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Job overview

The Orthoptic Department is based at Torbay District General Hospital and also holds clinics in community settings. We currently have 8  Orthoptists and 12 Consultant Ophthalmologists. The role will involve seeing a variety of Orthoptic Cases both booked and emergencies. This is a great opportunity to join our busy team in a friendly and supportive atmosphere 

The candidate must therefore have:

• a current Orthoptic Qualification, recognised by the HCPC. You must be registered with the HCPC.
• Alternatively, student applications will be accepted with the provision that registration is required once qualified and accepted by the HCPC.

This position is ideal for a newly qualified Orthoptist looking to gain experience. and is an excellent opportunity to develop your Orthoptic skills in a forward thinking and progressive department.

Additionally, the department has a dedicated stroke service and has a specialised service for the assessment of adults and children with Special Educational Needs, we hold joint clinics with the Ophthalmologists specialising in ocular motility problems, paediatric Ophthalmology and endocrinologist for those patients with Thyroid eye disease.

The Orthoptic Department is very forward thinking with extended roles into clinical decision making in patients with Wet Macular degeneration and, retinal disease, Glaucoma, Corneal Disease and Paediatric Ophthalmology.

Main duties of the job

To take responsibility for the Orthoptic assessment, diagnosis and treatment of patients referred from other specialisms within the health care setting or outside agencies and to manage, using individual treatment plans, the associated amblyopia (nonpathological vision loss) and other visual and ocular symptoms. This group of patients includes children with significant sight defects and requires a considerable degree of empathy and family support.

In adults the diagnosis of acute onset ocular motility defects require a significantly high level of anatomical and neurological knowledge when there may be the need to make a differential diagnosis between clinical conditions based on a range of facts gained via patient contact , assessment and theoretical knowledge gained by degree qualification in the profession specialism of Orthoptics.

The post holder will be expected to work in Torbay District Hospital and the community Hospitals and Health centres where the service is provided. Some clinics in a community setting may be single-handed.

Working for our organisation

• Committed to working together with your colleagues to improve the patient experience
• Seek out, recognise and value the contributions of your work colleagues.
• Having good training opportunities to progress your career
• Listen attentively and respect others in conversations.
• Help and support colleagues so that everyone works well together to achieve the team goals.

Why work with us -  Torbay Hospital  provides acute care for the local community and has several community hospitals, and is a hot-spot for those who are considering living by the sea or within half an hour of Dartmoor National Park and an hour to Exmoor National Park. Meanwhile, Plymouth and Exeter are also both within a short drive to enjoy the culture, maritime history and shopping experiences.