Specialist Orthoptist | University Hospital NHS Foundation Trust

Specialist Orthoptist

Department:
Orthoptics
Band: 6 (pro rata if part-time)

Hours:

37.5 per week. All MKUH roles will be considered for flexible working.

We are looking for a motivated and enthusiastic orthoptist to join our friendly and supportive team of 6 orthoptists as part of a wider multidisciplinary eye clinic. The MKUH ophthalmology department is located in a new Community Diagnostic Centre, 5 minutes away from the main hospital site within the city centre. It comprises orthoptic rooms, consulting rooms, optometry rooms, treatment rooms and a theatre.

Orthoptists with relevant previous clinical experience will be recruited to band 6, with the opportunity to undertake and develop skills in extended roles (depending on departmental requirements). These specialist areas may include SEN clinics, biometry, intravitreal injections, paediatric ECLO and stroke ward work. New graduate orthoptists are also welcome to apply and will be appointed at band 5 level and work through a clinical skills toolkit to help their career development.

The department has supported and mentored new graduates through a preceptorship scheme that has enabled them to develop to a band 6 role. We have a recognised BIOS mentor and are actively involved in both CPD and clinical audit.

We care, We communicate, We collaborate, We contribute – “NHS Survey, 2024” Allied Health Professionals experience a high diverse and equal work environment, supporting this with 8.33 out of 10.

• To provide orthoptic services as an autonomous practitioner, working within professional guidelines and policies, to provide a comprehensive and competent orthoptic service to both paediatric and adult patients within the hospital and other locations as required.
• To provide assessment, diagnosis, management and treatment of patients presenting with a wide range of ophthalmic and ocular motility disorders.
• Undertake one or more specialised orthoptic clinic roles such as stroke, orthoptic screening, intravitreal injections, ECLO, biometry clinics and assessment of children with additional needs (special educational needs / visual impairment / specific learning difficulties).
• To independently assess and manage complex neurological patients, referring on to the consultant ophthalmologist as required.
• Participate in departmental education programme, including the training of orthoptic undergraduate students, pre‑registration optometrists, junior doctors, health visitors, school nurses and others.
• To act as a source of expertise on the management of ocular motility disorders to patients, other healthcare professionals, GPs and consultants.

• Carry out A‑scan biometry and contact / immersion measurements using specialised equipment. Perform IOP and keratometry measurements and instil eye drops as required. Liaise with the ophthalmologist regarding accurate power selection of intra‑ocular lens implant. Take personal responsibility for correct machine calibration and follow guidelines to minimise possible infection risks.
• Assist the surgeon with specialised A‑scan immersion biometry as part of the MDT team in theatre for patients under GA, taking accurate measurements to assist the surgeon with complex patients with high‑risk co‑morbidities during cataract surgery.

• Work autonomously, within professional boundaries, taking sole responsibility for the orthoptic assessment, diagnosis and treatment of patients referred from ophthalmology including booked urgent service, vision screening, paediatrics, stroke, and maxillofacial services. This will include babies, children and adults with varied complexity of medical conditions and neurological disorders.
• Assess and diagnose paediatric and adult new and follow‑up patients. Develop and manage a specialised programme of care appropriate to the needs of the individual patient, using clinical reasoning and a wide range of treatment skills, communicating effectively with patients and parents / carers. Assess understanding and obtain informed consent to the recommended treatment plan. Adhere to any national and local guidelines.
• Maintain a significantly…