Band 5 Orthoptist

Barking Havering and Redbridge Univ Hospitals NHS Trust; Romford; On-site; GBP 30,000 - 46,000; Full time

Job summary

The orthoptist position with the ophthalmology service at BHRUT offers a varied caseload across paediatric and neuro-ophthalmology subspecialties, with opportunities in perimetry, HRT, and OCT. The role emphasizes high-quality clinical assessment and teamwork in a cutting-edge Trust.

Ideal candidates hold HCPC registration with a BSc in Orthoptics and have experience across adult and paediatric orthoptics, including pre-school vision screening. Flexible working and CPD are encouraged.

Qualifications

• BSc (Orthoptics) or equivalent and HCPC registration.
• Proven orthoptic experience with adults and paediatric cases.
• Experience in pre-school vision screening.
• Experience with Heidelberg retinal tomography (HRT), optical coherence tomography (OCT) and Goldmann perimetry.

Responsibilities

• Provide high quality orthoptic assessments, diagnosis and treatment to all referred patients.
• Collaborate within a multidisciplinary team, including perimetry, HRT and OCT.
• Develop orthoptic practice with a varied workload for paediatric and adult patients; participate in CPD and teaching.
• Support active teaching and supervision within the ophthalmology service.

Skills

Orthoptist experience

Paediatric care

Communication skills

Organisational skills

Education

B.Sc (Orthoptics) / BMedSci (Orthoptics)

HCPC registration

Job description

PEOPLE are at the HEART of everything we do

This video gives a flavour of what it is like to work at our Trust and why some of our staff love working here

An exciting opportunity has arisen for an enthusiastic and motivated orthoptist with excellent communication and organisational skills and with an ability to work alone as well as part of a team to join the ophthalmology service at BHRUT.

The ophthalmology team includes 12 ophthalmologists, 6 orthoptists, optometrists, ophthalmic technicians, and nursing colleagues. Orthoptic support is provided at Queen's hospital, which has convenient public transport routes to central London.

The Trust is a major neurosciences centre for northeast London and Essex and the post includes a varied case load supporting mainly paediatric & neuro-ophthalmology sub-specialty services (including Botulinum toxin clinics and adjustable suture surgery patients) and oculo-plastics. Orthoptists also manage their own service as well as orthoptic-optometry joint clinics. Perimetry and tomography are provided as required as part of the multidisciplinary team to other sub-specialty services including the in-house ophthalmology accident and emergency service, glaucoma, anterior segment, adnexal, and medical retinal.

The department is a validated teaching centre for orthoptic undergraduates, as well as providing clinical teaching to other health care professionals.

This post would ideally suit those who are awaiting their results or qualified from the Msc Pre-registration course or Orthoptic graduates looking to develop their career.

Main duties of the job

The post holder will provide a high quality orthoptic service providing assessment, diagnosis and treatment to all patients referred to orthoptics as an a to meet the needs of a modern UK eye service.

The post holder will also work as an active member of a multidisciplinary team including participation in perimetry (automated and manual), Heidelberg retinal tomography and optical coherence tomography including support to other services.

The post offers the opportunity to expand and develop orthoptic practice with an interesting and varied workload requiring orthoptic assessment and treatment for both paediatric and adult patients. Proactive continuing professional development is expected and enhanced by an ophthalmology teaching programme.

Working for our organisation

We’re an organisation that is getting better and better and our improvements are driven by a determination to deliver care we’re proud of and our patients are happy with.

They are benefitting from a new electronic patient record (we were the last acute trust in London to introduce one) and our maternity services have been rated good by the Care Quality Commission.

We operate from two main sites – KGH in Goodmayes and Queen’s Hospital in Romford. We have two busy emergency departments with more than 346,000 people visiting them last year. We’re campaigning to secure the £35m we need to transform the A&E at Queen’s and get rid of corridor care.

We’re proud of our regional Neurosciences Centre, Radiotherapy Centre and Hyper Acute Stroke Unit. We’re also part of the North East London Cancer Alliance.

We run a Women’s Health Hub in Ilford; an Ageing Well Centre in Hornchurch; and Community Diagnostic Centres (CDC) at Barking Community Hospital and at St George’s Health and Wellbeing Hub. These CDCs are open 12 hours a day, 7 days a week.

The majority of our 8,400 staff – who come from 146 different countries - live in the three diverse London boroughs we serve and are from black, Asian and minority ethnic groups. Many can work flexibly and more than 400 of them are on our Ofsted accredited apprenticeship programmes. We’re proud to be a London Living Wage employer.

Detailed job description and main responsibilities

For further information on this role, please see the attached detailed Job Description and Person Specification.

The person specification listed below is not the full specification requirements for the role. Please ensure you review the full specification on the job description prior to submitting your application.

Applicants are advised to read all the information on the advert and the supporting information before completing and submitting an application. As you complete your application please ensure you clearly demonstrate how you meet the criteria in the person specification for this post by adequately completing the supporting information section of the application form.

All new staff appointed at the Trust are subject to a probationary period.

Applications should be made online, however, queries regarding the application process, assistance with completion of the application form or if you require any adjustments (for applicants with a disability) please contact Louise Lucy Glavin, Recruitment Advisor, on 01708 435000 Ext. 5936. Further details regarding the post may be obtained by contacting the manager as per the contact details above.

Person specification

Education/ Qualifications

• Batchelor of science in Orthoptics (B.Sc (orth.) or BMedSci (Orthoptics) or Diploma in the British Orthoptic Council (if qualified pre degree course)
• Health & Care Professions Council registration

Experience/ Knowledge

• Proven varied orthoptic clinical experience – adult & paediatric, and preferably some complex cases
• The ability to work under pressure in a busy clinic whilst maintaining high quality orthoptic practice at all times.
• Experience of pre-school vision screening
• Clinical experience of Heidelberg retinal tomography (HRT) and optical coherence tomography (OCT) & Goldmann perimetry

Before you apply

Using AI
We recognise that more applicants are using artificial intelligence (AI) tools to support their job applications and welcome the responsible use of these technologies.
AI can be a useful tool to help organise your thoughts, improve the structure of your application and support your preparation. However, your application should remain an authentic and accurate reflection of your skills, experience, and knowledge.
We encourage you to review the person specification carefully and provide clear examples that demonstrate how you meet the essential criteria for the role. Any information submitted as part of your application must be accurate, truthful, and based on your experience.
Throughout our recruitment process, we value honesty, integrity, and authenticity. We want to understand what you can bring to BHRUT, so please ensure that your application reflects your own capabilities and achievements.
AI should not be used to misrepresent your skills, qualifications, and experience.

Flexible working
We welcome applications from candidates seeking flexible working or job sharing where service needs allow.

Pre‑employment checks
Please provide references from your current or most recent employer, including your line manager or supervisor. Successful applicants will also be required to complete pre‑employment checks, including identity verification through TrustID and any role‑specific clearances.

Certificate of Sponsorship
In line with UKVI guidance, we are unable to provide a Certificate of Sponsorship for Band 2 and Band 3 roles.

Recruitment process
We may close vacancies before the advertised closing date if we receive a high volume of applications. All communication regarding your application will be sent by email, so please check your inbox and junk folder regularly.

Inclusion
BHRUT is committed to creating an inclusive workplace and welcomes applications from all sections of the community. Applicants who declare a disability under the Equality Act 2010 or identify as a Care Leaver and choose to be considered under our Disability Confident or Care Leaver schemes will be guaranteed an interview where they meet the essential criteria.

Safeguarding
BHRUT is committed to safeguarding children and adults at risk. All employees are expected to share this commitment and follow the Trust's safeguarding policies.

Smoke-free Trust
BHRUT is a smoke-free Trust. All employees are expected to comply with our smoke-free policy.

Employer certification / accreditation badges

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.

We have a wide range of flexible, temporary and part-time opportunities.