Important Job Application Information
Thank you for your interest in NHS Tayside vacancies
Please download the full job pack from Staffnet:
Vacancy Advertisement
Application Form/Equal Opportunity Form
Job Description
General Conditions of Service
Agenda for Change – A new Terms and Conditions Agreement for NHS Staff
Your Application Form must be completed in full. Please note copies of Curriculum Vitae, Qualifications and
Course Certificates will not be accepted at this stage.
Please return your completed Application Form to the address given on the General Conditions of
Service for the Vacancy.
All completed applications are held in Employment Services until the closing date. After the closing date a
panel will meet to prepare an interview shortlist. Once this decision has been made, letters will be sent to all
shortlisted applicants inviting them to attend for interview. These letters will give as much notice as possible
of the interview arrangements.
This process takes approximately 6 weeks. Therefore, if you have not been contacted regarding interview
within 6 weeks of the closing date, your application has been unsuccessful and you will receive no further
correspondence from Employment Services.
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NHS TAYSIDE – AGENDA FOR CHANGE
JOB DESCRIPTION
1. JOB IDENTIFICATION
308869640
Job Title
Departments/Location
Number of job holders
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Ophthalmic Scientific Practitioner
Ophthalmology, Ninewells/PRI
2. JOB PURPOSE
On completion of appropriate training and education:

To provide specialist ophthalmic angiography, diagnostic imaging and clinical investigation service
to patients of all ages suffering from diseases of the eye.
Undertakes primary interpretation of results and provision of reports.
Works collaboratively on a day-to day basis with others to contribute to the smooth and efficient
running of the service.
May participate in quality assurance and/or research and development programmes
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3. ORGANISATIONAL POSITION
Clinical Group Director
Clinical Leader
Clinical Service Manager
Senior Ophthalmic Photographer/Technologist
Ophthalmic Scientific Practitioner x2
4. SCOPE AND RANGE
To provide a comprehensive, regional, Ophthalmic Angiography, Imaging and Clinical Investigation Service
to patients of all ages with diseases of the eye or visual system.
Maintains and updates patients photographs, preparing presentations using various software systems.
Perform all clinical and non clinical work using specialised imaging equipment.
Responsible for stock control of supplies and booking patients appointments.
5. MAIN DUTIES/RESPONSIBILITIES
Clinical
1. Maintain high professional standards of Ophthalmic Angiography, Imaging & Investigation Services
to patients.
2. Work collaboratively with colleagues to ensure services meet changing health care needs.
3. Provide support and assistance to the Ophthalmic Imaging Manager.
4. Follows guidelines for the implementation of policies
5. Perform a range of basic and advanced diagnostic imaging investigations to a high level of
competence to patients. This includes:
Clinical Imaging






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Perform retinal imaging and image analysis using current standard techniques
Perform fluorescein fundus angiography – electronic image recording, image processing
and analysis determining treatment area
Undertake stereo optic nerve imaging, RET-CAM imaging of infants and toddlers
Slit lamp biomicroscopy & imaging of anterior segment of the eye utilising topical stains as
appropriate
Clinical imaging/video recording of the external eye and Ocular adnexae
Undertake optical coherence tomography of the neuro-sensory retina, optic nerve and
retinal nerve fibre layer
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Operating theatre imaging and examination of patients under anaesthetic
Snellen/Logmar visual acuity measurement
Standardised Ultra-sound B scan
6. Provide primary reports or evaluations on a range of ophthalmic imaging investigations.
7. Maintain continuous professional development appropriate to the range of ophthalmic imaging
services provided for patients
8. Undertake simple fault remedy, cleaning and maintenance of imaging equipment or any apparatus
within the department.
Other duties:
To maintain a patient diagnostic database for all clinical work undertaken.
To receive instructions from doctors ie the type of photography, exact lesions that are to be photographed.
Interpret instructions from notes.
To make decisions regarding urgency of certain investigations and timing of follow-up.
To be aware of the procedure when alerting medical staff when complications occur during angiography.
To maintain robust systems of data capture, quality, storage and retrieval and to ensure an appropriate and
responsible library service is provided.
To prepare slides,CD’s/DVD’s for teaching purposes for national and international meetings and to have a
working knowledge of computer graphic programmes.
To undertake a specialised clinical video production, utilising the latest digital computer technology.
To be proficient in Audio Visual aids, to set-up and advise for departmental meeting/tutorials.
To undertake the design process and production of poster material for scientific meetings.
To participate in any clinical trials.
To be responsible for maintaining consumable stock for the department.
To attend frequent meetings and workshops to enhance knowledge in new imaging technologies.
To keep up-to-date with regard to all relevant technical and professional developments.
To ensure every patient is treated as an individual.
To welcome, reassure and give information to patients as required.
To maintain and promote Health and Safety of self, patients and members of staff.
To attend annual compulsory training, set by trust, ie CPR, Moving and Handling etc.
To provide AV support and guidance to the Department of Ophthalmology (University), and the SOC
(Scottish Ophthalmology Club).
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6. COMMUNICATIONS AND RELATIONSHIPS
To establish clear lines of communication and ensure co-operative planning and decision making.
Patients and Relatives : Convey information involving photographic investigations/examinations.
To show digital images on screen and explain were necessary.
Clinicians : Liase with referring clinicians re type of photography required, patient criteria and test results.
Ophthalmology staff : Liase with all levels of nursing staff, theatre staff, ward staff and administrative staff
to ensure correct preparation and appointing of patients to allow a smooth pathway of patients through the
Ophthalmology Department.
Visitors : Inform and demonstrate equipment and techniques to visiting clinicians, junior doctors, medical
and nursing students and guests.
Other departments : Maintain good communication links with other departments within the trust.
External links : Maintain good communications with other Ophthalmic Imaging departments, within the UK
and worldwide regarding new technologies, workshops.
External Maintenance : Confer regarding routine maintenance visits and equipment fault reporting.
7. KNOWLEDGE, TRAINING AND EXPERIENCE REQUIRED TO DO THE JOB
Highly developed specialist knowledge and practical skills dealing with a complex range of Imaging
equipment.
A level of knowledge and expertise acquired through in depth experience, comprehensive knowledge and
theoretical study of a broad range of techniques in Ophthalmic Imaging.
Must be a qualified Ophthalmic Imager, Degree level BSc.
A minimum of two years experience.
Must be registered by either; HPC, CAMIP (Committee for the Accreditation of Medical Illustrators), or
Registered VRC (Voluntary Registration Council).
Evidence of ongoing educational and personal development.
Demonstrate a high level of discretion and confidentiality.
Demonstrate a high level of flexibility with regard to work schedules.
Effective use of initiative, and the ability to accept responsibility beyond that of job requirement.
ESSENTIAL ADDITIONAL INFORMATION
8. SYSTEMS AND EQUIPMENT
Equipment
This consists on using a variety of specialised equipment to capture images of the eye both anteriorly and
posteriorly in adults and children, and also using a range of hand held digital cameras and video cameras.
All imaging equipment requires a great degree of accuracy and precision and is used under strict operator
and manufactures guidelines and in compliance with statutory regulations.
Use of a variety of computers, laptops both PC and Macintosh.
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Use of Video, SVHS video, (video editing)
Use of data projectors, slide projectors for teaching, lectures.
Information Systems
Use of Microsoft 2000, XP, 7 packages PC (Microsoft Word, Excel, Powerpoint, Outlook Express).
Use of Microsoft Office X packages MAC (Microsoft Word, Excel, Powerpoint, Outlook Express
Use of various software packages for image manipulation (HEYEX eye explorer, iBase, OCT software,
Adobe Photoshop, Finepix viewer).
Use of various software and hardware for video editing for Mac and PC (Adobe Premiere, Movieshaker, I
Movies, I DVD).
Use of Appleworks (patient database, spreadsheets, Management information, and statistics).
Use of specialist imaging software designed for storage, retrieval and analysis of all types of ophthalmic
images.
Use of email and intranet for organisational policies and procedures.
RESPONSIBILITY FOR RECORDS MANAGEMENT
All records created in the course of the business of NHS Tayside are corporate records and are public
records under the terms of the Public Records (Scotland) Act 1937. This includes email messages and
other electronic records. It is your responsibility to ensure that you keep appropriate records of your work in
NHS Tayside and manage those records in keeping with the NHS Tayside Records Management Policy
and with any guidance produced by NHS Tayside specific to your employment.
9. PHYSICAL DEMANDS OF THE JOB
High degree of prolonged concentration and accuracy while operating Imaging equipment.
Patient contact involving exposure to environmental risks.
Administration of dilating drops to patient’s eyes.
Occasional exposure to distressing circumstances.
Frequent light to moderate lifting, moving equipment for use with patients, requires manual handling skills.
Long periods working at a computer console/VDU.
10. DECISIONS AND JUDGEMENTS
Exercises own judgement when prioritising demanding daily workload.
Uses clinical judgement, experience and knowledge to ensure optimum imaging standards and patient care
for all cases.
Exercises own judgement when dealing with consultant and patient enquires and finding solutions to any
problems that may arise.
To demonstrate a high degree of discretion with regard to handling of patient information.
11. MOST CHALLENGING/DIFFICULT PARTS OF THE JOB
Ensuring patient cooperation by overcoming patient fears, lack of knowledge. Using empathy and
persuasion to achieve a positive experience for the patient and optimum imaging standards.
12. JOB DESCRIPTION AGREEMENT
The job description will need to be signed off using the attached sheet by each postholder to whom the
job description applies .
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Person Specification Job title: Ophthalmic Technician
Essential
Qualifications
Minimum of 5 passes grade C GCSE or equivalent
(incl maths and English and a science)
Photographic qualification degree level, HND or
C&G
Experience
Previous Ophthalmic/medical photography
Able to work single handed or as part of a team
Ability to follow detailed guidelines
Knowledge & Skills
Personal Qualities
Other
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Basic ocular anatomy and physiology
Medical and ocular terminology
Basic knowledge of optical principles
Keyboard and computer skills
Ability to work independently and as a team
Effective time management
Excellent communication/interpersonal skills
Good organisational skills
Ability to travel a range of locations within NHS
Tayside
Flexibility of working hours
Enthusiastic
Caring/Patient
Professional
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Desirable
Photographic qualification
Evidence of further study
Computer qualification
M
Ap
re
Ap
re
Photographic skills
Excellent hand eye co-ordination
Ap
re
To
Ap
re
Good standard of vision
Ap
re
General Conditions of Service
POST REF NO:
D/JM/23/13
JOB TITLE/GRADE:
OPHTHALMIC SCIENTIFIC PRACTITIONER, BAND 5
LOCATION:
OPHTHALMOLOGY DEPARTMENT, NINEWELLS
HOSPITAL/PERTH ROYAL INFIRMARY
Conditions of Service
Remuneration
Hours of Duty
Superannuation
The terms and conditions of service for this post are those determined
by the NHS Staff Council.
The current salary scale for the post is £21,388 to £27,901 per annum
(pro rata for part-time staff). Placing on the scale on appointment is
normally at the minimum but may be higher subject to verification of
previous relevant service.
Salary is paid monthly by Bank Credit Transfer.
The hours of the post are 37.5 per week.
Start and finish times will be determined by the needs of the service.
Membership of the NHS Superannuation Scheme is not compulsory but
is open to all staff between the ages of 16 and 70 (65 in some
instances).
The contributions paid are a percentage of superannuable pay, which is
essentially basic pay excluding, for example, overtime or travelling
expenses.
Contribution rates with effect from 01.04.12 are as follows:
Annual Pensionable Pay
(Full-time equivalent)
Up to £15,000
£15,001 to £21,175
£21,176 to £26,557
£26,558 to £48,982
£48,983 to £69,931
£69,932 to £110,273
£110,274 to any higher amount
Annual Leave
Contribution
5%
5%
6.5%
8.0%
8.9%
9.9%
10.9%
Contributions are subject to tax relief and reduced National Insurance
contributions. NHS Tayside also makes a substantial contribution
towards scheme benefits – currently around 14% of basic pay.
On appointment = 27 days (pro rata for part-time Staff) or 5.4 weeks
per year.
After 5 years aggregated service = 29 days (pro rata for part-time staff)
or 5.8 weeks per year
After 10 years aggregated service = 33 days (pro rata for part-time
staff) or 6.6 weeks per year
References
308869640
Public Holidays = 8 days (pro rata for part-time staff) or 1.6 weeks per
year
All offers of appointment are subject to receipt of two satisfactory
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Occupational Health
Clearance
Rehabilitation of Offenders
Act 1974 (Exclusions and
Exceptions) (Scotland)
Order 2003
Disclosure Scotland
Immigration, Asylum and
Nationality Act 2006
references
All offers of appointment to new entrants to the National Health
Service are subject to a medical examination. Medical
examinations are arranged and undertaken by the Occupational
Health and Safety Advisory Service (OHSAS).
All current or spent criminal convictions, cautions, warnings or any case
pending must be disclosed prior to commencing in employment as
detailed on the application form.
Please note that having a conviction will not automatically debar you
from obtaining employment with NHS Tayside. Careful consideration
will be given to the relevance of the offence to the particular post in
question. However, if you are appointed, and it is found that you did
not reveal a previous conviction your employment may be terminated.
The successful applicant will be required to become a member of the
Protecting Vulnerable Groups Scheme (PVG) in respect of regulated
work with protected adults and regulated work with children.
It is a criminal offence for an employer to employ anyone who
does not have permission to live or work in the UK.
Shortlisted applicants will be asked to produce specific original
documentation at interview e.g. Passport, or full birth certificate
together with an official document giving the applicants permanent
National Insurance Number and name issued by a Government Agency
or a previous employer, as well as photocopies of these documents.
Professional Registration/
You should have current and continuing professional registration with
Induction Standards & Code ofHPC and old the appropriate qualification(s).
Conduct
Smoking Policy
Smoking is prohibited within NHS premises and grounds.
Applications
Completed forms should be returned to:
recruitment.tayside@nhs.net quoting the job reference in the subject
line
By closing date of Monday 10 June 2013
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