Specialist Orthoptist - Complex Ocular Motility

NHS Jobs; Preston; On-site; GBP 42,000 - 54,000; Full time

Job summary

Lancashire Teaching Hospital NHS Foundation Trust in Preston is seeking a Specialist Orthoptist to assess and manage complex ocular motility cases within a busy ophthalmology service. The role involves coordinating with Squint Consultants and the Head Orthoptist, acting as 1st Assistant for squint surgery, and delivering precise post-operative care.

You will document findings, plan patient pathways, and communicate clearly with patients, families and the MDT.

Qualifications

• Autonomous practitioner responsible for eye drops decisions and consent.
• Develops orthoptic treatment plans and care pathways using clinical reasoning.
• Communicates complex diagnoses to patients, carers and MDT.

Responsibilities

• Assesses patients with complex ocular motility diagnoses and formulates management plans.
• Undertakes the role of 1st Assist for squint surgery for both adult and paediatric patients.
• Maintains records, writes letters and refers to other professionals as required.
• Engages in audit, research and quality improvements within Orthoptics and service delivery.

Job description

Specialist Orthoptist - Complex Ocular Motility

Assessespatientswithcomplex ocular motility diagnoseswithin the giventimeframesfor testing. Formulates management plans for these patients in communication with the Squint Consultants and Head Orthoptist. Undertakes the role of 1st Assist for squint surgery for both adult and paediatric squint surgery. Assists the surgeon in post-operative adjustable suture technique and Botox clinics requiring accurate measurements to ensure good ocular alignment whilst the patient is under local anaesthetic. Presents pre-operative squint surgery findings to the squint MDT and collates an MDT summary report, organises relevant post-operative follow-up and/or any additional tests required prior to squint surgery. Clearly communicates to the patient, carers and MDT such findings as reduced vision, restricted ocular motility, and other limiting factors such as potential for post-operative diplopia. Independently assess, plans, implements and monitors individual orthoptic treatment plans/care pathways for each patient using clinical experience, knowledge and evidence-based practice, selects appropriate assessment techniques relevant to each individual patient based on clinical experience and by using clinical reasoning. Records clinical findings, management plans and other relevant information within the patients notes and formulate letters to summarise and refer on to other professionals as required. Communicates to convey complex diagnoses and treatment plans, break bad news and provide support, gain consent and understanding by combating barriers, gain the confidence and cooperation of children and parents or to present and explain complex concepts, ideas and issues to service users who are unfamiliar with them. Actively involved in audit, research and quality improvements relating to this aspect of the Orthoptic service. Undertakes delegated duties from the Head Orthoptist regarding e.g. the developing of resources for this cohort of patients. Actively involve themselves and support the other Orthoptists involved with this cohort of patients to develop the service. Actively promote the orthoptic profession and involvement with this cohort of patients through such things as school/college open days and work experience. Discharges or arranges onward referral as required. Actively involved in discussions and decisions around treatments with the Orthoptists/Optometrists/Ophthalmologists. Responsible as an autonomous practitioner for the decision to instil eye drops for refraction tests, diagnostic and treatment purposes, to decide the appropriate strength of drops required and to advise patients/parents of the side effects following departmental PGDs/medicine exemptions. To liaise with the Head Orthoptist regarding problems arising from any orthoptic treatment. Demonstrates compassion by recognising and responding to individual needs in a warm, thoughtful, sensitive and helpful way. Proactively engages with patients, relatives and carers to seek their views, gain agreement and to keep them informed about their treatment and care. Receives positive feedback from own patients, relatives, team and students.

Lancashire Teaching Hospital NHS Foundation Trust

Lancashire Teaching Hospital NHS Foundation Trust

Lancashire Teaching Hospital NHS Foundation Trust