Job summary
Employer heading
Orthoptist
NHS AfC: Band 5
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.
Detailed job description and main responsibilities
Degree in Orthoptics or Diploma if trained
before existence of degree qualification
To be registered with the HCPC
Good communication skills
Good organisational and time management skills
Occasional exposure to unpleasant working conditions such as bodily fluids, fleas, lice and noxious smells
Requirement for highly developed hand-eye coordination and dexterity to enable accurate and precise assessment of Ocular measurements using the manipulation of specialised Orthoptic equipment such as
prism bars and synoptophore
Moderate effort required in moving equipment and ensuring correct patient positioning for short periods
Frequent periods of concentration required, for a clinical session of several hours , pattern can be unpredictable, with interruptions to discuss patient requirements by other clinicians from within the
department or hospital
Full Vacancy details can be found on the attached Job Description/Person Specification. Please refer to your suitability to the post in your supporting information from the role requirements or person specification
Person specification
Qualifications and training
Essential criteria
- Degree in Orthoptics or Diploma if trained before existence of degree qualification
- HCPC Registered (or will be once qualified)
Desirable criteria
- Driving licence
- Experience in Orthoptic practice
Knowledge and experience
Essential criteria
- Proven ability in clinical skills with orthoptic patients
- Proven knowledge of formulating treatment plans
- Good communication skills
- Good organisational and time management skills
- Evidence of Orthoptic CPD
- Evidence of taking part in research
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
- Jane Woods
- Job title
- Head Orthoptist
- Email address
- [email protected]
- Telephone number
- 01803655337
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