Optometrist

Institution: Khoo Teck Puat Hospital

Family Group: Allied Health

STATEMENT OF PURPOSE

Assessing the various visual functions of the patients prior to and after their consultation with the ophthalmologists. These tasks are mainly done with the various equipment and instruments in the department.

MAJOR DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES

• Perform subjective refraction for patients with refractive error, including post-cataract operation.

• Measure axial length (A scan) and corneal curvature (keratometry) of the eye for calculation of the suitable power for the intraocular lens to be used during cataract operation.

• Perform ultrasound scan (B scan) for patients with central opacity that disallow the ophthalmologists to view the fundus.

• Perform visual field assessment using the Humphrey Visual Field.

• Perform binocular vision (BV) assessment using the HESS chart and other BV tools.

• Perform anterior segment photography for anterior cases including lens opacity, pterygium, corneal opacity, etc.

• Perform oculoplastic photography on patients who suffer from trauma, or other conditions that affect oculomotor movement.

• Perform fundus photography for vitreo-retinal cases, as well as other cases that require fundus examination and monitoring.

• Prepare and perform angiographies using sodium fluorescein and indocyanine green dyes, when indicated by Ophthalmologists in the Department of Ophthalmology and Visual Sciences.

• Perform Optical Coherence Tomography for patients who require macular thickness scans and optic nerve fibre layer assessment, using Zeiss-Cirrus as well as Heidelberg-HRA.

• Perform anterior segment OCT, endothelial cell count and corneal topography on patients to check their corneal integrity.

• Perform dilated fundus examination using 78D and 90D lens with slit-lamp; as well as 20D lens using binocular indirect ophthalmoscope.

• Function as a clinical optometrist and physician extender in the Supplementary Primary Eyecare Clinic (SPEC) for stable eye patients in the department.

• Function as a clinical optometrist in the Community & Home Eye Screening Service (CHESS), which ensures appropriate care and screening in the community and avoid unnecessary hospital visits (Beyond Hospital to Community).

• Perform Diabetic Retinopathy Photography (DRP) on diabetic patients that require regular eye screening.

• Maintain equipment in the Department of Ophthalmology and Visual Sciences to ensure that they are in working order and according to standards.

MANAGEMENT

• Ensure efficient operations of SOC in alignment with the hospital's strategic plans.

• Ensure patient services are delivered in a pleasant and comfortable environment.

• Lead frontline staff in achieving excellent service for all patients.

• Identify service discrepancies and work on process improvement.

• Design and set up new service initiatives and patient-centric work processes.

• Event management: Organise meetings, seminars, screenings, education programmes, public forums, etc.

• Ensure optimum utilisation of clinic sessions and resources.

• Organise and arrange clinical and surgical attachment schedules for local and international optometry students.

• Ensure efficient operations and future development of Supplementary Primary Eyecare Clinic (SPEC)

• Ensure efficient operations and future development of Community & Home Eye Screening Service (CHESS)

• Ensure efficient operations and future development of Diabetic Retinopathy Photograph (DRP) service.

OPERATIONAL

• Prepare monthly roster and plan leave arrangement for Optometrists, Imaging Specialists, Opticians and Ophthalmic Technicians.

• Ensure that staff are appropriately deployed for investigation coverage.

• Ensure investigation rooms adhere to 5S housekeeping standards.

• Supervise the training of new allied health staff and the development of staff with potential.

• Conduct orientation and induction programme for new allied health staff to the clinics.

• Embrace continuous improvements as our way of life by improving and refining work performance on a daily basis.

• Assist in the training and assessment of medical students on their clinical attachments to the department.

GENERAL

• Participate in any and all activities related to the smooth running of the department.

• Attend continuing education/in-service on a regular basic to maintain his/her competency.

• Maintain safe and clean environment and equipment.

• Perform other duties as requested by the Nursing Officer, Principal Optometrist, Senior Optometrist and Ophthalmologists.

• Assist the Ophthalmologists in taking history and clinical examination of new and follow-up cases in the clinic, under the supervision of doctors.

• Perform eye screening in the hospital and community.

• Deliver public forums and continuing education sessions on eye care and eye conditions.

• Organise eye-related events initiated by the department.

• Collect research data and compile statistics as and when required.

• Be proactive and actively engaged in all activities of Yishun Health

• Assist in research conducted by the Ophthalmologists and/or Optometrists in the Department of Ophthalmology and Visual Sciences.

JOB REQUIREMENTS

EDUCATION, TRAINING AND EXPERIENCE

• Minimum education: Diploma/Degree in Optometry
• Minimum of 1 year working experience in Optometry for Junior Optometrist
• Degree in Optometry with minimum 5 years of relevant experience, OR Diploma in Optometry with minimum 8 years of relevant experience may considered
• Ability to handle the various equipment involved in visual assessment
• Ability to lead juniors in clinical and operational duties
• Good communication and interpersonal skills
• Portray pleasant appearance with acceptable grooming standards
• Display keen learner and good attitude towards learning and correction