Band 6 - Ophthalmology Photographer, Surgery/Head and Neck

Applicants are invited to apply for a substantive post for a Band 6 Ophthalmic Photographer within West Hertfordshire Hospitals NHS Trust.

West Hertfordshire Hospitals NHS Trust consists of three hospitals in the West Hertfordshire area, Watford General Hospital, Hemel Hempstead General Hospital and St Albans City Hospital. Ophthalmology services are provided across two sites (Watford and St. Albans) managed by a single department.

The Ophthalmology department is seeking an enthusiastic, highly motivated and dedicated Ophthalmic photographer who would be experienced in undertaking a variety of diagnostic imaging, including: OCT, OCT-A, Fundus Autofluorescence, Retinal fundus photography, Anterior Segment Photography, Retinal tomography, Fluorescein angiography and Indocyanine green angiography, Corneal topography, Auto-refraction and Corneal pachymetry.

The post holder will be based mainly at Watford General Hospital, but may have to work across both sites (Watford and St. Albans).

Good communication skills to facilitate transfer of complex information to patients regarding angiography, as patient co-operation is needed to complete fluorescein angiography/ICG imaging successfully (especially when there are barriers to understanding).

Understanding of a range of digital angiography and imaging procedures requiring expertise underpinned by theoretical knowledge of the principles underlying fundus photography, digital angiography, auto fluorescence imaging and optical coherence tomography.

There has never been a more exciting time to join West Hertfordshire Hospitals NHS Trust! Major redevelopment works are due for completion by 2025 or soon after. These will be most dramatic at Watford General Hospital where up to 90% of buildings will be new.

There are also plans for a digital transformation, new models of care and a multi-storey car park which is opening this year. As well as this, the trust – which won the UK Best Employer Award (Nursing Times 2019) – is applying for teaching hospital status in recognition of its wide and well-renowned role in educating doctors, nurses, and other healthcare professionals.

We encourage and welcome people with disabilities if you need help please ask.

We reserve the right to close this advert early due to the volume of applicants. Please apply as soon as possible to avoid disappointment.

If you do not hear back within 3 weeks of your application, please assume you have been unsuccessful on this occasion.

Making judgements involving a range of facts which require analysis and comparison to optimise images obtained during digital angiography (e.g., strategies to overcome small pupils, eye movement, cataract, blinking or a combination of these during fluorescein angiography).

Well-developed physical skills (manual dexterity) to fulfil duties. These are needed to capture in focus images during angiography.

Responsibility for the safe use of expensive and highly complex imaging equipment. Carry out simple maintenance of equipment.

Follow established departmental policies for imaging techniques and be guided by standard operating procedures and good practice when performing imaging tasks. When performing complex imaging tasks, refer to more senior members of the team for guidance.

Participate in departmental teaching and training sessions.

Continuously review work to maintain and improve quality of imaging performed.

Provide computer graphic services and operate several information systems relating to imaging. Assist medical staff in downloading clinical images and printing and help with PowerPoint presentations.

Undertake training, as required, in ophthalmic imaging and technical procedures under the supervision of senior Ophthalmic Technician.