Opthalmic Nurse and Counsellor at ProRecruit Versaatech

Our Client is a leading specialised healthcare across East Africa

Job Purpose:

The Ophthalmic Nurse & Counsellor will provide comprehensive nursing care to eye patients while offering professional emotional and psychosocial support to patients and their families. The role involves supporting patients throughout their treatment journey, including consultation, investigations, pre-operative preparation, surgery, post-operative care, and follow-up.

Qualifications and Experience

Minimum Requirements:

• Diploma or Bachelor’s Degree in Nursing from a recognised institution.
• Valid registration and practising licence with the Nursing Council of Kenya (NCK).
• Specialised training in Ophthalmic Nursing or recognised ophthalmic nursing qualification.
• Professional training/qualification in Counselling Psychology, Guidance and Counselling, or a related field.
• At least 2–3 years’ relevant experience, preferably in an eye hospital or ophthalmic setting.
• Experience in counselling patients with visual impairment, chronic eye conditions, or those undergoing eye surgery will be an added advantage.
• Current BLS/First Aid certification will be an added advantage.

Key Responsibilities

Ophthalmic Nursing

• Provide safe and comprehensive nursing care to ophthalmic patients.
• Assist ophthalmologists during consultations, procedures and minor surgical interventions.
• Prepare patients for eye surgery and provide appropriate pre- and post-operative care.
• Monitor patients and promptly report any changes or complications to the ophthalmologist.
• Administer medications and eye drops as prescribed.
• Educate patients on medication use, post-operative care and follow-up requirements.
• Assist with ophthalmic investigations and procedures within their scope of practice.
• Maintain accurate nursing and patient records.
• Ensure appropriate infection prevention and control practices are followed.

Counselling and Psychosocial Support

• Provide counselling to patients experiencing anxiety, fear or emotional distress related to their eye condition or treatment.
• Support patients before and after surgery.
• Help patients adjust to visual impairment, vision loss or changes in their quality of life.
• Provide emotional support to patients and their families following difficult diagnoses or treatment outcomes.
• Identify patients requiring specialised psychological or psychiatric intervention and facilitate appropriate referral.
• Maintain strict confidentiality and professional boundaries.

Patient Education and Support

• Educate patients and caregivers on eye health, treatment adherence and prevention of complications.
• Provide guidance to patients on coping with visual impairment and adapting to changes in vision.
• Reinforce information provided by the ophthalmologist and other clinical staff.
• Ensure patients understand their treatment plans and follow-up appointments.