Overview
We are looking for an enthusiastic and motivated orthoptist to join our team of 17 orthoptists in the Ophthalmology Unit at University Hospitals of Leicester. The unit employs 26 Consultant Ophthalmologists, including 4 paediatric ophthalmologists with a specialist interest in neuro‑ophthalmology.
Key Responsibilities
* Take responsibility as an autonomous practitioner for orthoptic assessment, diagnosis and treatment of all patients referred to the service from various specialities, mainly in an outpatient setting.
* Formulate and monitor individual management and treatment plans for patients of all ages using advanced clinical reasoning and communicate these plans effectively with patients, parents or carers to gain informed consent.
* Initiate treatment and management of squint and amblyopia using individual treatment plans, including infants and children with significant sight problems.
* Assess patients referred from other specialties (e.g., neurology, maxillofacial, paediatrics, eye casualty) and formulate an accurate diagnosis and future programme of care including advice to medical colleagues.
* Prescribe eye drops under departmental Patient Group Directions, covering very young babies, young children and adults.
* Undertake orthoptic/optometry combined care clinics, make diagnoses and clinical management decisions, and refer to consultant clinics or discharge as appropriate.
* Carry out pre‑ and post‑operative measurements of ocular motility defects to determine timing and type of operation and discuss surgical options with the ophthalmic surgeon.
* Perform roles in the ophthalmology department consistent with the extended role of the orthoptist, including refraction and binocular vision, and ocular and neuro anatomy and physiology.
* Assist with visual field clinics using the Humphrey automated perimeter and manual Goldmann as required.
* Undertake biometry and assessment of patients in stop cataract clinics or pre‑assessment clinics.
* Maintain accurate, detailed clinical records in electronic or handwritten form in accordance with departmental policy.
Peripheral Clinic Duties
* Develop and provide the orthoptic service in peripheral hospitals, including extended roles, and ensure developments are implemented satisfactorily.
* Carry out roles within peripheral hospital ophthalmology clinics, such as visual field assessment, biometry and tonometry.
* Keep the Head Orthoptist informed of all developments in technology and equipment needs.
* Liaise with the Head Orthoptist to ensure adequate staffing levels during planned absences.
* Provide professional advice to other health‑care workers in the ophthalmic team.
* Organise and manage all pre‑ and post‑clinic administration, documentation, correspondence and statistics.
* Plan and prioritise own workload and adjust orthoptic clinics to maintain an appropriate number of patients, sending appointments accordingly.
* Represent the peripheral orthoptic service on relevant local committees.
* Report health and safety issues to the hospital manager.
Service Delivery & Development
* Assist in the clinical teaching of undergraduate orthoptists using a variety of methods.
* Engage with school nurses, health visitors, social workers, visually‑impaired peripatetic teachers and medical staff in the hospital and community, via the Head Orthoptist if necessary.
* Teach pre‑registration optometrists, medical students, junior doctors, nurses, health visitors and other health‑care workers to the appropriate level.
* Maintain accurate and contemporaneous records of own CPD.
* Organise and participate in local and national audits.
* Comply with local and national policies and standards.
* Offer support and assistance to more junior orthoptists.
Governance and Safety Responsibilities
* Comply with local clinical protocols and policies and participate in their annual review.
* Take responsibility for alerting the Head Orthoptist to any breaches or operational concerns.
* Participate in the staff appraisal scheme as appraisee and act as appraiser for non‑registered technical staff.
* Report accidents or untoward incidents involving patients, visitors or staff immediately.
* Maintain knowledge of fire escapes, fire equipment and fire procedures.
* Ensure the workplace is a safe working environment and actively contribute to infection control procedures.
* Report all hazards that could involve patients, visitors or staff to the Head Orthoptist.
* Ensure compliance with Trust requirements for mandatory training (e.g., fire lecture, manual handling, CPR, child protection, incident reporting).
Patient/Customer Service
* Plan and prioritise individual workload.
* Assist in carrying out administrative tasks, including arranging cover for clinics during planned absences and amending clinic templates.
* Maintain all patient records to the highest standard, whether written or electronic.
* Dictate letters summarising clinical findings for parents and GP.
* Report any faulty equipment and low stock levels to the Head/Deputy Head Orthoptist.
* Report health and safety issues within the department to the Head/Deputy Head Orthoptist.
Research
Assist with recruitment of participants for the research team at the University of Leicester.
Qualifications
* Hold a degree or diploma in orthoptics recognised by the HCPC.
* Preferred: recognised clinical teaching qualification and some previous management or leadership experience.
* Enthusiasm for personal and professional development and a drive to provide an excellent patient experience.
Salary & Working Hours
Salary: Band 5. The role may require some evening and weekend work. The successful applicant will be involved in all aspects of the department’s clinical work depending on experience.
Equality, Diversity & Inclusion
Our strategy embeds health equality and partners with communities to reduce avoidable differences in healthcare access.
Application Deadline
This advert closes on Tuesday 5 May 2026.
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