Background information about the job or company (e.g., role context, company overview)

The Unit is an internationally recognised centre of excellence with dominant research themes in the areas of HIV and emerging infections, vaccines and immunity, and chronic diseases and cancer. Through a multidisciplinary approach, intersecting basic science, epidemiological research, social-behavioural research and the conduct of new intervention evaluation studies, the Unit contributes knowledge on changing epidemics and diseases, the evaluation of innovative health care options, treatment and prevention and the development of health policy and practice in Africa and worldwide. Following the signing of strategic transfer agreements between the London School of Hygiene & Tropical Medicine (LSHTM) and the Medical Research Council (MRC UK), the Unit formally joined LSHTM on 1st February 2018. The exciting new partnership will boost research capacity into current and emerging health issues in Africa and throughout the world. The Unit is based at the UVRI Entebbe campus with established outposts in Kalungu, Masaka, Wakiso and Kampala Districts. The Unit is now seeking enthusiastic and experienced individuals to fill the following position:

Responsibilities or duties

The position holder will support the implementation of ophthalmic research studies by conducting standardized ophthalmic examinations and ocular imaging procedures in accordance with approved study protocols, Good Clinical Practice (GCP), ethical guidelines, and institutional Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs). The role will contribute to ensuring high-quality image acquisition, accurate data collection, participant safety, and timely referral of abnormal findings.

Principal duties;

• Conduct standardized ophthalmic assessments in accordance with study protocols and SOPs;
• Perform visual acuity testing using standardized vision charts and calibrated testing environments;
• Assess contrast sensitivity using validated charts or digital testing systems;
• Conduct visual field testing using Virtual Reality (VR) perimetry systems and/or automated perimetry devices;
• Perform auto-refraction assessments using autorefractors;
• Measure intraocular pressure using approved tonometry devices;
• Conduct slit-lamp biomicroscopy examinations to assess anterior and posterior segment ocular health;
• Perform dilated fundus examinations using direct and indirect ophthalmoscopes and fundus lenses as required by protocol;
• Ensure proper setup, calibration, cleaning, and maintenance of ophthalmic equipment;
• Accurately document and securely enter clinical findings into electronic data capture systems while maintaining data quality and integrity;
• Acquire high-quality ocular images using approved imaging equipment, including:
  • Colour Fundus Photography (CFP)
  • Retinal Optical Coherence Tomography (R-OCT)
  • Optical Coherence Tomography Angiography (OCT-A)
  • Anterior Segment Photography (ASP)
  • Anterior Segment Optical Coherence Tomography (AS-OCT)
  • Eyelid and ocular movement video recordings;
• Participate in protocol-specific training and competency assessment; and,
• Undertake any other study-related duties assigned by the supervisor.

Qualifications or requirements (e.g., education, skills)

• Diploma in Ophthalmic Clinical Practice, Ophthalmic Nursing, Optometry, Ophthalmic Technology, or a related field;
• Valid Good Clinical Practice (GCP) certification;
• Human Subjects Protection (HSP) / Research Ethics Training certification;
• Knowledge of ophthalmic examination procedures;
• Knowledge of ocular imaging techniques and quality standards;
• Knowledge of retinal imaging modalities including CFP, OCT and OCT-A
• Understanding of anterior segment imaging techniques;
• Knowledge of Good Clinical Practice (GCP) and research ethics;
• Knowledge of participant confidentiality requirements;
• Knowledge of infection prevention and equipment maintenance;
• Excellent attention to detail;
• Strong interpersonal and communication skills;
• Ability to work independently and within multidisciplinary teams
• High level of professionalism and integrity;
• Strong organizational and documentation skills;
• Ability to maintain participant confidentiality;
• Ability to operate sensitive ophthalmic equipment with precision
• Highly motivated and team oriented;
• Reliability;
• Results orientation;
• Thoroughness;
• Ability to learn;
• Forward thinking; and,
• Openness to others.

Experience needed

• At least two (2) years' experience working in an ophthalmology research setting;
• Experience conducting ophthalmic assessments and performing ocular imaging procedures;
• Experience operating retinal imaging equipment, including OCT and fundus cameras;
• Experience working with electronic data capture systems

• Conduct standardized ophthalmic assessments in accordance with study protocols and SOPs;
• Perform visual acuity testing using standardized vision charts and calibrated testing environments;
• Assess contrast sensitivity using validated charts or digital testing systems;
• Conduct visual field testing using Virtual Reality (VR) perimetry systems and/or automated perimetry devices;
• Perform auto-refraction assessments using autorefractors;
• Measure intraocular pressure using approved tonometry devices;
• Conduct slit-lamp biomicroscopy examinations to assess anterior and posterior segment ocular health;
• Perform dilated fundus examinations using direct and indirect ophthalmoscopes and fundus lenses as required by protocol;
• Ensure proper setup, calibration, cleaning, and maintenance of ophthalmic equipment;
• Accurately document and securely enter clinical findings into electronic data capture systems while maintaining data quality and integrity;
• Acquire high-quality ocular images using approved imaging equipment, including:
• Colour Fundus Photography (CFP)
• Retinal Optical Coherence Tomography (R-OCT)
• Optical Coherence Tomography Angiography (OCT-A)
• Anterior Segment Photography (ASP)
• Anterior Segment Optical Coherence Tomography (AS-OCT)
• Eyelid and ocular movement video recordings;
• Participate in protocol-specific training and competency assessment; and,
• Undertake any other study-related duties assigned by the supervisor.

• Excellent attention to detail;
• Strong interpersonal and communication skills;
• Ability to work independently and within multidisciplinary teams
• High level of professionalism and integrity;
• Strong organizational and documentation skills;
• Ability to maintain participant confidentiality;
• Ability to operate sensitive ophthalmic equipment with precision
• Highly motivated and team oriented;
• Reliability;
• Results orientation;
• Thoroughness;
• Ability to learn;
• Forward thinking; and,
• Openness to others.

• Diploma in Ophthalmic Clinical Practice, Ophthalmic Nursing, Optometry, Ophthalmic Technology, or a related field;
• Valid Good Clinical Practice (GCP) certification;
• Human Subjects Protection (HSP) / Research Ethics Training certification;
• Knowledge of ophthalmic examination procedures;
• Knowledge of ocular imaging techniques and quality standards;
• Knowledge of retinal imaging modalities including CFP, OCT and OCT-A
• Understanding of anterior segment imaging techniques;
• Knowledge of Good Clinical Practice (GCP) and research ethics;
• Knowledge of participant confidentiality requirements;
• Knowledge of infection prevention and equipment maintenance;