About this role
Job summary
As part of the Emergency Eye Service, youll manage acute presentations that genuinely matter to patients, working closely with experienced ophthalmic practitioners and Ophthalmologists in a setting that balances autonomy with strong senior support.
This role places you at the centre of urgent ophthalmic decisionmaking, within a service where your clinical skills are used every day and continue to grow over time.
If youre not yet ready for a Band 6 post, were happy to consider a developmental opportunity, supporting you with structured training and mentorship.
The Royal Devon offers the opportunity to build a rewarding and fulfilling career while enjoying an outstanding quality of life. Our region boasts two national parks, dramatic coastlines, vibrant cultural cities and a wealth of outdoor activities.
Main duties of the job
For more detail about the main duties of this role, please see the job description section below. As a key member of the Royal Devon University Healthcare NHS Foundation Trust, you will be joining an exceptional team working together to help our patients to stay healthy, when they need it most.
About us
Stretching across Northern, Eastern and Mid Devon, we have a workforce of over 15,000 staff, making us the largest employer in Devon. Our core services, which we provide to more than 615,000 people, cover more than 2,000 square miles across Devon, while some of our specialist services cover the whole of the peninsula, extending our reach as far as Cornwall and the Isles of Scilly.
We deliver a wide range of emergency, specialist and general medical services through North Devon District Hospital and the Royal Devon and Exeter Hospital (Wonford).
Alongside our two acute hospitals, we provide integrated health and social care services across a variety of settings, including community inpatient hospitals, outpatient clinics, and within peoples own homes. We also offer primary care services, a range of specialist community services, and Sexual Assault Referral Centres (SARC).
Our state-of-the-art equipment, leading technologies and strong links to local universities put us at the forefront of research and innovations, enabling us to provide world-class care to our local communities.
Its never been a more exciting time to join the Royal Devon, as youll help to shape our services as we continue along our integration journey.
Job description Job responsibilities
For more information on the Job Description and Responsibilities, please click the link below.
More detail about the role
The Emergency Eye Service provides assessment and treatment for emergency and urgent, sightthreatening eye conditions. As part of the service, you will be involved in the clinical management of patients attending in person and through telephone triage.
Key aspects of the role include:
Assessment and management of patients with urgent and emergency ophthalmic presentations Working within your scope of practice, with access to senior clinical support and Ophthalmology colleagues Supporting the telephone triage service, responding to referrals and clinical queries from Community Optometrists, GP practices, NHS 111, Emergency Departments, Minor Injury Units and postoperative patients Participating in a range of emergency eye clinics, developing experience across different clinical presentationsThe service has a strong educational focus and supports placements and teaching for a range of learners, including student and preregistration optometrists and other healthcare professionals. This creates opportunities to contribute to education and learning activities as experience develops.
About You
You will be a registered nurse, optometrist, orthoptist or paramedic with experience working in ophthalmology. You will be able to demonstrate:
A working knowledge of ophthalmic assessment and acute eye presentations An understanding of professional accountability and working within defined competencies A commitment to maintaining high standards of patient careAn Independent Prescribing qualification is desirable but not essential. The post holder will be expected to be willing to work towards this qualification, with support from the service.
Not quite ready for a Band 6 role?
For the right candidate, we offer a developmental post, with structured training, development and mentoring. Candidates who do not yet meet all the criteria will be appointed at Band 5 and progress to Band 6 upon completion of the required competencies.
Career Development and Support
Training will be tailored to your background and experience, with the aim of building confidence, consistency and clinical competence within the service.
Ongoing professional development will be tailored to your background and experience. Youll be supported through:
Access to inhouse and external training and study opportunities Supervised clinical development within emergency ophthalmology Learning alongside experienced practitioners across the wider ophthalmology serviceLove Where You Live and Work
The Royal Devon is located in the South West of England, offering a high quality of life alongside career development. The region includes the city of Exeter, the landscapes of Dartmoor and Exmoor, and coastal areas within easy reach. The area benefits from low crime rates and strong educational provision, from schools through to higher education.
Working Pattern: The Emergency Eye Service operates Monday to Saturday, 8am6pm, including Bank Holidays, from the West of England Eye Unit, with Sunday opening planned in the foreseeable future.
This is a parttime position working 27 hours per week with working pattern to be discussed with the service prior to appointment.
Interview Date: 8th June
For Further Information, Please contact Caitlin Newitt and Emily Venner, Joint Heads of Emergency Eye Service on [email protected]
As an inclusive employer, the Royal Devon values diversity and is committed to creating a culture of inclusivity where everyone can be themselves and reach their full potential. We believe in fostering a sense of belonging and actively encourage applications from individuals of all backgrounds, cultures, and abilities. We recognise the advantages of having a diverse workforce that reflects the communities we serve.
Preference will be given to staff with Priority and 'At Risk' status including NHS At Risk staff throughout Devon.
The Royal Devon University Healthcare NHS Foundation Trust reserves the right to close vacancy when sufficient applications have been received.
The Royal Devon University Healthcare NHS Foundation Trust was established in April 2022, bringing together the expertise of both the Royal Devon and Exeter NHS Foundation Trust and Northern Devon Healthcare NHS Trust.
Benefits
We will work together to maintain a culture that develops and supports you and your team.
This might include funding for a care certificate, a degree or leadership qualifications. Or it might include days off to study, engage in CPD or rotational placements to help you hone your skills. Wherever you are heading in the NHS, we'll help you get there.
Looking after you is important to us.
We strive to help our staff create a healthy work-life balance through flexible working schemes and our family friendly policies.
If you're starting out in the NHS, you'll start with 27 days paid annual leave (plus bank holidays), rising to 33 days plus bank holidays.
You'll benefit from access to our own comprehensive occupational health services, including counselling, onsite wellbeing activities and groups.
Salary is not the only financial benefit
You'll have access to an extensive range of staff discounts on shopping, fitness and leisure options and you can spread the cost of technology and home appliance purchases from major retailers.
You will also have access to other benefits including:
National discount services such as the Blue Light Card and Health Service Discounts.
Salary sacrifice options including our OFSTED rated outstanding nursery onsite at Exeter
Car lease schemes.
The NHS Pension scheme (one of the most generous and comprehensive in the UK).
Cycle to work scheme
These are just a few of the benefits available if the role is something you are interested in, we'd love to hear from you.
Person Specification
General Requirements Essential
See job description text above, and (where applicable) you can download a copy of the full job description
Desirable
See job description text above, and (where applicable) you can download a copy of the full job description
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.
Employer details Employer name Royal Devon University Healthcare NHS Foundation Trust
Address Royal Devon University Healthcare NHS Foundation Trust
Exeter
Devon
EX2 5DW
United Kingdom
Employer's website https://royaldevon.nhs.uk/ (Opens in a new tab)