Job overview
An exciting opportunity has arisen for a motivated and compassionate Specialist Orthoptist to join our friendly and forward-thinking Orthoptic team at Scarborough Hospital, set on the beautiful North Yorkshire coast.
We are looking for an empathetic, well-organised and easy-going Orthoptist who values patient-centred care and thrives as being part of a supportive multidisciplinary team. The successful candidate will deliver a full range of core orthoptic clinics, alongside developing a specialist interest in low vision assessment and leading the LVA service. You will play a key role in the day-to-day running and ongoing development of the Low Vision Service, ensuring high-quality care for patients with complex visual needs.
Our department is proud to offer extended roles for orthoptists, providing excellent opportunities for professional development. These include involvement in glaucoma monitoring clinics, intravitreal injection services, and post-operative cataract clinics, allowing you to work at the top of your scope and expand your clinical expertise.
This role offers the chance to make a real difference to patients’ lives while working in a welcoming department that values collaboration, learning and work-life balance. With Scarborough’s stunning coastline and access to the Yorkshire countryside, this is an ideal opportunity for both professional growth and an exceptional quality of life.
Main duties of the job
To provide core orthoptic services for new and follow up patients and to provide support to specialist clinics such as URC, neuro-ophthalmology and oculoplastics.
Provide low vision assessment in stand alone clinics and managing the stock and ordering of low visual aids (LVA's) for the department.
Instil cycloplegics under medicine exemptions qualification for refraction and new patient clinics.
Cross site working as required at locations including, Bridlington, Malton and Whitby hospitals. Car driver is essential.
Participate in the extended role of the Orthoptist when the need or opportunity arises.
York and Scarborough Teaching Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust is a large, supportive organisation committed to delivering high-quality, patient-focused care across its sites.
Working for our organisation
Trust Information Pack:
Our benefits
We offer a range of benefits to support our staff including:
1. Access to the NHS Pension Scheme, providing generous benefits upon retirement, as well as a lump sum and pension for dependants
2. 27 days holiday rising to 33 days (depending on NHS Trust service)
3. A variety of different types of paid and unpaid leave covering emergency and planned leave
4. Confidential advice and support on personal, work, family and relationship issues, 24/7, from our Employee Assistance Programme
5. NHS Car Lease scheme and Cycle to Work scheme
6. An extensive range of learning and development opportunities
7. Discounts on restaurants, getaways, shopping, motoring, cinema and finance from a range of providers
For further information on the fantastic range of benefits we offer please visit the Trust's dedicated Staff Benefits pages.
Detailed job description and main responsibilities
A full description of the role is available in the attachment: job description.
Please note that if a high number of applications are received this advert may close early. You are advised to submit your application at the earliest opportunity.
Working for the Trust
Across our organisation, people are guided by values that were co-developed with staff: we are kind; we are open; and we pursue excellence.
Our values play into our ambition to develop a more diverse workforce, truly representative of our communities. We welcome applications from everyone, while working with our Staff Networks - including our Race Equality, LGBTQ+, Disability and Carers Networks - to increase the number of applications we receive from different backgrounds. If there is anything we can do to make our application process more accessible to you, please contact: .
As part of seeking to become more inclusive, we will consider requests for flexible working from the start of your employment. It may not be suitable for every role, but we will try and be supportive where we can. We would encourage you to speak to the recruiting manager named within this advert to discuss any requirements you may have.
Armed Forces Friendly Employer
We are holders of the Gold Award from the Defence Employer Recognition Scheme, which is helping actively promote SaBRE - Supporting Britain’s Reservists and Employers. This means that we have made a statement of intent to support all Defence personnel, including with applications for employment.
Person specification
Education & Qualifications
Essential criteria
8. To possess a BSc/Bmedsci in Orthoptics or equivalent
9. Hold a valid UK driving license and use of own vehicle
10. Registration with Health and Care Professions Council
Desirable criteria
11. Low vision qualification
12. Medicine Exemptions
Skills, Knowledge & Abilities
Essential criteria
13. Ability to develop good working relationships with hospital staff at all levels
14. Ability to work independently or as part of a multi-disciplinary team
15. To have a wide knowledge of conditions that are referred to the orthoptic service and the treatment plans that are required
Desirable criteria
16. Competent slit lamp and examination skills including goldmann tonometry
Experience
Essential criteria
17. Experience in all aspects of clinical orthoptics
18. Interest in developing the extended role of the Orthoptist
19. 2 years' continuous NHS employment
20. Manage patient care autonomously
Desirable criteria
21. Previous experience of providing low vision assessment
22. Experience in orthoptist extended roles
23. 2 years' continuous NHS employment at band 6
Personal attributes
Essential criteria
24. Commitment and enthusiasm to the quality of patient care and ongoing professional development.
25. Work well under pressure
26. Willing to learn new skills.
27. Punctual with good time management
28. Excellent communication skills with the ability to communicate effectively with a broad range of patients including those with learning disabilities