Sessional Optometrist

Overview

Sessional Optometrist - London (School or Schools)

Salary: £250 per day + Benefits

Hours: 7.5 - 37.5 hours per week (1-5 days a week) - school term time only

About SeeAbility

SeeAbility is the leading national eye care expert for people with learning disabilities. As a Specialist Registered Charity, it has over 220 years' experience supporting people who have a visual impairment, learning disability, autism or complex support needs.

What you bring

To be part of SeeAbility's NHS England commissioned Special School's Eye Care team in a London school or schools. You will be responsible for regular visits to the same school(s) with a Dispensing Optician partner during school term times only. SeeAbility Special Schools Eye Care team training will be provided to all successful applicants.

Your responsibilities

• Provide specialist eye care and eye care and vision information in schools to meet NHS England's Special School Eye Care Service Specification
• Undertake SeeAbility Special Schools Eye Care Team training
• Communicate appropriately and confidently with children who have complex needs
• Communicate sensitive information to patients' relatives or carers, with potential barriers to understanding
• Manage your caseload of patients using evidence-based practice whenever possible
• Make independent complex clinical decisions where opinions may differ
• Liaise with parents and schools on your caseload (secure NHS mail, GDPR compliant). Support from SeeAbility's Special Schools Service Manager and administrators is available
• Refer children needing spectacle correction to the SeeAbility Dispensing Optician and provide dispensing services when required
• Prescribe and advise on eye drops
• Demonstrate a high degree of skill with complex diagnostic equipment
• Foster interdisciplinary cooperation with agencies such as local social services and educational representatives
• Consider involvement of other healthcare professionals (e.g., orthoptists, GPs, ophthalmologists, paediatricians, SLTs, OTs, physiotherapists)
• Ensure accurate documentation of all interactions
• Produce written clinical outcome reports for parents, teaching staff and professionals within 5 working days of assessment
• Share clinical information securely with appropriate parties
• Refer a child for further management to an ophthalmologist, orthoptist or GP when clinically indicated
• Transport notes, laptop and testing equipment between sites as required
• Be accountable for own actions and work within health policies while acting independently in patient care
• Ensure a safe, clean, therapeutic environment and follow infection control procedures
• Maintain safe manual handling, equipment readiness, and appropriate postures during examinations
• Maintain concentration during unpredictable clinical examinations and manage interruptions professionally
• Work with patients with hearing or speech impairment, language barriers, or challenging behaviour
• Apply optical power calculations and related measures
• Inform patients and carers about visual loss and its impact on quality of life
• Cultivate good communication with other clinical and non-clinical staff for safe, effective teamwork
• Assist the Head of Eye Health with risk assessments to maintain safety
• Mentor new eye care team members as part of SeeAbility/NHSE training
• Attend at least 2 SeeAbility team meetings per year
• Comply with health and safety regulations for staff, patients and visitors
• Report and investigate any incidents, accidents or near misses involving patients, visitors or staff as appropriate
• Report absences due to sickness to the Special Schools Service Manager and Clinical Lead
• Maintain personal and professional development and participate in relevant training
• Deliver annual training sessions to your assigned school with support from the Service Manager and Clinical Lead
• Engage in evidence-based practice and contribute to improving patient-centred care
• Undertake clinical audits using appropriate methodologies
• Maintain working knowledge of IT systems used by the service
• Maintain clinical records in line with information governance and Data Protection guidance
• Support the themes, values and goals of the UK Vision Strategy
• Maintain records and upload reports to the shared information system in a timely way
• Stay up to date on developments in eye health, learning/disability, legislation and policy
• Promote diversity in service delivery and comply with professional conduct requirements
• Maintain a safe working environment and follow SeeAbility's Health and Safety Manual
• Maintain confidentiality and safeguarding procedures
• Undertake other duties commensurate with the role of optometrist as instructed

For extensive job description, please see the attached.

Our Benefits

SeeAbility offers a comprehensive benefits package, including:

• Discounts and cashback at hundreds of shops, restaurants and activities
• Blue Light Card discounts
• Save 10% on monthly bus travel
• Pay reviews and competitive pay
• Employer contributory pension scheme
• Refer a friend - £600
• Paid DBS and renewals
• Season ticket loans

Safer Recruitment

SeeAbility is committed to safe and fair recruitment, safeguarding and protecting those we support. Employment is subject to the following checks:

• Criminal background check through the Disclosure and Barring Service (where appropriate)
• Identity, current address, right to work in the UK documentation
• Health declaration to confirm medical suitability
• References to verify conduct in health or social care, or work with children or vulnerable adults

Checks will be completed prior to offering a start date at SeeAbility's expense.

Diversity

SeeAbility is committed to a diverse and inclusive workplace. Applications from all identities are welcome, including those with disabilities or neurodivergent conditions. We support reasonable adjustments in recruitment and in the role. SeeAbility does not discriminate and is committed to equality of opportunity.