Job summary
- Main area
- Orthoptist
- Grade
- Band 6
- Contract
- Permanent
- Hours
- Full time - 37.5 hours per week
- Job ref
- 344-7070SAC
- Employer
- East Kent Hospitals University NHS Foundation Trust
- Employer type
- NHS
- Site
- Orthoptic Department, Kent and Canterbury Hospital
- Town
- Canterbury
- Salary
- Newly Qualified Orthoptists will be employed at Band 5
- Closing
- 19/12/2025 08:00
Employer heading
Orthoptist
Band 6
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 carry out IVT injections in support of the medical retina team.
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.
A degree/diploma in Orthoptics and registration with the HCPC is essential (or working towards/return to practice.) Newly qualified orthoptists would be considered at a band 5.
Main duties of the job
- 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.
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 & Training
Essential criteria
- Current HCPC registration.
- Orthoptic Degree or equivalent
- Evidence of continuing professional development
Desirable criteria
- BIOS teaching course Formal teaching or preceptorship, mentoring qualification
- BIOS membership or separate Medical and Professional Liability Insurance
Clinical Skills & Experience
Essential criteria
- Completed preceptorship training.
- Experience assessing a broad range of Orthoptic patients including complex patients.
- Demonstrable knowledge and experience of delivering high quality clinical care using enhanced skills in a broad range of orthoptic patients including complex patients aligned with the four pillars of practice.
- Ability to analyse & interpret clinical findings in order to plan and deliver the best treatment possible.
- Excellent written and verbal communication skills.
- Excellent time management and organisational skills.
- IT skills relevant to digital healthcare and role .
Desirable criteria
- Teaching and facilitation Skills.
- Enhanced role competencies
- Experience undertaking research .
Governance
Essential criteria
- Awareness of professional issues and current Healthcare relating to Quality Governance, NICE, CQC and GIRFT.
- Awareness of quality governance, clinical effectiveness patient safety and patient experience tools to support clinical practice and service improvement.
Desirable criteria
- Clinical Audit skills and experience relevant to role.
Personal & Professional Attributes
Essential criteria
- Ability to work within a team to achieving goals and motivate others.
- Ability to work under pressure to problem solve, plan and prioritise care.
- Demonstrate knowledge of change management and impact.
Other Requirements
Essential criteria
- Flexibility in working patterns to meet the needs of the service.
- Ability to travel independently to all sites in a timely manner.
- Commitment to equity and diversity Self-motivated, positive, adaptable and flexible approach.
- Upholds and role models the Trust values.
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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