Ophthalmic Healthcare Support Worker

Overview

Ophthalmology is a branch of medicine dealing with the diagnosis, treatment and prevention of diseases of the eye and visual system. The eye, its surrounding structures and the visual system can be affected by a number of clinical conditions. Eye health services are becoming more and more important as the UK population ages.

An ageing population means there are more and more incidences of age‑related diseases of the eye, such as age‑related macular degeneration. These eye diseases can be successfully treated if caught early, and can be managed effectively with existing treatments and medicines.

• As an ophthalmic healthcare support worker, you will need to have worked in the ophthalmic unit for a period of twelve months and achieved the competencies expected. You will undertake ophthalmic assessment including visual acuity assessments, iCare ocular pressure measurements, ophthalmic diagnostics, Schirmer’s Test and, when the competency pack is completed, any additional required tests.
• You will work alongside qualified professionals and participate in the delivery of planned care. Much of this role requires use of VDU equipment, ophthalmic diagnostics, with frequent long periods of sitting or standing, and frequent use of a range of web‑based systems such as Medisight and other IT software.
• You will exercise an agreed degree of professional autonomy to make judgements and decisions in order to satisfy the expectations and demands of the role. You will develop an understanding and knowledge of the anatomy and physiology of the eye to perform ophthalmic diagnostic tests on patients presenting with a variety of ophthalmic conditions.
• You will prioritise your own tasks under the direction of an appropriate professional and recognise and report all adverse findings to the appropriate professional.
• You will support the ophthalmic service and be expected to work in peripheral clinics and/or theatre environments independently with clinicians.

You will be joining the organisation at an exciting time. As the first fully integrated care organisation in England, we are working to improve the way we deliver safe, high‑quality health and social care. We have a positive and vibrant working atmosphere, and we are proud of our investment in staff – from developing potential career skills to valuing people.

If you provide support to a family member or friend with health or care needs, we aim to be a Carer‑friendly employer. We have a ‘Staff Carers’ policy which includes flexible working where possible and a Carer’s Passport scheme that links you into support and discounts.

• We reserve the right to close vacancies early if we receive a high volume of applications. Therefore, we encourage you to apply promptly.
• Please read the job description carefully and tailor your application to reflect the requirements of the role.
• Applicants who identify in their application form as part of the Armed Forces community will be guaranteed an interview, provided they meet the minimum essential criteria outlined in the job description and person specification for the role. Step into Health guidance can be found on our NHS Employers website.
• Correspondence will be sent via Trac, text, and email. Please ensure you check your email and Trac account regularly.
• Applicants with no previous NHS experience will ordinarily be appointed to the minimum of the band.
• If you have not received an invitation to interview within 28 days of the closing date, please assume that your application has been unsuccessful on this occasion.
• It is your responsibility to ensure the timely receipt of appropriate references.

The Trust is committed to preventing discrimination, valuing diversity and achieving equality of opportunity. No person (staff, patient or public) will receive less favourable treatment on the grounds of the nine protected characteristics as governed by the Equality Act 2010. If you require support you can obtain this from our Equality Business Forum, which has representatives from all protected groups.

Position:
Band 3 Ophthalmic Healthcare Support Worker (Torbay and South Devon NHS Foundation Trust). You will be working together as part of a multidisciplinary, professional team to assist the registered nurses and senior clinical staff in the planning, delivery and evaluation of care; by assisting the nursing staff to improve and maintain high standards of care, health and well‑being of patients through assessment, treatment and rehabilitation, within the unit under indirect supervision.

Our staff are committed to providing high standards of individualised care for the people who use our services, whilst maintaining their privacy and dignity at all times. The post holder will provide an efficient specialised support service to patients allocated for diagnostic testing and assessment.