Optometrist in Carlisle

The Ophthalmology department provides a range of services for patients of North Cumbria. We are looking for an Optometrist to join the team, working alongside Orthoptists, Ophthalmic Consultants and nursing teams. The post is based at Cumberland Infirmary, Carlisle or West Cumberland Hospital, Whitehaven with travel to other sites required.

Main duties:

• Provide autonomous optometric services - assess, diagnose and manage patients referred to orthoptic department.
• Determine clinical diagnosis, develop treatment and discharge plans and arrange appropriate onward referrals.
• Carry out low vision clinical work (training provided).
• Cover Cumberland Infirmary, West Cumberland Hospital, Workington Community Hospital and peripheral clinics.
• Liaise with other professionals and colleagues as appropriate.

Qualifications:

• BSc (Hons) Optometry or equivalent. 2:1 degree or better.
• Member of the College of Optometrists.

Skills and Aptitudes:

• Experience in contact lens fitting.
• Ability to perform contact tonometry, binocular indirect ophthalmoscopy and slit lamp biomicroscopy.
• Effective communication of complex information to patients and otherwise.
• Ability to communicate where there are barriers to understanding (e.g., young children, patients with learning disabilities).
• Operation of a range of complex ophthalmic instruments.
• Independent assessment and clinical decision making.
• Advanced written communication skills.
• IT skills - Word, Excel, databases.
• Specialist contact lens fitting experience.
• Ability to convey unwelcome or bad news sensitively.

Other requirements:

• Effective organisation and time management.
• Flexible working patterns.
• Ability to travel independently across sites.
• High motivation and enthusiasm.
• Full driving licence with access to a car.

Knowledge and Experience:

• Experience with visually impaired patients and those with learning disabilities.
• Experience working with young children.
• Theoretical knowledge of specialist contact lenses and complex refraction management.
• Knowledge of clinical matters beyond direct practice (e.g., surgical techniques, postoperative management).
• Broad understanding of optometry profession including primary secondary care interface and NHS service provision.
• Knowledge of governance issues, especially clinical audit.
• Previous clinical experience in a hospital or specialist setting.
• Experience in multidisciplinary teams.

Values:

• Kindness - kindness and compassion cost nothing, yet accomplish a great deal.
• Respect - we are respectful to everyone and are open, honest and fair.
• Ambition - we set goals to achieve the best for our patients, teams, organisations and partners.
• Collaboration - we are stronger and better working together with and for our patients.

Equality and EEO:

If you are applying under the Disability Confident Scheme or Armed Forces Covenant and you meet all the essential criteria for a post, you will be guaranteed an interview.

Benefits:

• 27 day holiday scheme rising to 33 days after 10 years.
• NHS discounts.
• Salary sacrifice schemes including lease cars and Cycle to Work.
• Vivup - free, confidential counselling and information service.

Disclosure and Barring Service Check:

The post is subject to the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act (Exceptions Order) 1975. A DBS check will be required; costs are met by the successful candidate through salary deduction.

Address: Cumberland Infirmary, Carlisle - West Cumberland Hospital, Whitehaven