Orthoptist

Bradford Teaching Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust; Bradford; On-site; GBP 30,000 - 40,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading healthcare provider in Bradford is seeking an experienced orthoptist to conduct assessments and manage patient care in both acute and community settings. The role involves working autonomously to provide high-quality orthoptic services, including vision screening and patient education. The ideal candidate will have HCPC registration and strong skills in clinical reasoning and communication.

Qualifications

• Experience in general and paediatric orthoptic clinics.
• Ability to perform visual field testing independently.
• Knowledge of evidence-based practice in orthoptic care.

Responsibilities

• Conduct autonomous assessments and diagnoses of patients.
• Formulate individual management and treatment plans.
• Perform pre-operative and post-operative assessments.

Skills

Autonomous practitioner

Clinical reasoning skills

Effective communication

Analytical skills

Education

HCPC registration (as an orthoptist)

Job description

Overview

This is an excellent opportunity to gain a broad range of experience in a busy Orthoptic/Ophthalmic Dept. This post involves general orthoptic clinics, paediatric clinics and some visual fields. The Orthoptic service covers both the acute and community settings providing primary vision screening in the reception classes of all schools in the Bradford Metropolitan District (covering approximately 7000 children per year), and a Low Vision Service for both adults and paediatrics. The department is an accredited training centre for undergraduate orthoptists and a mentor is available within the department to support newly qualified staff. Regular clinical governance/audit sessions are held and active participation is encouraged by all.

Responsibilities

• To be responsible as an autonomous practitioner for the orthoptic assessment, diagnosis and management of patients referred from various departments e.g. ophthalmology, paediatrics, casualty and maxillo-facial.
• To independently undertake the comprehensive assessment of patients using investigative and analytical skills to form a diagnosis.
• Formulate individual management and treatment plans, using advanced clinical reasoning skills and evidence based practice to gain informed consent.
• To perform pre-operative and post-operative orthoptic assessments, in order to provide the ophthalmic surgeon with accurate measurements of motility defects.
• To work in the community with support from a senior orthoptist.
• To carry out visual field testing.
• To undertake the orthoptic vision screening of reception age children in the primary schools across Bradford Metropolitan Area (Bradford & Keighley) as directed by the Head or Deputy Head Orthoptist.
• To assist in the delivery of the orthoptic service by providing a high standard of care, undertaking a range of professional duties based in the Acute unit at BRI e.g. general out-patients, paediatric out-patients, and visual fields without direct supervision. To assist in the delivery of the school vision screening programme across Bradford and Airedale.
• To be professionally responsible and accountable for all aspects of orthoptic care delivered, ensuring a high standard of clinical care for the patients.
• To independently undertake the comprehensive assessment of patients using investigative and analytical skills to form a diagnosis.
• Formulate individual management and treatment plans, using advanced clinical reasoning skills and evidence based practice to gain informed consent.
• To perform pre-operative and post-operative orthoptic assessments, in order to provide the ophthalmic surgeon with accurate measurements of motility defects.
• Identify post-operative risk factors and utilise their knowledge of evidence based practice to discuss the risks with the patient, carer and surgeon.
• To work as an autonomous practitioner with support from a senior orthoptist as required.
• To instil ophthalmic drops and advise on side effects as required in line with the Patient Group Directions for the Orthoptic Service.
• To liase with the Deputy Head/ Head Orthoptist regarding problems arising from the treatment of orthoptic disorders.
• To carry out visual field testing.
• To communicate effectively with patients and carers to encourage a therapeutic environment. Communication skills of persuasion, motivation, and explanation are required to ensure the appropriate care is delivered.
• Ensure effective communication and work in collaboration with all levels of staff, the multidisciplinary team and other health, social care or education professionals.

Education & Professional Development

• To supervise, support staff and students as appropriate
• To take responsibility for own professional development, maintaining an up to date knowledge of techniques and technology demonstrable by maintaining a CPD portfolio
• Active participation in the departments Clinical Governance and Audit meetings including journal club presentations
• To take responsibility for own compliance to the HCPC Statement of Conduct

Management & Compliance

• To assist in the management of the workload
• Compliance with the professional requirements for patient records and the provision of accurate information as required
• To undertake administrative duties e.g. collection of data and provision of clinical reports
• To adhere to Trust and department policies, protocols and standards
• To undertake any other duties at a comparable level of responsibility allocated to the post

Our People Charter

Our People Charter outlines the behaviours we can expect from one another and what you can expect from Bradford Teaching Hospitals Foundation Trust:
+ We value people
+ We are one team
+ We care

We\'re keen to meet people who share these values and are passionate about delivering the highest quality of care to our patients.