Ophthalmic Assistant

Who are we?
Newmedica are one of the leading providers of NHS ophthalmology services in England, providing outpatient appointments, diagnostic testing and eye surgery. We aim to change lives through better sight and eye health.

We care for thousands of NHS and private patients a year in our specialist eye clinics across the country. We have significant growth plans over the next few years as we look to establish a national footprint and open many new sites across the UK.

We are thrilled to say that following an independently conducted survey of Newmedica colleagues, we have been certified as a Great Place to Work®. This is a global benchmark that recognises employers who create an outstanding employee experience.

Role Overview
We will provide FULL training.

We are looking for an Ophthalmic Assistant to join our Newmedica Oxfordshire Site. This will be 40 hours over 5 days per week. In the future there may be weekend working on a rota basis.

Our Ophthalmic Assistants are the face of Newmedica – they’re often amongst the first people that our patients interact with on clinic visits and so having a welcoming, friendly, empathetic approach is vital.

It’s a busy role – you’ll be seeing a number of patients each day to take them through a range of diagnostic tests. These will be passed onto a senior clinician to ascertain if surgery or further treatment is required. You’ll be using a variety of different equipment and systems so we’re looking for someone who is comfortable using systems and is fairly tech savvy.

The thought of eye surgery can be a daunting prospect for patients to deal with, so our Ophthalmic Assistants 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.

This is a great role to take the first step on a clinical career path or to progress your clinical skills. Newmedica is committed to the growth and development of all our colleagues and the Ophthalmic Assistant is a great platform to potentially explore a career in clinic.

What we’re offering

• 25 days annual leave plus bank holidays
• A company pension scheme
• Opportunities to develop and grow within the business
• Access to a range of benefits including free eye tests, discounted or free glasses, and a retail/technology discount scheme
• An environment where your learning and development is supported through a range of various learning tools and courses
• Working with a friendly multi-disciplinary team passionate about improving the lives of our patients
• Free food/snacks trolley
• Monthly governance day with lunch provided
• A free 24/7 well-being/counselling/advice service
• A bright, spacious and modern working environment, built to the highest standards
• Cycle to work scheme
• Monthly gift voucher rewards

Essential job responsibilities

• Accurately document and record patient history
• Perform a variety of routine tests using ophthalmic instruments that provide diagnostic information including, but not limited to, intraocular pressures, visual acuity, OCT/fundus photography and biometry
• Administer topical medications as required by the provider for testing and treatment
• Prepare and position patients for diagnostic tests and procedures
• Perform, verify and record results of clinical testing with absolute integrity
• Maintain confidentiality of sensitive information and patient data at ALL times
• Assist in educating patients pertaining to the treatment to follow
• Enter accurate data onto the electronic patient record system in a timely manner
• Maintain cleanliness according to Infection Prevention Control policies
• Follow national policies, procedures and guidelines as set and established by Newmedica
• Maintain a positive and approachable attitude towards patients
• Remain cool, calm and collected when answering patient queries
• Manage patient expectations when there are delays or unforeseen circumstances occur
• Manage the relationship with the patient and the provision of appropriate information to them, ensuring that exceptional customer service is delivered
• Work with other clinic staff, including clinicians, to ensure optimal patient flow, including assisting them if required
• Undertake other ad hoc and administrative tasks as required to ensure the smooth running of the clinic
• Escalate process, clinical, equipment, quality or infection risk issues appropriately
• Committed to continued professional development and clinical governance, including participating in appraisal process, completion of mandatory training and clinical audits and research as required
• Ensure that all medication is locked away and never left unsupervised

Additional responsibilities

• Assisting in the preparation and creation of patient files for clinic
• Completing pre and post operative calls
• Covering reception on an ad hoc basis, assisting them if required

What skills and experience do I need?
We’ll provide full training so experience isn’t always needed, but the following will be advantageous:

Education & qualifications

• A good level of general education or equivalent experience
• GCSE Maths and English

Experience & knowledge

• Proven customer service skills with a passion for customer care. Previous experience of working with patients or carers would be desirable although not essential
• Ability to build a working knowledge of eye physiology and treatment. Previous experience is not expected
• Fully computer literate, comfortable with Microsoft Office products and the ability to learn new patient record systems

Skills & personal attributes

• Enjoys working with a range of people and is able to tailor their approach to a diversity of patient needs
• Excellent verbal and written communication skills with a good telephone manner
• Excellent organisation skills and the ability to multi-task
• Committed to delivery of consistently high standards of testing and administration
• Enjoys the routine and rhythm of a process driven environment
• Comfortable making a significant contribution in a small team
• Able to balance working independently with appropriate escalation

If you would like an informal chat about the opportunity, please contact salma.hussain@newmedica.co.uk

Our employment offers are subject to receipt of satisfactory pre-employment checks. Applicants must have the right to work in the UK and a Disclosure and Barring Service check will be necessary in the event of a successful application, which we will pay for. At Newmedica, we actively promote diversity and equal opportunities, and we are committed to this in both the running of our services and how we recruit our staff. Newmedica is fully committed to safeguarding the welfare of all people, irrespective of gender, age, disability, sexual orientation, race, language, religion, ethnic or social origin.