About this role
Job summary
Are you passionate about delivering excellent patient care and making a real difference in a fast-paced clinical environment? We are looking for an enthusiastic and compassionate Ophthalmic Technician to join our busy Ophthalmic Emergency Department.
In this rewarding role, you will be at the heart of the patient journey, supporting the assessment and treatment of patients attending with urgent eye conditions. Following appropriate training and competency assessment, you will undertake a range of ophthalmic investigations and diagnostic tests, including visual acuity assessment, intraocular pressure measurement, visual field testing, OCT imaging, blood pressure monitoring, blood glucose testing and ECG recording.
Working alongside ophthalmologists, optometrists, nurses and administrative colleagues, you will help prepare patients for review, provide reassurance and support during their attendance, and contribute to the smooth running of the department. You will also assist with maintaining clinical areas, managing equipment and stock, and ensuring patient information is accurately recorded.
No two days are the same in our Emergency Department. If you thrive in a dynamic environment, enjoy working as part of a multidisciplinary team, and are committed to delivering high-quality patient care, this is an excellent opportunity to develop specialist ophthalmic skills and build a rewarding career within emergency eye care.
Main duties of the job
The Ophthalmic Technician plays a key role in supporting the delivery of safe, effective and patient-centred care within the Ophthalmic Emergency Department. Working as part of the multidisciplinary team, the post holder will undertake a range of delegated clinical investigations, diagnostic procedures and patient care activities following appropriate training and competency assessment.
The role involves performing ophthalmic investigations including visual acuity testing, intraocular pressure measurement, colour vision testing, visual field assessments and Optical Coherence Tomography (OCT), alongside basic clinical observations such as blood pressure monitoring, blood glucose testing and ECG recording. Additional duties include obtaining conjunctival swabs, performing eye irrigation following chemical injury, and supporting patients with mobility and personal care needs where required.
The Ophthalmic Technician will support the efficient running of the department by maintaining clinical areas, monitoring stock and equipment, recording patient information accurately and contributing to effective patient flow. They will work within established policies, procedures and competency frameworks, recognising and escalating concerns or abnormal findings to registered staff as appropriate.
About us
Bristol NHS Foundation Trust brings together more than 28,000 staff to deliver over 160 clinical services across thirteen hospital locations,operatingfrom three main sites at Southmead, Bristol citycentreand Weston.
With an annual turnover of £2.3 billion, we are now one of the largest NHS trusts in the United Kingdom. Our hospitals are spread across Bristol and Weston, join us and you can enjoy the very best of both worlds; city living within a stone's throw of the countryside or beside the seaside, both with easy access to all that theSouth Westhas to offer.
Bristol NHS Foundation Trust values all people as individuals. As an equal opportunities employer actively working towards a diverse workforce we aim to recruit andretaina workforce whichrepresentsthe rich diversity of the local population at all levels and are committed to designing our services around the needs of individual patients and those around them. Anonymous information will be used from your applicationin order toensurewe'remeeting our pledge.
Job description Job responsibilities 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
Person Specification
Education and qualifications Essential
Extensive experience of ophthalmic care or at least 5 GCSEs to grade c or above including English, Maths and one other science subject Extensive experience of Ophthalmic care or at least 1 A level in a science subject grade C or above
Desirable
Undergraduate qualification or relevant experience
Knowledge, skills and abilities Essential
Computer literate Ability to communicate with people at different levels Professional attitude to work Good communication skills
Experience Essential
Proven experience of dealing with the public Understanding of confidentiality issues
Desirable
Working knowledge of NHS procedures Knowledge of Health & safety Issues
Personal qualities Essential
Methodical and reliable, with attention to detail and accuracy Can demonstrate a flexible and adaptable approach to work with a willingness to learn and develop role Capacity to adapt to changes and working practices quickly Self-motivated, enthusiastic and approachable Exhibit diplomacy and interpersonal skills with ability to interact with people of all levels and background Professional in appearance and approach
Disclosure and Barring Service Check This post is subject to the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act (Exceptions Order) 1975 and as such it will be necessary for a submission for Disclosure to be made to the Disclosure and Barring Service (formerly known as CRB) to check for any previous criminal convictions.
Certificate of Sponsorship Applications from job seekers who require current Skilled worker sponsorship to work in the UK are welcome and will be considered alongside all other applications. For further information visit the UK Visas and Immigration website (Opens in a new tab).
From 6 April 2017, skilled worker applicants, applying for entry clearance into the UK, have had to present a criminal record certificate from each country they have resided continuously or cumulatively for 12 months or more in the past 10 years. Adult dependants (over 18 years old) are also subject to this requirement. Guidance can be found here Criminal records checks for overseas applicants (Opens in a new tab).
Employer details Employer name Bristol NHS Foundation Trust
Address Bristol Eye Hospital
Lower Maudlin st
Bristol
BS1 2LX
United Kingdom
Employer's website https://www.uhbw.nhs.uk/ (Opens in a new tab)