Orthoptist

NHS; Canterbury; On-site; GBP 30,000 - 40,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading healthcare provider in Canterbury seeks a highly motivated orthoptist to join a collaborative team. You will work closely with ophthalmologists and other healthcare professionals, handling a varied and challenging caseload in paediatric ophthalmology and more. Ideal candidates should have an orthoptic degree, HCPC registration, and excellent communication skills. The role emphasizes team dynamics and commitment to patient care, making it an excellent opportunity for motivated professionals looking to make a difference.

Benefits

Continued professional development

Work within a multidisciplinary team

Qualifications

• Current HCPC registration.
• Orthoptic degree or equivalent.
• Evidence of continuing professional development.
• Experience assessing a broad range of orthoptic patients, including complex cases.

Responsibilities

• Investigate and manage cases referred to the orthoptic department.
• Formulate treatment plans for a wide range of conditions.
• Liaise with other healthcare professionals as necessary.
• Communicate complex information to patients and families.

Skills

Communication skills

Time management

Analytical skills

Teamwork

Flexibility

IT skills

Education

Orthoptic degree or equivalent

HCPC registration

Job description

Job Summary

We are looking for a highly motivated orthoptist keen to be part of a team of 10 orthoptists. You will work alongside consultant ophthalmologists, orthoptic clinical assistants, optometrists, ophthalmic nurses and ophthalmic technicians.

The post provides a varied and challenging case load including paediatric ophthalmology specialist clinics, ocular motility and botulinum toxin clinics, neuro‑ophthalmology, stroke and trauma patients. Orthoptists in the team currently assist in theatre and carry out IVT injections in support of the medical retina team.

We are an accredited department for orthoptics undergraduates on placement and, as a teaching hospital, we are involved in the clinical teaching of medical students, junior doctors and pre‑registration optometrists. The successful candidate will be required to work as part of an enthusiastic multi‑disciplinary team.

Main Duties

• The investigation, diagnosis and management of cases referred to the orthoptic department.
• Formulate an ongoing plan of treatment for a wide range of conditions.
• To liaise with or make onward referrals to ophthalmology and other professionals as appropriate.
• Dispense medication according to patient group directives/medical exemptions.
• Communicate complex, sensitive information which is condition specific to patients, relatives and carers.
• Demonstrable commitment to Continuing Professional Development and Clinical Governance.

About Us

We are one of the largest hospital trusts in England, with five hospitals and community clinics serving a local population of around 800,000 people. Our vision is 'great healthcare from great people'. Everything we do is guided by our values: 'People feel cared for, safe, respected and confident that we are making a difference'. We have a new way of working at East Kent Hospitals, called 'We care'. It's about empowering frontline staff to lead improvements day‑to‑day. We're looking for compassionate people to be part of our improvement journey for the patients, families and carers we care for every day.

Qualifications & Training – Essential

• Current HCPC registration.
• Orthoptic degree or equivalent.
• Evidence of continuing professional development.
• Completed preceptorship training.
• Experience assessing a broad range of orthoptic patients including complex patients.
• Demonstrable knowledge and experience of delivering high quality clinical care using enhanced skills in a broad range of orthoptic patients aligned with the four pillars of practice.
• Ability to analyse and interpret clinical findings in order to plan and deliver the best treatment possible.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills.
• Excellent time management and organisational skills.
• IT skills relevant to digital healthcare and role.

Qualifications & Training – Desirable

• BIOS teaching course or formal teaching or preceptorship, mentoring qualification.
• BIOS membership or separate medical and professional liability insurance.
• Teaching and facilitation skills.
• Enhanced role competencies.
• Experience undertaking research.
• Clinical audit skills and experience relevant to the role.

Governance – Essential

• Awareness of professional issues and current healthcare relating to quality governance, NICE, CQC and GIRFT.
• Awareness of quality governance, clinical effectiveness, patient safety and patient experience tools to support clinical practice and service improvement.

Personal & Professional Attributes – Essential

• Ability to work within a team to achieving goals and motivate others.
• Ability to work under pressure to problem solve, plan and prioritise care.
• Demonstrate knowledge of change management and impact.

Other Requirements – Essential

• Flexibility in working patterns to meet the needs of the service.
• Ability to travel independently to all sites in a timely manner.
• Commitment to equity and diversity.
• Self‑motivated, positive, adaptable and flexible approach.
• Upholds and role models the Trust values.

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 to check for any previous criminal convictions.

Certificate of Sponsorship

Applications from job seekers who require current skilled worker sponsorship to work in the UK are welcome and will be considered alongside all other applications. For further information visit the UK Visas and Immigration website.

UK Registration

Applicants must have current UK professional registration. For further information please see NHS Careers website.

Employer Details

East Kent Hospitals University NHS Foundation Trust

Orthoptic Department, Kent and Canterbury Hospital

Ethelbert Road

Canterbury

CT1 3NG

Employer’s Website

https://www.ekhuft.nhs.uk/patients-and-visitors/