Job summary
Calling all Orthoptists!
Band 8a: £53,755 - £60,504 pro rata, per annum
The Isle of Wight Orthoptic department is looking for an experienced Orthoptist to lead our service with the opportunity to develop into extended roles. Our friendly team provides fully comprehensive ophthalmic services to the residents of the Isle of Wight. The department covers paediatric and adult strabismus cases with a wide diversity of squints and interesting, complex cases.
Your primary focus will be on orthoptics, with the flexibility and autonomy to shape the role according to your professional interests. As a small team, we support your development and can offer dedicated time and financial resources to facilitate growth and advancement. A recruitment and retention premium and a generous relocation allowance of up to £10,000 (subject to Trust policy) are provided to help finance your move.
Visits to the team are welcomed and we can support travel costs. For an informal conversation about this role, please call 01983 524081 ext 4497.
Main duties of the job
The Isle of Wight is four miles from the southern coast of England with excellent transport links to the mainland. The island is designated as an area of outstanding natural beauty and a UNESCO Biosphere in 2019, with many beaches, coastline, countryside, attractions, and events.
Details about location and lifestyle are provided for information purposes.
About us
Isle of Wight NHS Trust offers benefits including onsite day nursery, cycle-to-work scheme, discounts at local businesses and gyms, and the opportunity to rent the Trust's beach hut in Ryde. Flexible working arrangements can be discussed to suit service requirements.
Isle of Wight is a popular destination for outdoor activities and culture, with easy access via ferries, Portsmouth, and Southampton airports.
Details
Date posted: 22 September 2025
Pay scheme: Agenda for change
Band: Band 8a
Salary: £55,690 to £62,682 a year pro rata, per annum (based on 2024/2025 pay scale)
Contract: Permanent
Working pattern: Full-time
Reference number: 470-25-0014-PL-1
Job locations: St Mary’s Hospital, Parkhurst Road, Newport, Isle of Wight, PO30 5TG
Job description
* You will lead the IOW orthoptic service and oversee service developments, including collaboration with Portsmouth University Hospitals NHS Trust.
* As an autonomous practitioner, you will plan, implement, and monitor individualised orthoptic treatment plans and care pathways for patients across all age groups, using advanced clinical reasoning and evidence-based practices.
* You will have an extended role tailored to your specific areas of interest.
* You will provide specialised training and education to students, pre-registration optometrists, healthcare assistants, and nurses.
We are looking for someone who:
* Puts patient care first.
* Applies good clinical knowledge.
* Has strong teamwork and communication skills.
* Has good problem solving, time management and prioritisation skills.
* Has a strong commitment to learning and development of themselves and others.
Person Specification
Essential
* Diploma or undergraduate degree in orthoptics
* Extensive clinical experience
* Evidence of continuing professional development
Desirable
* Masters qualification or specialist postgraduate training
* Experience in service improvement
* Leadership qualification
* Research/Publications/Presentations experience
Physical Skills
Essential
* Ability to operate the full range of orthoptic equipment within the service
* Dexterity to accurately perform relevant examinations
Desirable
* Ability to train others on orthoptic equipment
Abilities and Aptitudes
Essential
* Ability to prioritise clinical workload and respond calmly and logically
* Ability to gain the confidence of children, families, and adults
* Good therapeutic skills including empathy, active listening and understanding of therapeutic boundaries
Desirable
* Ability to adapt the service to changing needs and demands
* Supportive of the development of other members of staff
* Sympathetic, friendly, caring and enthusiastic
Additional information
Disclosure and Barring Service Check: This post is subject to the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act (Exceptions Order) 1975 and an DBS disclosure may be required.
Certificate of Sponsorship: Applications from job seekers who require Skilled Worker sponsorship are welcome and will be considered. For details visit the UK Visas and Immigration site.
UK Registration: Applicants must have current UK professional registration. For more information see the NHS Careers website.
Employer details
Employer: Isle of Wight NHS Trust
Address: St Mary’s Hospital, Parkhurst Road, Newport, Isle of Wight, PO30 5TG
Employer's website: iow.nhs.uk
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