Advanced Clinical Practitioner Orthoptist

King's College Hospital NHS Foundation Trust; Greater London; On-site; GBP 64,000 - 72,000; Full time

Job summary

A prominent healthcare institution in Greater London is seeking an Advanced Clinical Practitioner Orthoptist to oversee care pathways in various ophthalmology subspecialties. The successful candidate will work in a collaborative environment delivering high-quality clinical practice and manage a caseload independently. This position offers a fixed-term contract for 12 months, starting January 2026, with opportunities for flexible work arrangements including job share and compressed hours.

Benefits

Flexible working arrangements

Dynamic team environment

Support for continuing professional development

Qualifications

• Experience of extended scope of practice in neuro-ophthalmology, retina, emergency.
• Evidence of CPD and practical application of new skills.
• Clinical experience at a senior level in the specialty area.

Responsibilities

• Oversee care pathways in subspecialties of ophthalmology.
• Work collaboratively within the ACP team delivering clinical practice.
• Manage a caseload autonomously and ensure high standards of care.

Skills

Excellent communication skills

Clinical expertise in ophthalmology

Ability to work under pressure

Team working

Education

Degree/Diploma in Orthoptics / Optometry

MSC in advanced clinical practice or equivalent

HCPC / GOC registration

Tools

Microsoft Office

Job description

Go back King's College Hospital NHS Foundation Trust

Advanced Clinical Practitioner Orthoptist

The closing date is 24 December 2025

One of our current ACPs will be going on a 12 month career break from January 2026. Thus, we are interested in attracting current ACPs, or orthoptists and optometrists who are dedicated and enthusiastic with equivalent experience in the following sub‑specialities:

• neuro‑ophthalmology
• medical retina
• emergency

We would accept applications from those with experience of other ophthalmology specialities.

The successful applicant will join a friendly and dynamic team of 8 other ACPs, 10 orthoptists, and 7 optometrists in our busy ophthalmology clinics. We are proud to support and serve a vibrant and socially diverse community across South East London.

The post is based at Denmark Hill, but cross site working can be considered. It will be a 12 month fixed term contract, starting January 2026.

We are flexible employers and we can consider job share, extended hours and compressed days.

Main duties of the job

To be responsible for overseeing care pathways within their area of subspecialism. The post holder will work collaboratively within our ACP team, delivering an advanced level of clinical practice within ophthalmology. Working with all members of the multidisciplinary team and will play an integral role in the operational/strategic development of the service.

Working with local and nationally agreed frameworks. They will exercise independent judgement to assess, investigate, diagnose, plan, implement and evaluate the clinical care and management of patients, including the acute and emergency provision.

The post holder will act as a role model, delivering advanced practice and promoting clinical effectiveness in care. They will promote and facilitate evidence‑based practice and clinical audit and research within the Trust.

They will lead change by identifying areas of good practice and areas needing improvement, for the benefit of patients by supporting and upholding excellent clinical governance frameworks including preparation for Care Quality Commission inspection.

About us

The Trust provides a full range of local and specialist services across its five sites. The trust‑wide strategy of Strong Roots, Global Reach is our Vision to be BOLD, Brilliant people, Outstanding care, Leaders in Research, Innovation and Education, Diversity, Equality and Inclusion at the heart of everything we do. By being person‑centred, digitally‑enabled, and focused on sustainability, we aim to take Team King's to another level.

We are at a pivotal point in our history and we require individuals who are ready to join a highly professional team and make a real, lasting difference to our patients and our people.

Job responsibilities

Clinical Responsibilities

To be involved in highly specialised clinics, which may include:

Consultant‑led clinics within subspecialties, e.g. glaucoma, medical retina, neuro‑ophthalmology, uveitis, paediatrics. Emergency care, including orbital trauma and neuro‑ophthalmology. Virtual review. Interventions, e.g. IVT, Botox, laser.

• Work autonomously as an advanced practitioner within acute medicine, managing a caseload of patients and delivering individualised, direct patient care.
• Demonstrate advanced practice competency skills and act as an expert clinician, assessing and interpreting specialist acute patient conditions, taking appropriate action, and recognising and managing emergency situations.
• Receive referrals via a variety of sources, including general practice and the Emergency Department.
• Manage own caseload and clinical priorities according to agreed protocols and working practices.
• Plan, manage and complete episodes of care, working in partnership with others and delegating or referring as appropriate to optimise health outcomes and resource use, as well as providing direct support to patients.
• Work towards safe and timely discharge and/or transfer of care of patients from or between hospitals, services, and healthcare professionals, ensuring barriers to discharge or transfer are identified and addressed appropriately.
• Within scope of practice and clinical competence, request and/or undertake diagnostic procedures and clinical investigations related to plans of care.
• Dispense/prescribe medication according to independent prescribing regulations, patient group directives, or medical exemptions when appropriate. Work within Trust policy for Medicines Management.
• Ensure care delivered is based on current evidence, best practice, and validated research where available.
• Use highly developed communication skills to communicate effectively with colleagues, patients, and their relatives/carers; make reports and liaise as required with medical staff and other members of the multidisciplinary team, both verbally and in writing.
• Lead in the development and updating of referral guidelines, policies, and pathways for the subspecialty.
• Use professional judgement to act as an advocate for patients, ensuring a patient‑focused approach to care delivery. Support and enable patients and carers to make informed decisions relating to their treatment and management. Escalate any concerns via nursing/professional structures as required.
• Ensure high standards of documentation are maintained, with accurate, complete, and up‑to‑date information regarding patient care kept in accordance with Trust standards.
• Report and raise concerns related to safeguarding, accessing advice and support as required. Be conversant with Trust policies for safeguarding, including the assessment of Mental Capacity, consideration of Deprivation of Liberty Safeguards (DoLS), and application of the principles of Prevent (counter‑terrorism awareness).
• Undertake training to develop further advanced clinical practice skills required by the service to provide a high standard of patient care.
• Provide mentorship, coaching, supervision, and shadowing opportunities to individuals to support their development. Monitor the quality and standard of care provided by all members of the team and staff in clinical areas, identifying any skills or training gaps and escalating to the appropriate senior clinician.
• Be accountable for and ensure own competence in practice.

Person Specification

Qualifications

• Degree/Diploma in Orthoptics / Optometry
• MSC in advanced clinical practice or equivalent CATs
• HCPC / GOC registered
• Relevant teaching qualification

Knowledge and Experience

• Experience of extended scope of practice (e.g. neuro‑ophthalmology, retina, emergency, uveitis, paediatrics, adult ocular motility).
• Evidence of CPD and practical application of new skills to the workplace
• Clinical experience at a senior level in speciality area

Personality & Attributes

• Excellent communication and interpersonal skills.
• Polite, tolerant, patient, understanding, caring, friendly, with a good manner and approachable
• Ability to meet deadlines. Flexible working practices
• Ability to work under pressure, prioritise and multitask in an unpredictable working environment
• Effective and supportive team‑working
• Knowledge of Microsoft office

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.

King's College Hospital NHS Foundation Trust

£64,156 to £71,148 a yearPer annum Including High Cost Area

Contract

Fixed term

Duration

12 months

Working pattern

Full‑time, Part‑time, Job share, Compressed hours