Job summary
Applications are invited from enthusiastic and committed Dispensing Opticians to work with us in the Royal Eye Infirmary. This is a very exciting opportunity to work with us in our new REI building which opened October 2023.
We are a small collaborative team of qualified Dispensing Opticians, and work closely with our colleagues in Optometry, Orthoptics, imaging, advanced clinical practitioners, nurse practitioners, and ophthalmologists.
Post qualification experience is desirable, as we have Pre-registration Optometrists who require supervision in the dispensing service.
***Preference will be given to internal Trust staff, as well as 'Priority' and 'At Risk' status including NHS At Risk staff throughout Devon who are able to display recent relevant experience as dictated by the Person Specification***
Main duties of the job
As a department, we are dedicated to the development of a strong Optometry team ready for the future. The post holder will have an important role of providing the best cosmetic and practical dispensing solution to optimise the visual outcome in all types of dispensing. You will be involved in dispensing complex prescriptions and work with children and adults with additional needs, as well as babies. You will have an opportunity for specialist dispensing including Ptosis props, frame modifications and low vision aids.
We are looking for a candidate who is hard working, has attention to detail, a team player and who is ABDO registered.
About us
We are a people business - where every member of staff matters and can make a difference. Patients are at the heart of everything we do. Joining University Hospitals Plymouth NHS Trust means becoming part of a team of dedicated staff, who are committed to leading the way through innovation, clinical excellence and great customer care. The Trust has great opportunities for career development in a highly progressive working environment. We offer all of this in a vibrant, modern city with a historic reputation for adventure. PLEASE NOTE THAT ALL COMMUNICATION WILL BE ELECTRONIC, PLEASE CHECK YOUR EMAIL ACCOUNT REGULARLY. If you have any issues with applying online and need additional support including reasonable adjustments with the application process please contact the recruitment team on 01752 432100. We recognise that work life balance is important for our colleagues and so we invite requests from applicants around less than full time/flexible working for our advertised roles. Please contact the recruiting manager to discuss this prior to your application submission. We commit to giving this full consideration in each case. We encourage people from diverse backgrounds to apply for our roles, as diversity strengthens our teams. It is sometimes necessary to close vacancies before the closing date. If you have not heard from us within 4 weeks of the closing date, please assume that you have not been shortlisted.
Job description
Job responsibilities
- To deliver a high-quality dispensing service to HES patients.
- To manage relevant DSE requirements for staff members within the trust.
- To include fitting of optical appliances.
- Specialised advice on high powered prescriptions, complex prescriptions and multifocal prescriptions.
- Specialised advice on spectacle frame materials.
- Repairs to existing spectacles.
- Checking of spectacles ready to be issued to patients.
- Contacting patients for collection of spectacles (or posting).
- Making or chasing orders and dealing with patient queries.
- Carry out low vision aid in follow up assessments as required.
- Carry out contact lens teach sessions as required.
- Advise on suitable products for dry eye management and lid hygiene.
- Assist in management of a financially efficient contact lens service.
- 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.
- Proactively and positively contribute to the achievement of clinical outcomes through individual and team effort.
- Ensure that resources are used effectively and in accordance with agreed procedures.
- Promote health education both within and outside the Trust and advise patient, family, and others in health promotion issues.
- Report and manage untoward incidents such as complaints, clinical emergencies, and injury or drug administration errors as detailed in Trust-wide and local protocols and procedures.
Job description
Job responsibilities
- To deliver a high-quality dispensing service to HES patients.
- To manage relevant DSE requirements for staff members within the trust.
- To include fitting of optical appliances.
- Specialised advice on high powered prescriptions, complex prescriptions and multifocal prescriptions.
- Specialised advice on spectacle frame materials.
- Repairs to existing spectacles.
- Checking of spectacles ready to be issued to patients.
- Contacting patients for collection of spectacles (or posting).
- Making or chasing orders and dealing with patient queries.
- Carry out low vision aid in follow up assessments as required.
- Carry out contact lens teach sessions as required.
- Advise on suitable products for dry eye management and lid hygiene.
- Assist in management of a financially efficient contact lens service.
- 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.
- Proactively and positively contribute to the achievement of clinical outcomes through individual and team effort.
- Ensure that resources are used effectively and in accordance with agreed procedures.
- Promote health education both within and outside the Trust and advise patient, family, and others in health promotion issues.
- Report and manage untoward incidents such as complaints, clinical emergencies, and injury or drug administration errors as detailed in Trust-wide and local protocols and procedures.
Person Specification
Knowledge and experience
Essential
- Qualified Dispensing Optician in the UK (3rd Year Dispensing opticians can apply for employment for when training completed)
- Theoretical and demonstrable practical experience across a broad range of Dispensing skills
Desirable
- Demonstrable experience of working with patients with special needs, children and others, requiring high levels of communication skills and use of special techniques.
Qualifications
Essential
- GOC Registration (General Optical Council)
Desirable
- Association of Dispensing Opticians
Person Specification
Knowledge and experience
Essential
- Qualified Dispensing Optician in the UK (3rd Year Dispensing opticians can apply for employment for when training completed)
- Theoretical and demonstrable practical experience across a broad range of Dispensing skills
Desirable
- Demonstrable experience of working with patients with special needs, children and others, requiring high levels of communication skills and use of special techniques.
Qualifications
Essential
- GOC Registration (General Optical Council)
Desirable
- Association of Dispensing Opticians
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.
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).
UK Registration
Applicants must have current UK professional registration. For further information please see
NHS Careers website (opens in a new window).
Additional information
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).
UK Registration
Applicants must have current UK professional registration. For further information please see
NHS Careers website (opens in a new window).
