Orthoptist

Bidvane; Oxford; Hybrid; GBP 28,000 - 35,000; Full time

Job summary

Oxford University Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust is seeking a Band 5 orthoptist for a 12-month maternity leave cover in Oxford. The role focuses on independently assessing, diagnosing and managing ocular motility disorders in both children and adults, with a mix of core clinics and community work.

The post offers opportunities to develop skills in craniofacial, stroke, neurorehabilitation and SEND services, with HCPC registration required and a degree in orthoptics.

Qualifications

• Independent assessment, diagnosis and management in orthoptic clinics.
• Paediatric and adult strabismus/amblyopia management.
• High-quality clinical notes and patient communication.

Responsibilities

• Independently assess, diagnose and manage patients in core orthoptic clinics
• Assess, diagnose and manage strabismus, amblyopia and complex cases
• Evaluate visual acuity and visual behaviour for referrals (paediatric focus)
• Plan, deliver and monitor orthoptic treatment for all ages
• Work independently in the community setting
• Explain results and management plans to patients and carers
• Discuss results with ophthalmologists, optometrists and colleagues
• Maintain accurate patient records in line with Trust policy
• Contribute to service improvement, audits and data collection
• Undertake CPD and participate in appraisal processes

Skills

Independent clinical assessment

Paediatric & adult care

Education

Orthoptics degree

HCPC registration

Job description

Maternity leave cover for 12 months at Oxford University Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust, offering a Band 5 orthoptist post aimed at newly qualified or early-career clinicians. The work centres on independently assessing, diagnosing and managing patients with ocular motility disorders such as strabismus and amblyopia, for both children and adults. The post combines core clinics with community work and scope to build skills in craniofacial, stroke, neurorehabilitation and SEND services. Fit turns on a degree in orthoptics and HCPC registration.

What the job involves

• Independently assess, diagnose and manage patients in core orthoptic clinics
• Assess, diagnose and manage strabismus, amblyopia and complex cases, acting on new or changed clinical signs
• Evaluate visual acuity and visual behaviour for referrals, particularly strabismus and paediatric
• Plan, deliver and monitor orthoptic treatment for patients of all ages, gaining consent and following up non-attenders
• Work independently in the community setting
• Work with interpreters, relatives and support workers to achieve patient comprehension
• Explain assessment results, prognosis and treatment plans to patients, parents or guardians
• Discuss results and management plans with ophthalmologists, optometrists, ophthalmic technicians and other colleagues
• Keep clear, accurate patient records in line with Trust policy
• Contribute to service improvement, clinical audit, surveys and data collection
• Help with administrative and managerial duties delegated by the Head or Deputy Head Orthoptist
• Undertake CPD and take part in the value-based appraisal process

Qualifications

• Degree in orthoptics

Registration & licences

• HCPC registration

Nice to have

• Postgraduate orthoptic experience within an NHS trust

What's offered

• Opportunities to develop skills in craniofacial, stroke, neurorehabilitation and SEND services
• Support for continuing professional development