Sr Orthoptist

JOB SUMMARY

Orthoptists provide perform various eye investigations to diagnose and manage binocular function anomalies of the eyes. They are required to contribute in aspects of the 4 Pillars of Clinical Care, Training and Education, Research and Quality as well as Management and Leadership.

Orthoptists are expected to uphold professional ethics at all times and to consistently deliver standards of care as determined by the hospital and in compliance with the Optometrists and Opticians Board (OOB).

MAIN DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES

Clinical Care

Quality of work

1. Maintain consistent standards of care:

1. 1. Orthoptists will be expected to practice according to the clinical and quality service standards set by the department and hospital and adhere to relevant organizational and departmental guidelines in all areas of practice.
   2. Orthoptic Assessment include:
      • Binocular vision.
      • Diagnosis of ocular misalignment and management of squint if surgery is not indicated.
      • Measure angle of squint preoperatively and postoperatively.
      • Teach exercises for patients with ocular muscle weakness and provide temporary relief of diplopia (double vision).
   3. Ophthalmic Services are planned and conducted in the best interest of the patient based on their knowledge of the patient's eye condition, known indications and contraindications, planned treatment and management:
      • Other eye investigations include Refraction, Primary Assessment in paediatric patients, Colour Vision Assessment (Ishihara, D15 Colour Test and 100 Hue Colour Test), Hess and Binocular single vision test, Octopus Visual Field and Electroretinography.
      • Professional communication with patient, caregivers, medical practitioners and other allied health professionals.
      • Documentation of relevant patient assessment, progress and management plans in accordance with the guidelines determined by the hospital.

2. Maintain and manage workload:

1. 1. Responsible for maintaining patient statistics and patient workload.
   2. Plan and provide coverage in unit where necessary.
   3. Provide service coverage where necessary.

3. Maintain consistent Care, Empathy and Professionalism (CEP) standards.

Safe care

1. Contribute to maintenance and improvement of safe care:

1. 1. Practice due diligence during all patient interactions to ensure safety of the patient at all times.
   2. Undertake corrective actions immediately and consistently when feedback given.

Education

Supervision & mentoring

1. May assist in co-supervision / co-training of staff, students or volunteers.

Delivery of Education

1. Deliver in-service training and education to intra-department colleagues.

2. May conduct professional workshops and seminars to patients and public.

Planning and Development

1. May assist to organize, coordinate and provide continuing education to colleagues.

2. May assist to develop resource materials.

Research & Quality

Update Practice & Quality Knowledge

1. Apply and demonstrate evidence-based practice.

2. May assist in quality improvement activities / projects.

Involve in Research & Quality

1. May participate in and support clinical projects in data collection / design / analysis.

2. Participate actively in quality improvement activities at hospital / department level.

Create & Communicate Evidence

1. May assist to develop abstracts / posters / oral presentations.

Management / Leadership

Managing Services & Resources

1. Assist to manage services and resources to achieve department / hospital targets.

Collaboration & Communication

1. May assist in leading department workgroup to deliver and improve service and care.

2. May participate in department projects.

Setting Strategic Direction

1. May assist to manage information and data to identify gaps and potential areas of change.

JOB REQUIREMENTS

• Bachelor of Orthoptics / Bachelor of Orthoptics and Ophthalmic Sciences
• Preferably with 2 years’ experience in Orthoptic related field

PROFESSIONAL REGISTRATION

Under the OOB Act, Orthoptists who attained an Orthoptist degree after 2008 are licensed to perform refraction, binocular vision test and visual field test under the supervision of an ophthalmologist.