communicate effectively and compassionately with patients, relatives, carers and colleagues.
• Adapt communication to meet the needs of individuals with visual impairment, hearing difficulties, learning disabilities or language barriers.
• Treat all patients and colleagues with dignity, respect and professionalism.
• Participate in training, competency assessments and ongoing professional development to maintain and enhance knowledge and skills.
• Planning and Organisation
• Prioritise and organise ophthalmic investigations to support patient flow and ensure timely assessment and treatment.
• Coordinate the preparation of clinical areas and equipment, ensuring rooms are stocked and ready for use.
• Liaise with nursing, medical and administrative staff to facilitate efficient service delivery and respond to changing clinical priorities.
• Practical and Technical Responsibilities
• Undertake ophthalmic investigations including visual field testing, Optical Coherence Tomography (OCT), observations, conjunctival swabs and eye irrigation.
• Operate specialist ophthalmic equipment safely and accurately.
• Maintain accurate records of investigations and patient information using electronic systems.
• Demonstrate a high level of concentration, manual dexterity and attention to detail.
• Patient Care and Support
• Provide direct support to adults and children attending the Emergency Department.
• Offer reassurance to patients who may be anxious, distressed, in pain or experiencing visual loss.
• Escalate concerns, abnormal findings or deteriorating patient conditions to registered staff in accordance with departmental procedures.
• Maintain accurate, confidential patient records in line with Trust policies.
• Service Improvement and Resource Management
• Work in accordance with clinical governance, infection prevention, safeguarding, health and safety and information governance policies.
• Participate in audits, quality improvement initiatives and mandatory training.
• Monitor stock levels, replenish supplies and report shortages.
• Ensure specialist equipment is maintained, cleaned and used appropriately.
• Report equipment faults and remove defective equipment from use where required.
• Team Working and Information Management
• Work collaboratively as part of the multidisciplinary team.
• Support the induction and development of new staff, students and visitors within own area of competence.
• Maintain accurate electronic and paper-based records and comply with data protection requirements.
• Contribute to the sharing of knowledge, continuous improvement and a positive team culture.
• Working Environment
• Work within a busy and unpredictable emergency care environment.
• Frequently stand, walk and use specialist ophthalmic equipment.
• Support patients experiencing acute eye conditions, trauma and ophthalmic emergencies.
• Follow infection prevention and control measures and use PPE as required.
• Occasionally manage challenging behaviour or distressed patients and relatives in a professional and compassionate manner.
• University Hospitals Bristol and Weston NHS Foundation Trust
• University Hospitals Bristol and Weston NHS Foundation Trust
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