Trainee Ocularist

Job overview

With supervision to undertake the manufacturing of ocular prosthetics for Adult patients.

To develop specialist skills to design, fabricate, clinically fit custom made ocular and other complex custom made medical devices.

To assist in provisions of rehabilitation of patients who have undergone radical surgery for disease, trauma and malignancy by means of highly specialized skill.

To develop skills and knowledge in ocular prosthetics, being signed off by senior ocularists.

Main duties of the job

To carry out prosthetic rehabilitation under supervision.

To demonstrate high levels of artistic ability

To mould, fit and paint a definitive artificial eye

To assist in the maintenance of the department’s quality control system by adherence to ISO13485:2016 standard

To be able carry out tasks for Quality Management Services and any other duties required outside your job role

Detailed job description and main responsibilities

To evaluate patients for their appropriate prosthetic rehabilitation - under supervision.

To develop skills to clinically design, prescribe, fabricate and fit custom made artificial eyes, cosmetic shells, and other complex medical devices as required under supervision.

To develop skills to analyse complex sockets, devise and undertake an appropriate treatment plan for the patient.

To demonstrate high levels of artistic ability for iris painting in the patient’s presence. To develop skills and demonstrate an understanding of all prosthetic manufacturing techniques using specialized complex laboratory equipment. To fabricate medical devices that comply fully with medical device legislation.

To mould, fit and paint a definitive pattern prior to the manufacture and subsequent supply of a customised artificial eye. Advising on future treatments that may be required and the daily routine of inserting removing and cleansing.

Under supervision, to create and produce customised conformers, which may or may not involve visiting the operating theatre or wards to mould and/or fit the ocular defect.

Under supervision, to instill anaesthetic drops, mould, fit and paint a definitive pattern prior to the manufacture and subsequent supply of a customised cosmetic shell (cosmetic scleral lens).

To follow local processes to advise on the daily routine of inserting, removing, cleansing wearing times with further advice on follow up treatments and cleaning fluids.

To accurately record details of treatment and procedures carried out during an appointment in the patient’s hospital records.

To observe and participate in counselling sessions provided by the team for emotional support pre and postoperatively to patients requiring radical disfiguring excisional surgery necessary for trauma, disease or malignancy and for those with terminal conditions.

To demonstrate empathy and persuasive skills especially when dealing with patients with learning difficulties.

Applicant requirements

This post is subject to the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act 1974 (Exceptions) Order 1975 (Amendment) (England and Wales) Order 2020 and it will be necessary for a submission for Disclosure to be made to the Disclosure and Barring Service.