Background
Established in December 2018, Ophthalmic Consultants of London (OCL) was formed from the merger of three highly successful, world-renowned eye surgeons offering patients premium vision correction. We provide specialist consultations, diagnostics, laser eye surgery and lens surgical treatments from our flagship clinic in Central London, as well as clinics in surrounding areas and Hertfordshire.
Our mission is to take personalised eye care to a new level of excellence and expertise and to be a model for collaborative working amongst the UK's leading consultant eye surgeons. We aim to ensure the OCL brand is synonymous with the highest standard of sub-specialist eye care available anywhere in the world and remains at the forefront of research into innovative technologies and techniques.
About the Role
We are seeking an enthusiastic, compassionate and highly motivated Healthcare Assistant to join our growing clinical team. This is an exciting opportunity for an experienced HCA who is looking to expand their clinical skills and take on a new challenge within a specialist ophthalmic setting.
The successful candidate will support patients throughout their surgical and clinical journey while developing specialist skills in ophthalmic diagnostics, theatre support, recovery and refractive surgery. Working alongside our consultants, nurses, technicians and patient services teams, you will play a key role in delivering exceptional patient care and ensuring the smooth running of clinics and operating lists.
Key Responsibilities
Patient Care
- Provide high-quality care and support to patients throughout their clinical journey.
- Assist clinical staff with patient assessments, treatments and procedures.
- Deliver excellent patient care before, during and after ophthalmic procedures.
- Provide pre-operative and post-operative care within your level of competence.
- Support and reassure patients on surgery days, ensuring effective communication at all times.
- Handle patient enquiries professionally and efficiently, referring to medical practitioners where appropriate.
- Provide basic health promotion advice relating to ophthalmic treatments and surgery.
- Maintain patient dignity, privacy and confidentiality at all times.
- Be aware of and sensitive to patients' and relatives' needs, adopting an empathetic and personalised approach.
Ophthalmic Diagnostics
Following competency-based training, responsibilities will include:
- Performing ophthalmic diagnostic testing including:
- Biometry
- OCT
- Auto Refraction
- Pentacam
- Endothelial Cell Count (ECC)
- Focimetry
- Peramis
- Sirius
- MS39
- Visual Fields
- Intraocular Pressure (IOP) Measurements
- Preparing patients for diagnostic investigations.
- Managing patient flow and scheduling within diagnostic clinics.
- Maintaining accurate patient records and ensuring diagnostic information is stored appropriately.
- Supporting the effective day-to-day management of diagnostic equipment.
- Reporting equipment faults and liaising with the Outpatient Lead where required.
Theatre, Recovery and Circulation Support
- Support the smooth running of operating lists and surgical sessions.
- Assist with patient admissions and preparation for surgery.
- Support patients through the recovery process following ophthalmic procedures.
- Monitor patient wellbeing and escalate concerns appropriately.
- Act as a circulating assistant within theatre, ensuring equipment, instruments and consumables are available when required.
- Work closely with surgeons, nurses and theatre staff to ensure efficient and safe patient care.
- Prepare and maintain treatment rooms and theatre environments to the highest standards.
- Assist with cleaning, preparing and assembling surgical equipment in accordance with company protocols and CQC requirements.
- Support stock control and ensure required consumables are available for surgical procedures.
Refractive Surgery Support
- Undertake training to achieve competency as a Laser Technician within the Refractive Theatre.
- Support refractive laser procedures and assist the clinical team during treatment sessions.
- Operate refractive laser equipment once competency has been achieved.
- Ensure safe use, handling and storage of clinical equipment.
- Promote awareness of equipment safety and operational procedures across clinical areas.
Clinical Administration and Equipment Management
- Organise patient notes, clinic lists and hospital schedules using electronic and manual systems.
- Prepare consulting, examination and treatment rooms throughout the day.
- Ensure all clinical areas remain clean, tidy and appropriately stocked.
- Open and close consulting and diagnostic rooms, ensuring all equipment is clean and operational.
- Manage patient data and diagnostic files in accordance with company policies and GDPR requirements.
- Report accidents, incidents and equipment concerns in accordance with company procedures.
- Ensure compliance with infection prevention and control standards, CQC regulations and company policies.
Essential Skills and Experience
- Previous experience working as a Healthcare Assistant within a healthcare setting.
- Excellent patient care and customer service skills.
- Strong communication and interpersonal skills.
- Professional, compassionate and patient-focused approach.
- Ability to multitask and prioritise workload effectively.
- Strong organisational skills and attention to detail.
- Ability to work independently and as part of a multidisciplinary team.
- Enthusiastic, dynamic and motivated with a willingness to learn.
- Good IT and administrative skills.
- Alignment with OCL's vision, values and commitment to excellence.
Desirable Skills and Experience
- Previous experience in ophthalmology.
- Experience working within theatre environments.
- Experience supporting patient recovery.
- Experience as a circulating assistant.
- Experience with patient admissions.
- Experience operating diagnostic equipment.
- Experience as a laser operator.
- Experience within private healthcare.
Benefits
- Company pension
- Private medical insurance
- Health and wellbeing programme
- Employee discount
- Company events
- Sick pay
- Ongoing professional development and specialist ophthalmic training
- Opportunity to work alongside leading consultant ophthalmic surgeons
Additional Requirements
This role requires travel between OCL clinic locations, including Central London, Elstree and Kensington.
Pay: £29,000.00-£31,000.00 per year
Benefits:
- Company events
- Company pension
- Employee discount
- Health & wellbeing programme
- Sick pay
Ability to commute/relocate:
- London W1G 9TF: reliably commute or plan to relocate before starting work (required)
Application question(s):
- Are you able to travel to our clinic locations in London, Elstree and Kensington as required?
- Please specify whether you are seeking a full-time or part-time position.
Experience:
Work authorisation:
- United Kingdom (required)
Location:
- London W1G 9TF (preferred)
Work Location: In person
