Orthoptist

Go back East Kent Hospitals University NHS Foundation Trust

Orthoptist

The closing date is 06 October 2025

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 orthoptic department has 11 members of staff (9.8 wte) and covers 6 sites within East Kent.

We are a friendly, hardworking, supportive team who get together for regular meetings and CPD.

We have strong links with many departments within the hospital including the stroke wards, neurology, endocrinology and SCBU.

Band 6 Orthoptists work competently at an enhanced practice level providing care aligned to the four pillars of practice.

It is envisaged that 90% of this role will be spent in the clinical area, as part of an agreed job plan.

There is a strong drive to service improvement, developing staff and being an integral part to this busy acute trust.

We are a student placement site and are involved in research projects both internally and nationally.

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.

To develop enhanced practice skills.

About us

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.

Job responsibilities

Please scroll down to access the full Job Description and Person Specification located in Documents to download.

If you have further queries please dont hesitate to contact the line manager using the contact details below.

Person Specification

Qualifications

Orthoptic degree or equivalent Registered with HCPC

Evidence of ongoing profession development

BSc / BMedSci / MSc in Orthoptics or Diploma from the British Orthoptic Council

Clinical skills and experience

Completed preceptorship training.

Experience assessing a broad range of Orthoptic patients including complex patients

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

Teaching and facilitation skills

Enhanced role competencies

Experience undertaking research

Governance

Awareness of professional issues and current Healthcare relating to Quality Governance, NICE and, CQC and, GIRFT

Awareness of quality governance, clinical effectiveness patient safety and patient

Experience tools to support clinical practice and service improvement

Clinical Audit skills and experience relevant to role

Personal / professional attributes

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

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

Disclosure and Barring Service Check

This post is subject to the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act (Exceptions Order) 1975 and as such it will be necessary for a submission for Disclosure to be made to the Disclosure and Barring Service (formerly known as CRB) to check for any previous criminal convictions.

East Kent Hospitals University NHS Foundation Trust

£38,682 to £46,580 a yearNewly qualified applicant may be accepted at Band 5

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