Specialist Paediatric Orthoptist

Chelsea And Westminster Hospital Nhs Foundation Trust; Greater London; On-site; GBP 40,000 - 48,000; Full time

Job summary

Chelsea and Westminster Hospital NHS Foundation Trust in London is seeking an Orthoptist to join the Ophthalmology service on a fixed-term basis. The post requires using advanced clinical reasoning to assess and treat adults and children as part of a multidisciplinary team.

You will perform automated visual field testing and assist the head orthoptist with department administration. The role offers Band 6 salary £39,959 to £48,117 per year plus HCAS and full-time hours.

Qualifications

• HCPC Registration and professional registration is essential.
• Evidence of continued professional development and post-graduate experience.
• Experience in undertaking clinical audits and supervising students is preferred.

Responsibilities

• Carry out orthoptic assessments and treatments for adults and children.
• Work as an autonomous practitioner within a multi-disciplinary team.
• Assist head orthoptist with department administration and automated visual field testing.

Skills

HCPC Registration

Excellent communication

Education

Degree in Orthoptics

Job description

Job summary

The post holder will be responsible for carrying out orthoptic assessments and treatment for both adults and children presenting to the ophthalmology service. The post holder will need to use their specialist skills to diagnose and treat all conditions as necessary using advanced clinical reasoning and evidence based practice. They will work as an active member of a multi-disciplinary team and also assist the head orthoptist in the administration of the department. Duties also include carrying out automated visual field testing. Other clinical duties will be included as required, according to clinical competences already achieved and training given in the post.

Main duties of the job

The post holder will be responsible for carrying out orthoptic assessments and treatment for both adults and children presenting to the ophthalmology service. The post holder will need to use their specialist skills to diagnose and treat all conditions as necessary using advanced clinical reasoning and evidence based practice. They will work as an active member of a multi-disciplinary team and also assist the head orthoptist in the administration of the department. Duties also include carrying out automated visual field testing. Other clinical duties will be included as required, according to clinical competences already achieved and training given in the post.

About us

Our Trust is one of England's top-performing and safest trusts. We operate two main acute hospital sites--Chelsea and Westminster Hospital and West Middlesex University Hospital--along with award-winning clinics across North West London.

Our nearly 7,500 staff care for a diverse population of 1.5m, providing full clinical services including maternity, A&E and children's services, plus specialist HIV and sexual health care. The CQC rates us Good in safety, effectiveness, care and responsiveness, and Outstanding in leadership and resource use.

We continually invest in our facilities, including a £30m expansion of critical care at Chelsea and an £80m Ambulatory Diagnostic Centre at West Mid.

We are delivering sustainable healthcare through our Green Plan. In line with Greener NHS ambitions, we aim for net zero carbon emissions by 2045. Achieving this requires collective effort. We encourage staff to reduce their impact on carbon, waste and pollution wherever possible. Every action counts to create a healthier, more sustainable future.

We are committed to equal opportunities and believe diversity drives innovation and excellence. We welcome applications from the global majority, veterans and underrepresented communities, valuing the perspectives they bring.

Details

Date posted: 23 October 2026
Pay scheme: Agenda for change
Band: Band 6
Salary: £39,959 to £48,117 a year Per annum Plus HCAS
Contract: Fixed term
Duration: 6 months
Working pattern: Full-time
Reference number: 289-WLCH-138
Job locations: Chelsea and Westminster Hospital, 369 Fulham Road, London, SW10 9NH, United Kingdom

Job responsibilities

Clinical

• To observe and maintain professional standards at all times in line with the Codes of Conduct and Standards of Proficiency of the Regulatory Body, the Health Professions Council (HPC) and the British and Irish Orthoptic Society.
• Assess and diagnose all patients presenting to the Orthoptic Department, as an autonomous practitioner, incorporating specialist skills, in order to ensure accurate diagnosis and treatment plans for patients of all age groups, mental and physical ability whilst adhering to any national and local guidelines. This includes patients with complex ocular motility and paediatric ophthalmology conditions.
• To be competent in the analysis of complex facts in order to reach an accurate diagnosis and to determine the most appropriate treatment modality from a range of treatment options, including patients requiring orthoptic, optical, pharmacological and surgical management and to have the ability to discuss the pros and cons of procedures and their potential outcomes and to develop specialised programmes of care

This job description reflects the present requirements and objectives of the post; it does not form part of your contract of employment. As the duties of the post change and develop, the job description will be reviewed and will be subject to amendment, in consultation with the post-holder.

Person Specification

Essential

• Degree in Orthoptics
• HCPC Registration
• 2 years Experience
• Evidence of continued professional development
• In depth post graduate
• Experience in undertaking and presenting clinical audit
• Experience in undertaking other healthcare professionals/orthoptic undergraduates
• Excellent communication skills

Desirable

• Accredited BIOS teaching qualification
• Mentoring certificate

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 (formerly known as CRB) 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.

From 6 April 2017, skilled worker applicants, applying for entry clearance into the UK, have had to present a criminal record certificate from each country they have resided continuously or cumulatively for 12 months or more in the past 10 years. Adult dependants (over 18 years old) are also subject to this requirement. Guidance can be found here Criminal records checks for overseas applicants.

UK Registration

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

Employer details

Employer name: Chelsea and Westminster Hospital NHS Foundation Trust
Employer's website: https://www.chelwest.nhs.uk/

For questions about the job, contact:

Head Orthoptist: Adult and Paediatric Ophthalmology, Shabnam Khan, [e-mail], 02033158075