South-West Regional Health Authority (SWRHA)
San Fernando
Job Description
The Optometrist is responsible for providing primary vision care to patients within the South West Regional Health Authority, under the supervision/guidance of the SMO/Consultant, Ophthalmology. Duties include the examination of eyes, diagnosing vision problems, testing of patients visual capacity, depth and color perception, prescription of spectacles and contact lenses, provision of vision therapy and low-vision rehabilitation.<div><br></div><div>The Authority reserves the right to assign the officer to any Facility under its management.</div><div><br></div><div><br></div>
Key and Critical Responsibilities
<ul><li>Establishes and delivers general specialized services such as pediatric optometry, provision of low-vision aids assessment and delivery and complex refractions, including contact lens fitting.<ul></ul></li><li>Examines patients eyes to determine their visual capacity, depth and colour perception and eye disease and prescribes corrective lenses and corrective measures to diagnose diseases and other abnormalities such as glaucoma and color blindness.&nbsp;</li><li>Provides preoperative and postoperative care to cataract patients as well as patients who have had laser vision correction or other eye surgery.</li><li>Provides vision therapy and low-vision rehabilitation.&nbsp;</li><li>Encourages preventative measures by promotion correct reading habits, nutrition and hygiene.&nbsp;</li><li>Establishes intra-vision screening programmes throughout the region collaborating with the primary care givers and Ministry of Health when the need arises.&nbsp;</li><li>Collaborates with Ophthalmologists within SWRHA to enhance their clinical skills and undergo preparation and evaluation to commence shared care.</li><li>Writes referrals to other medical practitioners in care of patients with chronic ophthalmic conditions.&nbsp;</li><li>Conducts intra departmental audits as it relates to improving delivery of all services.</li></ul>
Key Competencies
<ul><li>BSc Degree in Optometry from an accredited institution.<ul></ul></li><li>Current registration with the Trinidad and Tobago Opticians Registration Council.</li><li>Undertaking continuing education and training (CET).</li><li>At least six (6) years post registration work experience in Optometry.</li><li>Prior working experience in hospital Optometry/ Ophthalmology department would be an asset.</li><li>Experience in contact lenses fitting would be an asset.</li><li>Must possess an excellent command of the English Language (written and oral skills).</li></ul>