Specialist Optometrist

Role overview

Clinical responsibilities

• Perform investigative, diagnostic and therapeutic optometric procedures as required by the Consultant Ophthalmologist.
• Analyze and interpret specialist test results and guide patients through treatment options.
• Work autonomously in specialist optometry and other clinics, and participate in multidisciplinary patient assessment.
• Provide clinical advice to colleagues, patients and carers, including complex or sensitive information.
• Record clinical observations accurately and comply with data protection requirements.
• Carry out precise procedures such as contact lens insertion and removal and refractive error measurement.
• Supervise procedures in challenging conditions and take responsibility for patient health and safety.

Service and governance duties

• Organize and manage an individual patient caseload and contribute to local policies, protocols and ophthalmology service planning.
• Maintain complex equipment and ensure safe use by others under supervision.
• Order stock cost-effectively, maintain adequate stock levels and support cost improvement programmes.
• Contribute to patient surveys, clinical audits, trials, research and development, and lead projects when required.
• Work with colleagues on clinical risk management and complaints in line with Trust policy.
• Maintain continuing education and training and identify professional development needs.

Education and training

• Teach and supervise pre-registration optometrists, visiting registered optometrists, medical staff and staff and students from related disciplines.

Requirements

• Ability to provide specialist optometry services and work autonomously in specialist and other clinics as required.
• Ability to perform investigative, diagnostic and therapeutic optometric procedures as required by the Consultant Ophthalmologist.
• Ability to analyze and interpret specialist test results and explain treatment options to patients.
• Ability to communicate complex or sensitive clinical information to patients, carers and professional colleagues.
• Ability to maintain accurate clinical records and observe data protection requirements.
• Ability to maintain continuing education and training to practise effectively as a specialist.