South Tyneside and Sunderland NHS Foundation Trust
Specialist Orthoptist
The closing date is 25 June 2025
There are somany reasons to join our team at Sunderland Eye Infirmary. Aside from ourfantastic staff, we have lots of exciting things going on. Our plans for ourEye Hospital in Sunderland are taking shape and will be our new home from 2026.The new hospital means Sunderland will remain home to the regions onlydedicated standalone eye hospital. It will strengthen our excellent reputationacross the NHS, both regionally and nationally as a centre of excellence forophthalmology care.
We also neverstay still when it comes to discovering new and better treatments. As one ofthe few specialist eye hospitals in the country, research and using developingtechnology is a key part of our work. We encourage innovation and research ineverything we do. There is always something to get involved in. If you shareour vision for excellence in all thatwe do, wed love you to join us!
We are lookingfor 2 enthusiastic and motivatedOrthoptists to join our friendly and experienced team of 8 orthoptists based atSunderland Eye Infirmary. As a tertiary referral centre, our service supportspaediatric Ophthalmology, Neuro-Ophthalmology, Maxillofacial, Emergency care,adult motility and acute stroke service. We also participate in studentteaching as an accredited Orthoptic student placement.
Main duties of the job
The successfulcandidate would join a team of 8 orthoptists. They will also work alongside 2consultant Paediatric Ophthalmologists, 1 specialist Neuro-Ophthalmologist and9 Optometrists. They will be based at Sunderland Eye Infirmary and will participatein joint Consultant, Optometry and individual Orthoptic clinics. They will alsohave the opportunity to participate in peripheral clinics, regular journalclubs and teaching of Orthoptic and medical students.
Considerationwill be given to newly qualified Orthoptists who do not meet the criteria forBand 6, but who are appointable at Band 5. Mentoring will be provided in thiscircumstance. Responsibilities will be dependent on experience.
The workinghours will be 37.5 hours per week Monday-Friday 08:30-16:30. We encourage allhopeful candidates to contact Maxine Davison, Highly Specialist Orthoptists on0191 5699064 or maxine.davison@nhs.net for further information regarding thispost.
About us
Please help us by adding your telephone number to your application form this will allow us to contact you quickly if required.
One Team One Trust - There are many reasons to work at our Trust. From our commitment to putting people first to our accessible services and award winning teams. We have a passion for research, innovation and tackling inequalities. We are committed to respect, fairness and civility and promote a compassionate, caring and positive culture / working environment.
We welcome all applications irrespective of peoples race, disability, gender, sexual orientation, religion/belief, age, gender identity, marriage and civil partnership, pregnancy/maternity and in particular those from under- represented groups. Looking after our workforces health and wellbeing is a priority for STSFT. We also provide access to high quality education, training, career progression and support. Flexible working is supported via the Trust's Flexible Working Policy.
The Trust employs around 8,600 people and provides a range of hospital services to a local community of around 430,000 residents. We also provide a range of more specialised services outside this area, in some cases to a population as great as 860,000. We offer our staff outstanding benefits - Fitness Centre (SRH), libraries at both hospital sites, chaplaincy support and access to a Childcare Co-ordinator to help staff with childcare arrangements. The Trust will not accept applications which are found to be AI generated.
Job responsibilities
PLEASE REFER TO THE ATTACHED JOB DESCRIPTION FOR FULL DUTIES OF THE ROLE.
To provide a comprehensive and quality Orthopticinvestigation as an autonomous practitioner for patients referred to the EyeDepartment. To work independently and within a multi-disciplinary team toprovide appropriate assessment, diagnosis and treatment for Orthopticpatients ranging in age and abilities. To carry out secondary screening in thecommunity and peripheral sites.
Person Specification
Experience
* Experience in all aspects of clinical Orthoptics.
* Experience in ophthalmological assessment of patients.
* Evidence of continued professional development.
* Evidence of special interest in neuro-ophthalmology and strabismus.
* Experience of delivering student supervision and clinical education to Orthoptic undergraduates, pre-registration optometrists, trainee GPs and junior doctors.
Physical Skills
* Ability to assist patients to move as per Trust Moving and Handling Policy.
* Expert hand/eye co-ordination to perform accurate assessments with challenging patients.
Qualifications
* BSc (Hons) Orthoptics OR Orthoptics BMedSci OR Diploma from British Orthoptic Council (DBO) OR Be a student expected to qualify with a degree / diploma within 3 months of application date.
* To be registered with Health and Care Professions Council.
* BIOS member or other professional liability insurance.
* Medical exemptions for orthoptists.
Skills and Knowledge
* Good planning and organisational skills and be self-directing.
* Ability to deliver presentations.
* Good interpersonal and communication skills at all levels.
* Ability to manage and prioritise clinical work load and respond appropriately and logically.
* Understanding of and ability to maintain patient confidentiality.
* Ability to gain co-operation dependent on the audience, ability and understanding.
* IT Skills.
* Ability to adapt communication to individuals including non-verbal ways eg Makaton.
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.
South Tyneside and Sunderland NHS Foundation Trust
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