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SeeAbility

Sessional Optometrist

London Full-Time 20000 - 30000 £ / year (est.) No home office possible

At a Glance

Tasks: Join our team as a Sessional Optometrist, providing eye care in schools one day a week.
Company: SeeAbility is a leading charity with over 220 years of experience in eye care for those with disabilities.
Benefits: Enjoy competitive pay, discounts, pension scheme, and flexible working hours during term time.
Why this job: Make a real impact on children's lives while working in a supportive and collaborative environment.
Qualifications: You need to be a qualified optometrist with a passion for helping children with complex needs.
Other info: Training provided, plus opportunities for professional development and mentoring new team members.

The predicted salary is between 20000 - 30000 £ per year.

Role Description

Sessional Optometrist – Make a difference!

Location: London Schools and the South East Schools

Salary: £250per day plus benefits

Hours: 7.5 to 37.5 hours per week, (1- 5 days a week)- School term time only

About SeeAbility

SeeAbility is established as the leading national eye care expert for people with learning disabilities. As a Specialist Registered Charity it has over 220 years’ experience supporting people who have a visual impairment, learning disability, autism or complex support needs.

What you bring

To be a part of SeeAbility’s NHS England commissioned Special School’s Eye Care team in a London school or schools. You will be responsible for regular visits to the same school(s) with a Dispensing Optician partner during school term times only. SeeAbility Special Schools Eye Care team training will be provided to all successful applicants.

Your responsibility

Provide specialist eye care and eye care and vision information in schools to meet NHS England’s Special School Eye Care Service Specification

To undertake SeeAbility Special Schools Eye Care Team training

Communicate appropriately and confidently with children who have complex needs

Communicate highly sensitive, potentially distressing information to patients’ relatives or carers, not infrequently in the presence of significant barriers to understanding learning and physical disabilities

To manage your caseload of patients using evidence based practice whenever possible

To be responsible for independent complex decision making in the management of individual clinical cases in areas where expert opinions may differ

Liaise directly with parents and schools on your caseload of children (using secure NHS mail when indicated and meeting GDPR requirements).You will have the support of SeeAbility’s Special Schools Service Manager and administrators.

To be responsible for referral of all children needing spectacle correction to the SeeAbility Dispensing Optician (and to provide spectacle dispensing services when required)

To prescribe and advise on the use of eye drops

To demonstrate a high degree of physical skill in the manipulation and utilisation of complex diagnostic equipment

To effect interdisciplinary cooperation with other agencies such as local social services and educational representatives to facilitate the provision of high quality patient care

To consider the appropriate involvement of other healthcare professionals to benefit patient care. This may include but is not limited to orthoptists, GPs, Ophthalmologists, Paediatricians, Speech and Language therapists, Occupational therapists, Physiotherapists

To ensure accurate documentation of all interactions with patients, fellow healthcare professionals and other agencies

Produce for all children written reports of clinical outcomes for parents, teaching staff and other professionals where that information may positively impact their professional management of the child and according to NHS England’s Service Specification and Guidelines. These reports should be produced within 5 working days of a clinical assessment in the absence of exceptional circumstances.

Share clinical information in the most appropriate and secure way (with administrative support from the practice administrators and/or service manager)

Where clinically indicated, refer a child for further management to an ophthalmologist, orthoptist or general practitioner.

Transport notes, laptop and testing equipment between sites as required

To be accountable for own actions, using initiative and judgement with regard to patient’s management working within broad health policies but able to act independently in the best interests of patient care

To ensure a safe clean, therapeutic environment for patients, visitors and colleagues is maintained and ensure that all procedures for infection control are carried out according to policy Frequent manual handling of wheelchair users Regular repositioning of heavy equipment Frequent sitting in restricted positions Prolonged maintenance of difficult postures during the examination of patients whilst simultaneously holding or manipulating instrumentation. Intense concentration, often exceeding 2-3 hrs continuously, required in carrying out unpredictable clinical examinations Frequent interruptions during clinical examination to give advice to other staff Prolonged mental effort in dealing with patients with hearing and/or speech impairment, language barriers and uncooperative and/or challenging behaviour Calculations of mathematical formulae necessary to obtain optical powers, illuminances, working distances, magnifications etc. Informing patients, carer and parents regarding visual loss impacting permanently on quality of life

To cultivate and sustain good communication channels with other clinical and non-clinical staff within the service to ensure safe and effective collaborative working practices

To assist the Head of Eye Health in facilitating and undertaking risk assessments to maintain the safety of patients and staff

In time to mentor new eye care team members as part of SeeAbility/NHSE’s training programme

A requirement to join at least 2 SeeAbility team meetings a year.

Demonstrate an awareness of and compliance with health and safety regulations/procedures that apply to staff, patients, and visitors within service

To ensure that all incidents, accidents or near misses involving patients, visitors or staff are accurately reported and investigated as appropriate.

To promptly report to the Special Schools Service Manager and the Clinical Lead for any absence from work due to sickness.

Maintain personal and professional development to meet the changing demands of the job, participate and initiate appropriate training activities and encourage and support staff development and training

To deliver training sessions to your assigned school annually with support from the Service Manager and Clinical Lead

Demonstrate a commitment to evidence based practice and clinical excellence and play an active role in the introduction of this evidence to improve patient centred care

Undertake clinical audit using appropriate research methodologies

To ensure a working knowledge of the IT systems used by the service

Ensure clinical records are maintained and stored in line with correct information governance procedures, including the Data Protection Act and the NHS Information Guidance Toolkit

Support the themes, values and goals outlined in the UK Vision Strategy

Maintain records and reports as required and ensure they are uploaded to shared information system in a timely way

Remain up to date on developments in the field of eye health and vision and learning/multiple disability including the implications of legislation and policy

Strive to ensure that SeeAbility embraces diversity in how it delivers its services and adhere at all times to the requirements of the General Social Care Council Code of Practice and SeeAbility’s Code of Conduct and philosophy.

Assist in maintaining a safe working environment and to follow the requirements of SeeAbility’s Health and Safety Manual (policies and procedures) and any local codes of set working practices

To maintain confidentiality at all times and adhere to safeguarding procedures

To undertake other duties commensurate with the role of optometrist under the instruction of the Special Schools Service Manager and Clinical Lead

For extensive Job description, please see the attached. #INDSJS

Our Benefits

Our colleagues at SeeAbility are extremely valued, and so everyone has access to a fantastic package of benefits.

Recognition & Rewards – Celebrate your achievements

Work-Life Balance – Up to 28 days pro-rata holiday, pay rate is inclusive of holiday pay

Financial Perks – Discounts & cashback offers

Wellbeing Support – 24/7 Employee Assistance Programme

Refer a Friend – Earn £600 for successful referrals

Safeguarding and Promoting Welfare

SeeAbility is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of the people we support. We expect all staff to uphold this commitment and have a strong understanding of their roles and responsibilities in safeguarding.

Safer Recruitment

As part of our safer recruitment procedures, we require the following checks for all successful applicants:

A criminal background check through the Disclosure and Barring Service (where appropriate).

Documentary evidence to confirm your identity, current address, and the right to work in the UK.

Health Declaration to ensure that you are medically suitable for the role you have been offered.

References will be obtained to ensure satisfactory evidence of conduct in current or previous employment concerned with the provision of services relating to (a) health or social care, or (b) children or vulnerable adults.

These checks will be carried out and completed prior offering a date to start employment at SeeAbility’ s expense.

Diversity

SeeAbility is committed to creating a diverse and inclusive workplace. We welcome applications from individuals of all identities, including those from underrepresented groups and those who have a disability or neurodivergent condition. We are please to confirm that we are a Disability Confident employer.

We believe a diverse workforce drives innovation, creativity, and success. Everyone’s unique experiences and views are appreciated, and their opinion valued. We are happy to offer any reasonable adjustments to the recruitment process or the role itself to ensure a fair and equitable experience for all candidates.

In exceptional circumstances, the exempt from the Equality Act 2010 (Schedule 9, Part 1) which provides for the application of a genuine occupational requirement.

About The Company

Contact Detail:

SeeAbility Recruiting Team

View SeeAbility Profile

StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫

We think this is how you could land Sessional Optometrist

✨Tip Number 1

Familiarise yourself with SeeAbility's mission and values. Understanding their commitment to supporting individuals with learning disabilities will help you align your responses during interviews and demonstrate your passion for the role.

✨Tip Number 2

Network with current or former employees of SeeAbility. Engaging with them can provide valuable insights into the company culture and expectations, which can be beneficial when discussing your fit for the role.

✨Tip Number 3

Prepare to discuss your experience with complex cases and how you've communicated sensitive information in the past. This is crucial for the role, as you'll be working with children who have diverse needs.

✨Tip Number 4

Stay updated on the latest developments in eye health and vision care, especially regarding learning disabilities. Being knowledgeable about current practices will show your commitment to professional development and patient care.

We think you need these skills to ace Sessional Optometrist

Clinical Optometry Skills

Communication Skills

Empathy and Compassion

Decision-Making Skills

Patient Management

Knowledge of Eye Care Practices

Ability to Work with Children with Complex Needs

Interdisciplinary Collaboration

Report Writing Skills

Attention to Detail

Time Management

Manual Handling Skills

Knowledge of Health and Safety Regulations

Data Protection Awareness

Training and Mentoring Skills

Some tips for your application 🫡

Tailor Your CV: Make sure your CV highlights relevant experience and skills that align with the responsibilities of a Sessional Optometrist. Focus on your ability to communicate with children who have complex needs and any previous experience in similar roles.

Craft a Compelling Cover Letter: Write a cover letter that showcases your passion for eye care and working with individuals with learning disabilities. Mention specific experiences that demonstrate your ability to manage complex cases and collaborate with other healthcare professionals.

Highlight Relevant Qualifications: Ensure you clearly list your qualifications, including any special training or certifications related to optometry and working with children. This will help the hiring team see your suitability for the role at a glance.

Showcase Your Communication Skills: In your application, provide examples of how you've effectively communicated sensitive information in the past. This is crucial for the role, so demonstrating your ability to handle such situations will strengthen your application.

How to prepare for a job interview at SeeAbility

✨Understand the Role

Make sure you thoroughly read the job description and understand the responsibilities of a Sessional Optometrist. Be prepared to discuss how your skills and experiences align with the specific duties, especially in communicating with children who have complex needs.

✨Showcase Your Communication Skills

Since the role involves communicating sensitive information to patients and their families, practice articulating complex ideas in a simple and compassionate manner. Think of examples from your past experiences where you've successfully communicated with individuals facing challenges.

✨Prepare for Clinical Scenarios

Be ready to discuss how you would handle various clinical situations, particularly those involving decision-making in complex cases. Consider scenarios where you had to collaborate with other healthcare professionals or manage a challenging patient.

✨Demonstrate Commitment to Continuous Learning

Highlight your dedication to professional development and staying updated on eye health advancements. Discuss any relevant training or courses you've undertaken, and express your enthusiasm for participating in SeeAbility's training programmes.

Sessional Optometrist

SeeAbility

Location: London

Sessional Optometrist

London

Full-Time

20000 - 30000 £ / year (est.)
SeeAbility

50-100

View SeeAbility Profile

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Sessional Optometrist

At a Glance

StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫

✨Tip Number 1

✨Tip Number 2

✨Tip Number 3

✨Tip Number 4

We think you need these skills to ace Sessional Optometrist

Some tips for your application 🫡

How to prepare for a job interview at SeeAbility

Sessional Optometrist

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