Blackrock Clinic is the leading and longest established private hospital in Ireland. Since it opened in the mid-1980s, the clinic has consistently built an unparalleled reputation in new high-tech surgical procedures, medical treatments, and ground-breaking diagnostics. Blackrock Clinic is now part of Blackrock Health private hospital group along with the Hermitage Clinic, Galway Clinic, and Limerick Clinic, some of the most advanced hospitals in Irish private healthcare.

Blackrock Clinic has been recognised for over ten years by the Joint Commission International (JCI) which accredits hospitals that raise safety and quality of care standards to the highest levels. Blackrock Clinic is a progressive and pioneering hospital in which care for the patient is central to everything we do.

The primary aim of the Eye Department is to promote good ophthalmic health. The unit is equipped with the latest in ophthalmic technology for diagnosing and treating a wide range of eye problems. The optometrist is responsible for the efficient running of the eye department and the co-ordination of clinics and surgical lists.

The optometrist is responsible for providing comprehensive eye care to patients and assessing and managing a diverse range of eye related conditions. 

• Registered as an Optometrist/Orthoptist
• At least 5 years post registration experience.

1.       Professional

      Providing a high level of professional and clinical leadership.

      Manage patient care to ensure the highest professional standards.

      In the absence of the clinical lead, monitor complaints and work with quality and risk manager.

      Participate in quality improvement initiatives to improve patient satisfaction.

2.      Management

      Promote and nurture a high level of staff morale.

      Encourage evidence-based practice.

      Collaborate with service users, family, carers, and other staff in treatment/care planning and in the provision of support and advice.

      Contribute to the development and maintenance of standards, protocols and guidelines consistent with the highest standards of patient care.

      Conduct diagnostic scans including A-Scans, Pentacam, IDesign, Immersion Biometry, Visual Fields, OCT and Fluorescein angiography

      Conduct eye examinations when requested by a consultant or when requested by an inpatient.

      Evaluate eye related symptoms of patients and determine what extra tests or investigations may be necessary

      Support and plan the introduction of new technologies and the implementations of new services within the department

      In the absence of the clinical lead, lead and educate the team on JCI standards

      In the absence of the clinical lead, develop and continuously revise protocols and procedures

      In the absence of the clinical lead, create and manage the weekly staff rota

      Support and motivate all team members and provide continuous Optometric training for all team members

    In the absence of the clinical lead, provide the necessary co-ordination and deployment of staff in designated area(s) of responsibility, ensuring that skill mix takes account of fluctuating workloads and ensuring maximisation of available resources.

      Collaborate with hospital personnel and other healthcare providers in planning care and making appropriate referrals.

      In the absence of the clinical lead, oversee high standard of record keeping by staff.

      Participate in regular unit meetings and team briefings.

      Actively support and comply with the infection control practices within the hospital.

      Maintain effective communication networks within the unit and departments throughout the hospital.

      Serve on committees within the hospital as appropriate.

      Ensure that equipment is maintained to an appropriate standard.

      Contribute to quality assurance by assisting in data collection as required.

3.      Education and Self Development

      In the absence of the clinical lead, assessing and identifying training and development needs of the department staff.

      Identifying teaching and learning opportunities

      Contributing to and facilitating in the development of training programmes where appropriate.

      Contributing to clinical audit as required.

This job description is a reflection of the present service requirements and may be subject to review and amendments to meet the changing needs of the service. Please note that we reserve the right to close this vacancy early if sufficient applications are received.

Blackrock Clinic is an Equal Opportunities employer and we are committed to creating an environment that promotes equality and dignity at work.

Blackrock Clinic is committed to providing reasonable accommodation when needed. Please advise if you have particular requirements, so that we can look into arranging reasonable adjustments to the recruitment process. You can contact us at recruitment@blackrock-clinic.