Orthoptist | East Kent Hospitals University NHS Foundation Trust

East Kent Hospitals NHS Trust; Canterbury; On-site; GBP 32,000 - 39,000; Full time

Job summary

A major healthcare provider in Canterbury seeks a motivated orthoptist to join a supportive team. Responsibilities include diagnosing and managing cases, developing treatment plans, and liaising with other professionals. The position offers opportunities for professional development and a supportive work environment in a committed healthcare team.

Qualifications

• Highly motivated orthoptist keen to be part of a team.
• Ability to investigate, diagnose and manage cases.

Responsibilities

• Investigate, diagnose and manage referred cases.
• Communicate complex information to patients and relatives.
• Develop enhanced practice skills.

Job description

Overview

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 Assistant, Optometrists, Ophthalmic Nurses and Ophthalmic Technicians.

The orthoptic department has 11 members of staff (9.8 wte) and covers 6 sites within East Kent. We are a friendly, hardworking, supportive team who get together for regular meetings and CPD.

We have strong links with many departments within the hospital including the stroke wards, neurology, endocrinology and SCBU. Band 6 Orthoptists work competently at an enhanced practice level providing care aligned to the four pillars of practice. It is envisaged that 90% of this role will be spent in the clinical area, as part of an agreed job plan.

There is a strong drive to service improvement, developing staff and being an integral part to this busy acute trust. We are a student placement site and are involved in research projects both internally and nationally.

Responsibilities

• 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.
• To develop enhanced practice skills.

About East Kent Hospitals

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.

Please note that if you require a Certificate of Sponsorship to work in the UK you must declare this on your application form, even if you currently have a certificate of sponsorship or a work permit for another role and are already working in the country. Please note we are only able to sponsor candidates on a Skilled Worker Visa applying for roles Band 5 and above.

Please scroll down to access the full Job Description and Person Specification located in ‘Documents to download’.

If you have further queries please don’t hesitate to contact the line manager using the contact details below.

This advert closes on Monday 6 Oct 2025