Head Orthoptist | Isle of Wight NHS Trust

Isle of Wight NHS; England; On-site; GBP 53,000 - 61,000; Full time

Job summary

A regional healthcare provider in the United Kingdom seeks an experienced Orthoptist to lead their service and develop extended roles. This position involves implementing treatment plans and training healthcare staff while focusing on patient care. Excellent professional development support and relocation assistance up to £10,000 are offered. The role is located in a scenic area with extensive outdoor activities.

Benefits

Onsite nursery

Cycle-to-work scheme

Discounts

Rent a beach hut

Flexible working arrangements

Qualifications

• Experience as an Orthoptist with an emphasis on patient care.
• Strong clinical knowledge and ability to develop treatment plans.
• Excellent teamwork and communication skills.

Responsibilities

• Lead the orthoptic service and coordinate with other healthcare providers.
• Implement and monitor treatment plans for diverse patient demographics.
• Provide education to students and healthcare staff.

Skills

Patient care

Clinical knowledge

Teamwork

Communication

Problem-solving

Time management

Prioritisation

Learning and development

Job description

Calling all Orthoptists!

Band 8a: £53,755 - £60,504 per annum (Subject to Job Matching)

The Isle of Wight Orthoptic department is seeking an experienced Orthoptist to lead our service and develop into extended roles. Our friendly team provides comprehensive ophthalmic services to the residents of the Isle of Wight.

Our small but busy orthoptic department handles paediatric and adult strabismus cases, including a wide variety of squints and complex cases.

While your primary focus will be on orthoptics, you will have the flexibility to shape your role according to your interests. We support your professional development with dedicated time and financial resources. We also offer a recruitment and retention premium and a generous relocation allowance of up to £10,000, subject to Trust policy.

Moving to the island could be one of your best decisions. We welcome visits to our team and can support your travel costs. For an informal chat about this role, please call 01983 524081 ext 4497.

The Isle of Wight is only four miles from southern England, with excellent transport links. It was designated an area of outstanding natural beauty in 1963 and a UNESCO Biosphere in 2019. With over 57 miles of coastline, beaches, and over 500 miles of footpaths, it offers a range of outdoor activities and attractions. The island hosts festivals, carnivals, and has numerous restaurants and eateries.

Our Trust offers benefits like onsite nursery, cycle-to-work scheme, discounts, and the opportunity to rent a beach hut. We provide flexible working arrangements to suit your needs, subject to service requirements.

The island is a popular tourist destination, with ferries to the Channel Islands, France, and Spain, and cruise departures from Southampton. Southampton Airport is less than 25 miles away.

Role responsibilities include:

• Leading the IOW orthoptic service and working closely with Portsmouth University Hospitals NHS Trust.
• Planning, implementing, and monitoring treatment plans for patients of all ages.
• Developing extended roles tailored to your interests.
• Providing training and education to students, pre-registration optometrists, healthcare assistants, and nurses.

We are looking for someone who:

• Puts patient care first.
• Applies good clinical knowledge.
• Has strong teamwork and communication skills.
• Possesses problem-solving, time management, and prioritisation skills.
• Is committed to learning and development.

This advert closes on Friday 8 Aug 2025.