Job summaryFolkestone Eye Centre is an NHS community-based outpatient clinic, bringing expert eye care closer to patients' homes.The service is a joint venture owned and run by the partnership of Newton Place Surgery and a group of local expert Consultant Ophthalmic Surgeons.The service is located at our newly renovated premises within Basepoint in Folkestone. We have the most up to date diagnostic and surgical equipment on site, including a state-of-the-art cataract surgery suite.Applicants who have not worked within an WAMD service in East Kent need not apply.Main duties of the jobWe are looking for x6 WAMD ophthalmic technicians to join our Folkestone Eye Centre Team. The hours will be 7.5 and worked every other Sunday. Each Sunday we need 3 technicians, so this will be a job share, so that you do not have to give up every Sunday.Our WAMD ophthalmic technicians are the face of our WAMD service at Folkestone Eye Centre, they are often amongst the first people that our patients interact with on clinic visits and so having a welcoming, friendly, empathetic approach is vital.It is a busy role - you will be seeing a number of patients and taking them through a range of diagnostic tests. These will be passed onto a senior clinician to ascertain if an intravitreal injection or further survellience is required. At the weekend, you will assist a multidisciplinary team by undertaking either: - VA testing, OCT or assisting in the IVT room. You will be using a variety of different equipment and systems so we are looking for someone who is comfortable using systems and is fairly tech savvy.The thought of intravitreal injections can be a daunting and frightening prospect for patients to deal with, so our WAMD Ophthalmic Technicians need to be able to put patients at ease. They also need strong communication skills to be able to explain the purpose of the different tests to ensure the patient understands their treatment.About usThe team at Folkestone Eye Centre is run by our Service Lead, with the help and support of the 5 Consultant Ophthalmologists who are on rotation.The atmosphere at Folkestone Eye Centre is a warm and friendly one. We have a newly renovated premises which is clean and comfortable.We have a strong work ethic at Folkestone Eye Centre and we always put our patients first.We offer 25 days holiday + 8 bank holidays (pro-rata) the option to join the NHS pension scheme and a range of NHS discounts, including the option to sign up for a Blue Light Card.Job descriptionJob responsibilitiesTo have an understanding of macular degeneration and the importance of its patient pathway.To carry out ocular coherence topography (OCT) testing to a high standard, ensuring the individual needs of patients are met, maintaining patients' dignity and privacy and always acting in patients' best interests.Testing and recording of visual acuity using both Snellen and COMPlogInstillation of eye drops under the instruction of a Consultant Ophthalmologist.Measuring eye pressures with iCare tonometer probeTo assist in the IVT room, following the correct aseptic technique at all times.To care for the equipment used within the Outpatient clinic.To give clear and concise explanation and test instructions to ensure maximum patient understanding and co-operation takes place, taking into account patients who have sensory impairment (visual and/or hearing loss), physical or mental health, learning difficulties, different age groups, cultural differences and non-English speaking individuals or carers.To act as a chaperoneTo maintain and update relevant knowledge and skills, maintain a professional portfolio and participate in further training as appropriate, in order to enhance quality of care for patients and carers.To keep areas clean and to sanitise areas between each and every patient.To communicate effectively (written and verbally), respectfully and in a timely manner within the team.Understand the principle of confidentiality, always communicating in a way that maintains the patients confidentiality.To be a team playerTo attend bi-annual AMD audit meetings.To accept any development or traning courses offered to you in order to benefit the service and its patients.Person SpecificationQualificationsEssentialGCSE grade A to C in English and Maths or equivalent.ExperienceEssentialExperience of working within an AMD service in the UK.Experience of dealing with vulnerable patients.DesirableExperience of working at Folkestone Eye Centre or other ophthalmology community services.Disclosure and Barring Service CheckThis 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 detailsEmployer nameNewton Place SurgeryAddressUnit 21d Folkestone Enterprise CentreShearway RoadFolkestoneKentCT19 4RHEmployer's websitehttps://www.newtonplacesurgery.nhs.uk/ (Opens in a new tab)