Orthoptist – University Hospitals Sussex NHS Foundation Trust (279)
The closing date is 01 June 2026
We are seeking an enthusiastic Orthoptist to join our friendly team at a split site department with 7 orthoptists, 10 ophthalmologists, optometrists, nursing staff and technicians based at St Richards Hospital, part of University Hospitals Sussex NHS Trust. Opportunities to work at some clinics at Shoreham Hospital, Shoreham-on-Sea.
The post is full time; part‑time hours and flexible arrangements such as a 9‑day fortnight may also be considered.
As a Band 5–6 post we welcome applications from experienced Orthoptists (starting as B6) and newly qualified Orthoptists (B5). New Orthoptists will receive support through the BIOS preceptorship pathway and the Trust Allied Health Professionals (AHP) preceptorship programme.
St Richards Hospital is on the coast offering easy access to sailing and water activities. It is also within reach of the South Downs for walking and cycling, and London and Brighton are short train/bus journeys away.
Main duties of the job
The caseload is varied, encompassing paediatric and adult patients. Referrals come from GPs, school nurses, health visitors, stroke, MFU, neurology, paediatrics/CDC and the main eye clinic. There are also opportunities to train in extended roles such as stroke, medical retina and glaucoma.
A dedicated session per week is available for participation in educational activities and meetings run by Orthoptists and the wider eye clinic team, including departmental teaching and teaching of medical undergraduates and junior doctors. The site is accredited for Orthoptic students.
Communication
* Communicate effectively with patients, parents, carers, and those with learning difficulties and non‑English speakers, obtaining informed consent for treatment plans.
* Maintain appropriate patient records.
* Discuss management options with the ophthalmologist and other department members in a professional manner.
* Use other communication methods such as Microsoft Teams, telephone or video consultations.
* Communicate results of consultations to GPs and other referrers as necessary.
* Support verbal communication by providing written educational material to patients, carers and healthcare professionals.
* Utilise the interpreting service for patients with language barriers.
* Attend departmental meetings, communicating effectively and building positive working relationships.
Service Delivery and Improvement
* Follow departmental policies and protocols, providing comments where needed.
* Keep and maintain appropriate electronic and paper records, ensuring timely filing and uploading.
* Assist in collecting and recording patient outcomes to support service development and clinical audit.
* Assist with updating departmental patient information.
People Management and Development
* Participate in teaching optometry and orthoptic students, junior doctors, nurses and health visitors.
* Take part in appraisal as an appraisee.
Patient Care Delivery
* Work as an autonomous practitioner providing orthoptic assessment, diagnosis and management for patients of all ages, including pre‑term babies to the elderly.
* Assess ocular motility defects, amblyopia and complex congenital/acquired cases, including neurological abnormalities, genetic disorders and associated ocular abnormalities.
* Plan, implement and monitor individual orthoptic treatment plans using evidence‑based practice.
* Instil pupil‑dilating drops for diagnosis and treatment where required.
* Perform pre‑ and post‑operative measurements and discuss surgical options with the ophthalmologist.
* Make timely onward referrals to other clinical members of the ophthalmology department or beyond, e.g. neuro‑ophthalmology, sight‑care support teams.
* Communicate sensitive issues, including diagnosis and prognosis, and provide counselling and support.
* Adapt care delivery to the personal needs of individual patients and respond appropriately to emotional, mental and physical cues.
* Participate in secondary vision screening and identify children requiring referral to the optometrist or ophthalmologist.
* Demonstrate manual dexterity and speed for accurate clinical results.
* Accurately assess spectacle prescriptions using automated focimetry.
* Perform auto‑refraction, interpret results and conduct Humphrey automated perimetry.
* Observe safe working practices, comply with legislative H&S regulations and respect confidentiality.
* Manage an unpredictable workload and keep work up to date within departmental standards.
* Work autonomously with full responsibility for patient care and outcomes, with support from the orthoptic team as required.
Learning and Development
* Attend mandatory training updates as required.
* Undertake training in line with the development of the post and joint planning with line manager.
* Achieve agreed standards of personal and professional development within set timescales.
* Identify own learning needs and plan training with line manager.
* Participate in the Trust’s appraisal process to discuss role contributions and service changes.
* Flexibly undertake other duties such as project work, internal job rotation and absence cover as the service requires.
Person Specification
Professional Registration and Qualification
* Diploma or Degree in Orthoptics
* HCPC registered
* Teaching qualification
Experience
* Experience in paediatric and adult orthoptics
* Knowledge and experience of departmental audit
* Experience in an extended role in stroke
Skills
* Good organisational skills, able to plan and manage own workload.
* Recognition of own limits and ability to seek help when required.
* Willingness to participate in teaching Orthoptics to students and professionals.
Equality, Diversity & Inclusion
* Evidence of development to improve understanding of equalities issues.
* Evidence of championing diversity in previous roles.
This post is subject to the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act (Exceptions Order) 1975 and requires a Disclosure and Barring Service check.
Depending on experience: Starting £32,073 or £48,117.
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