Advanced Orthoptist - Stroke Lead

Kingston and Richmond NHS Foundation Trust; Kingston upon Thames; On-site; GBP 43,000 - 51,000; Full time

Job summary

Kingston and Richmond NHS Foundation Trust invites an experienced Band 7 Orthoptist to lead the inpatient and outpatient Orthoptic Stroke Service at Kingston Hospital. The role involves autonomous assessment, clinical governance, teaching and deputising for Head Orthoptist, within a supportive MDT.

You will develop the service, contribute to audits, and support student education in a modern ophthalmology department with strong imaging and consultant team.

Responsibilities

• To assess, diagnose and develop treatment plans for children and adults presenting to the Orthoptic Department, in accordance with the professional standards and guidelines of the BIOS.
• To work autonomously while also contributing as an integral member of the multidisciplinary team.
• To support Consultant Ophthalmologists by undertaking comprehensive orthoptic assessments of patients before and after squint surgery and Botulinum Toxin treatment.
• To lead the Orthoptic Stroke Service across inpatient and outpatient settings, providing specialist expertise and supporting colleagues in the assessment and management of patients with visual difficulties following stroke.
• To support the education, training and development of undergraduate Orthoptic students in the role of Clinical Tutor, and to contribute to the teaching and development of other healthcare professionals and students.
• To act as a mentor and role model for junior members of staff, providing professional support, supervision and guidance as required.
• To contribute to service development, clinical audit, quality improvement and governance activities within the department.
• To deputise for the Head Orthoptist when required, supporting the operational leadership and management of the Orthoptic Service.
• To prioritise and triage electronic referrals to the paediatric and adult motility services, including referrals from the Acute Referral Clinic.

Job description

An exciting opportunity has arisen for an experienced Band 7 Orthoptist to lead the inpatient and outpatient Orthoptic Stroke Service at Kingston and Richmond NHS Foundation Trust.

The Royal Eye Unit at Kingston Hospital is a large, modern ophthalmology department providing a comprehensive range of specialist services. The department comprises 16 Consultant Ophthalmologists, an Acute Referral Clinic and a dedicated imaging team, offering a varied and rewarding caseload.

The successful candidate will join a supportive multidisciplinary team of Orthoptists, Optometrists and Consultant Ophthalmologists. You will play a key role in the delivery, development and continual improvement of the Orthoptic Stroke Service, working closely with the wider stroke multidisciplinary team across both inpatient and outpatient settings.

In addition to providing highly specialised clinical care, you will contribute to service development, quality improvement initiatives, clinical audit, teaching and training.

You will act as Clinical Tutor for Orthoptic students, supporting their clinical education and development, and will share responsibility for deputising for the Head Orthoptist when required.

Main duties of the job

• To assess, diagnose and develop treatment plans for children and adults presenting to the Orthoptic Department, in accordance with the professional standards and guidelines of the British and Irish Orthoptic Society (BIOS).
• To work autonomously while also contributing as an integral member of the multidisciplinary team.
• To support Consultant Ophthalmologists by undertaking comprehensive orthoptic assessments of patients before and after squint surgery and Botulinum Toxin treatment.
• To lead the Orthoptic Stroke Service across inpatient and outpatient settings, providing specialist expertise and supporting colleagues in the assessment and management of patients with visual difficulties following stroke.
• To support the education, training and development of undergraduate Orthoptic students in the role of Clinical Tutor, and to contribute to the teaching and development of other healthcare professionals and students.
• To act as a mentor and role model for junior members of staff, providing professional support, supervision and guidance as required.
• To contribute to service development, clinical audit, quality improvement and governance activities within the department.
• To deputise for the Head Orthoptist when required, supporting the operational leadership and management of the Orthoptic Service.
• To prioritise and triage electronic referrals to the paediatric and adult motility services, including referrals from the Acute Referral Clinic.

About us

Development and staff wellbeing

Your growth and happiness matters to us. After all, we can't expect the best from you if we don't invest in your development and nurture your wellbeing. From the moment you join us, we're committed to fostering your professional and personal development within a supportive, empowering environment. Whether you're just starting your career or looking to advance further, we provide you with the tools and opportunities you need to succeed. We actively support colleagues to take part in research, quality improvement and innovation, whatever their role or level in the organisation.

To support your wellbeing, we offer an extensive range of resources, including an on-site staff nursery at Kingston Hospital, wellbeing practitioners, wellbeing classes, dedicated staff physiotherapist, comprehensive occupational health services, 24/7 employee assistance programme, and a range of other support and activities.

We also take every opportunity to thank and recognise the work our teams do, through weekly 'shoutouts' and patient feedback, monthly and annual awards.