Ophthalmic Nurse Injector

Job Title – Ophthalmic Nurse Injector

Location – London & surrounding

Hours of Work – FT or PT

Salary – Commensurate with level of experience

Optical Express is a provider of ophthalmology services including laser eye surgery, cataract surgery and lens replacement surgery in the United Kingdom and Europe. For over 34 years, millions of patients have trusted Optical Express with their eye care. We are focused on delivering exceptional patient care, outstanding clinical outcomes and continued investment in our people and technology.

A fantastic opportunity has become available for an experienced Ophthalmic Nurse Injector to provide care to patients within our clinics in London and surrounding area.

Having undertaken additional approved training and assessment as part of the role the post holder will work autonomously as a Nurse Practitioner injector within agreed guidelines and local policies and protocols for the best outcome of care.

To administer Anti-VEGF agents which are given for a variety of previously untreatable eye conditions and the indications for their use are increasing. Their use in Age Related Macular Degeneration (ARMD), diabetics with macular oedema (DMO) and Retinal Vein Occlusions with macular oedema (RVO) is approved by NICE and most patients require multiple injections.

To be responsible for the assessment of care needs and the planning, implementation and evaluation of that care of the ophthalmic patient intra-vitreal injection clinics.

To act as a resource and facilitator to educate and train other healthcare professionals as required.

To develop the role according to need, participate in audit and research projects, assisting with the development of policies and procedures as required

• To deliver a nurse led service for the clinical management of patients with Ophthalmic changes.
• Provide support to the patients, carers, and staff.
• To receive professional leadership from the Clinical Director with specialist advice from the Ophthalmology Consultants and their team.

They will be accountable for their own actions and must practice in a way that protects patients’ safety and promotes the health and well-being. The successful candidate must strictly follow infection control guidelines and the standard operating practice guidelines.

The main duties of this post is to provide cover for the Intravitreal injection clinics across multiple sites.

You will be responsible for your own caseload and will be expected to ensure patients are fit and well enough for their procedure and refer to the clinician if not.

You will be responsible for ensuring all the necessary prescriptions and medications are prescribed prior to treatment and will work with a suitable practitioner who will assist in making the patient comfortable and reassure the patient prior to and during the procedure. The team must follow strict infection control guidelines to enable a safe, effective procedure.

Job description

Job responsibilities

• Ensure care delivery is in line with the appropriate regulatory body code of practice (e.g., NMC/HCPC).
• Ensure a quality-orientated approach to care, which recognises the needs and views of patients/clients and their carers (where applicable), placing the patient at the centre of all activities.
• Undertake nurse/practitioner led intravitreal clinics prioritising workload in collaboration with multidisciplinary team and demonstrates an ability to plan and work in accordance with the needs of the service.
• To assist the consultant assessing patients and undertake treatment for patients with age related macular degeneration and other conditions as the role develops.
• Provide training for patients and other staff members on the benefits of the intravitreal injections.
• Provide a high quality of service.
• Maintain effective communication with all patients, carers and members of the health care team.
• Demonstrates a specialist knowledge and expertise in Ophthalmology, resulting from experience in the clinical area and post-registration study.
• Good hand/ eye co-ordination, manual dexterity, precision, and accuracy required to administer intravitreal injections

• Holds full UK driving licence and has own transport to enable movement between sites and business travel.
• Uses audit and observation to ensure that other staff follow relevant policies.
• Provides specialist nursing advice for patients following intravitreal injections.

Person Specification

Knowledge

Essential

• Good communication skills
• Flexible
• Good team worker
• Ability to manage own caseload
• Ability to recognise deterioration and refer to consultant if required
• Previous work within an Ophthalmic setting
• Knowledge of A & P of the eye

Desirable

• Previous ophthalmic injecting experience.

Qualifications

Essential

• Registered Nurse/Practitioner Adult with valid NMC /HCPC registration or suitable alternative Ophthalmic qualification.

Desirable

• Nursing related study degree or Ophthalmic equivalent
• Evidence of post registered Ophthalmic education
• Working towards Non-medical prescribers qualification or willing to undertake

Further Training

Essential

• Commitment to professional development and education

Desirable

• Evidence of working with challenging/non-compliant patients

Experience

Essential

• Evidence of post registered experience of Ophthalmology
• Experience of moving and handling patients
• Experience of patient centre care
• Ability to prioritise

Desirable

• Articulate with track record of problem solving
• Experience of working with LD, patients who lack capacity and other

This is a fantastic opportunity to join a global organisation where you will have the opportunity to grow and develop within a professional working environment.