Specialist Orthoptist

Ekhuft; Canterbury; Hybrid; GBP 32,000 - 48,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Relocation policy

Parking available

Job summary

East Kent Hospitals NHS Trust is seeking a motivated Orthoptist to join the Site Orthoptic Department in Canterbury. The role involves collaboration with consultants, ophthalmic nurses and other eye care professionals to deliver comprehensive orthoptic services across paediatric and adult cases.

Applicants should hold a degree/diploma in Orthoptics with HCPC registration (or be working towards/return to practice).

Qualifications

• Degree or diploma in Orthoptics with HCPC registration (or working towards/return to practice).
• Experience in a broad range of orthoptic assessments.
• Evidence of continuing professional development and teaching/mentoring.
• BIOS teaching course or equivalent qualification is desirable.

Responsibilities

• Investigate, diagnose and manage orthoptic cases referred to the department.
• Formulate ongoing treatment plans for a wide range of conditions.
• Liaise with ophthalmology and other professionals as appropriate.
• Deliver high quality clinical care and communicate complex information clearly.
• Demonstrate commitment to CPD and clinical governance.

Skills

Orthoptist

Clinical teamwork

Communication skills

Continued professional development

Education

Orthoptics degree

HCPC registration

Tools

IT skills in digital healthcare

Job description

Site Orthoptic Department, Kent and Canterbury Hospital Town Canterbury Salary £32,073 - £48,117 Newly Qualified Orthoptists will be employed at Band 5 Salary period Yearly Closing 30/09/2026 23:59

Job 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 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 orthoptic under-graduates 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.

A degree/diploma in Orthoptics and registration with the HCPC is essential (or working towards/return to practice.) Newly qualified orthoptists would be considered at a band 5.

Main duties of the job

• 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.

Working for our organisation

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.

Detailed job description and main responsibilities

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.

Qualifications & Training

• Current HCPC registration.
• Orthoptic Degree or equivalent
• Evidence of continuing professional development
• BIOS teaching course Formal teaching or preceptorship, mentoring qualification
• BIOS membership or separate Medical and Professional Liability Insurance

Clinical Skills & Experience

• 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 including complex patients aligned with the four pillars of practice.
• Ability to analyse & 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 .
• Teaching and facilitation Skills.
• Enhanced role competencies
• Experience undertaking research .

Governance

• 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.
• Clinical Audit skills and experience relevant to role.

Personal & Professional Attributes

• 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

• 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.

There are lots of great opportunities at East Kent Hospitals, where staff are caring and put patients first, innovation flourishes and you can develop your career. We’re on an exciting journey of transformation. With a local Medical School at the centre of our community, a focus on research, clinical leadership and making our trust a rewarding and friendly place to work, there’s never been a better time to join us. To find out more about east Kent visit our website . The Trust fully supports the SAS Doctors Charter and is committed to their development through its CPD Framework.

We have a relocation policy for eligible candidates, parking available at Trust sites but we encourage other options, like car sharing or public transport.

The Trust is committed to supporting flexible working to fulfil our pledge as part of The Trust’s People Strategy to help staff to achieve a healthy work/life balance. Please speak with your Recruiting Manager for further information on how this can be managed alongside department expectations and requirements.

The ability to converse easily and provide advice in accurate spoken English is essential for all customer facing roles.

Most positions require a Disclosure and Barring check and will be exempt from the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act 1974. Posts working regularly or unsupervised with children or vulnerable adults require an enhanced check.

Applicants for eligible roles requiring Skilled Worker sponsorship must meet UK Visas and Immigration eligibility criteria.

We operate a no-smoking policy on all our sites and grounds.

Employer certification / accreditation badges

You must have appropriate UK professional registration.

This post is subject to the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act 1974 (Exceptions) Order 1975 (Amendment) (England and Wales) Order 2020 and it will be necessary for a submission for Disclosure to be made to the Disclosure and Barring Service.