Job summary
- Main area
- Orthoptics
- Grade
- Band 7
- Contract
- Permanent
- Hours
- Full time
- Flexible working
- Job ref
- 344-0606SAC
- Employer
- East Kent Hospitals University NHS Foundation Trust
- Employer type
- NHS
- Site
- William Harvey Hospital
- Town
- Ashford
- Salary
- £47,810 - £54,710 per annum
- Salary period
- Yearly
- Closing
- 19/08/2025 23:59
Employer heading
Lead Orthoptist for William Harvey Hospital and the Urgent Eye Service
Band 7
Job overview
We are looking for a highly motivated orthoptist keen to be part of a team of 10 Orthoptists. You will work alongside Consultant Ophthalmologists, Orthoptic Clinical Assistant, Optometrists, Ophthalmic Nurses and Ophthalmic Technicians.
The post provides a varied and challenging case load including paediatric ophthalmology specialist clinics, ocular motility and botulinum toxin clinics, neuro-ophthalmology, stroke and trauma patients. Orthoptists in the team currently assist in theatre and are working towards OPT in medical retina.
We are an accredited department for orthoptic under-graduates on placement and as a teaching hospital we are involved in the clinical teaching of medical students, junior doctors and pre-registration optometrists. The successful candidate will be required to work as part of an enthusiastic multi-disciplinary team.
Main duties of the job
To lead the Orthoptic service based at William Harvey Hospital.
To work with the Urgent Eye Service to ensure appropriate orthoptic provision is in place, offer guidance on referrals relating to the orthoptic specialism and provide teaching as required.
The investigation, diagnosis and management of cases referred to the orthoptic department.
Formulate an ongoing plan of treatment for a wide range of conditions.
To liaise with or make onward referrals to ophthalmology and other professionals as appropriate.
Dispense medication according to patient group directives/medical exemptions.
Communicate complex, sensitive information which is condition specific to patients, relatives and carers.
Demonstrable commitment to Continuing Professional Development and Clinical Governance.
Working for our organisation
We are one of the largest hospital trusts in England, with five hospitals and community clinics serving a local population of around 800,000 people. Our vision is 'great healthcare from great people'. Everything we do is guided by our values: 'People feel cared for, safe, respected and confident that we are making a difference’. We have a new way of working at East Kent Hospitals, called 'We care'. It's about empowering frontline staff to lead improvements day-to-day. We're looking for compassionate people to be part of our improvement journey for the patients, families and carers we care for every day.
Please note that if you require a Certificate of Sponsorship to work in the UK you must declare this on your application form, even if you currently have a certificate of sponsorship or a work permit for another role and are already working in the country. Please note we are only able to sponsor candidates on a Skilled Worker Visa applying for roles Band 5 and above.
Detailed job description and main responsibilities
Please scroll down to access the full Job Description and Person Specification located in ‘Documents to download’.
If you have further queries please don’t hesitate to contact the line manager using the contact details below.
Person specification
Qualifications
Essential criteria
- Degree/Masters in Orthoptics or Diploma from the British Orthoptic Council
- HCPC Registration
- Evidence of continuing professional development within chosen specialty orthoptics and ophthalmology. Evidence of post-graduate specialist training
Desirable criteria
- Post Graduate Masters degree
- BIOS recognised teaching qualification
- Management/Leadership qualification
Clinical skills and experience
Essential criteria
- Significant postgraduate healthcare experience demonstrating professional development across the four pillars of practice
- Extensive experience of care of the managing complex orthoptic patients and advanced clinical reasoning skills
- Experience of working with patients/service users to resolve concerns and improve their experience
- Evidence of effective networking or matrix working
- Experience of supervising staff and delivering training
Desirable criteria
- Experience of assessing patients and developing specialised programmes of care
- Experience of presenting to groups of staff/public Competent to perform Goldmann Visual Fields Experience conducting research
Governance
Essential criteria
- Understanding of quality governance, patient safety and patient experience tools to support clinical practice and service improvement.
- Sound knowledge and understanding of national policy and guidance
- Utilisation of clinical effectiveness tools to deliver quality improvement e.g. risk management and clinical audit.
- Evidence of innovative practice utilising research and audit.
- Experience of contributing to quality improvement in safety/quality improvement projects.
- Experience of writing reports and presenting to teams or small groups
Desirable criteria
- Experience of implementing and evaluating improvements in care
Personal/ professional attributes
Essential criteria
- Ability to work within a team to achieving goals for a shared vision.
- Evidence of service development and delivery in practice.
- Knowledge of health policy and application to practice. Ability to problem solve, anticipate and plan, individually and within a team
Other requirements
Essential criteria
- Flexibility in working patterns to meet the needs of the service
- Commitment to equity and diversity Self-motivated, positive, adaptable and flexible approach
- Upholds and role models the Trust values
- Ability to travel independently to all sites in a timely manner
Employer certification / accreditation badges
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Applicant requirements
You must have appropriate UK professional registration.
This post is subject to the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act 1974 (Exceptions) Order 1975 (Amendment) (England and Wales) Order 2020 and it will be necessary for a submission for Disclosure to be made to the Disclosure and Barring Service.
Documents to download
Further details / informal visits contact
- Name
- Charlotte Swoffer
- Job title
- Head Orthoptist
- Email address
- [email protected]
- Telephone number
- 01227 868615
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