Responsibilities
* Take responsibility as an autonomous practitioner for orthoptic assessment, diagnosis and treatment of all patients referred to the service from various specialities (mainly outpatient settings).
* Formulate and monitor individual management and treatment plans for patients of all ages, communicating these effectively with patient, parent or carer to obtain 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 and departments (neurology, maxillofacial, paediatrics, eye casualty etc.) and formulate accurate diagnosis and future programme of care with advice to medical colleagues.
* Prescribe eye drops according to departmental Patient Group Directions for very young babies and children as well as adults.
* Undertake orthoptic/optometry combined care clinics, taking direct referrals and, from assessment results, make diagnoses and clinical management decisions including referral to consultant clinics or discharge.
* Undertake pre and post‑operative measurements of ocular motility defects, base timing and type of operation, and discuss surgical options with ophthalmic surgeon.
* Carry out roles within the ophthalmology department consistent with extended role of the orthoptist, using specialist knowledge of refraction, binocular vision, ocular and neuroanatomy.
* Assist with visual field clinics using Humphrey automated perimeter and manual Goldmann as required.
* Undertake biometry and assessment of patients in cataract clinics or pre‑assessment clinics.
* Maintain accurate, detailed clinical records in electronic or handwritten form per department policy.
Peripheral Clinic Duties
* Provide and develop orthoptic service including extended roles for peripheral hospitals and ensure satisfactory implementation.
* Carry out roles within peripheral hospital ophthalmology clinics using specialist knowledge such as visual field assessment, biometry, tonometry.
* Keep Head Orthoptist informed of all developments.
* Coordinate with Head Orthoptist to ensure adequate staffing during absences.
* Inform peripheral hospital managers of technological developments for equipment purchase.
* 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, adjust clinics to maintain appropriate patient numbers.
* Represent the peripheral orthoptic service on relevant local committees.
* Report health and safety issues to the hospital manager.
Service Delivery & Development
* Assist in clinical teaching of undergraduate orthoptists using various methods.
* Coordinate with school nurses, health visitors, social workers, and medical staff via Head Orthoptist.
* Teach pre‑registration optometrists, medical students, junior doctors, nurses, and other staff to appropriate level.
* Maintain accurate and contemporaneous CPD records.
* Organise and participate in local and national audits.
* Comply with local and national policies and standards.
* Offer support and assistance to junior orthoptists.
Governance
* Comply with clinical protocols and policies, participate in annual review, alert Head Orthoptist to breaches.
* Participate in staff appraisal scheme as appraisee and act as appraiser for non‑registered technical staff.
* Work within hospital policies concerning patients, visitors, staff safety and welfare.
* Report accidents or incidents involving patients, visitors or staff promptly.
* Have full knowledge of fire escapes, fire equipment and procedures.
* Ensure a safe working environment and contribute to infection control procedures.
* Report hazards to Head Orthoptist.
* Comply with Trust mandatory training requirements (fire lecture, manual handling, CPR, child protection, incident reporting).
Patient/Customer Service
* Plan and prioritise individual workload.
* Assist with administrative tasks, including arranging cover during absences and adjusting clinic templates.
* Maintain patient records to highest standard, written or electronic.
* Dictate letters summarising clinical findings for parent and GP.
* Report faulty equipment and low stock levels to relevant authorities.
* Be aware of health and safety issues and report concerns.
Risk Management and Patient Safety
* Use specialist knowledge and innovative practice to provide high standard patient care and maintain safety.
* Promote infection prevention and control awareness to reduce cross‑infection risk.
* Use effective education programmes to promote staff compliance with policies and patient safety.
* Comply with clinical protocols, alert Head Orthoptist to breaches.
* Participate in staff appraisal scheme.
* Understand hospital policies on safety and welfare.
* Report accidents or incidents immediately, complete DATIX form.
* Maintain knowledge of fire safety.
* Ensure safe working environment and infection control.
* Comply with Trust mandatory training and assist with recruitment of research participants.
Qualifications
* Degree or diploma in orthoptics recognised by HCPC.
* Preferred: recognised clinical teaching qualification and previous management or leadership experience.
* New graduates welcome.
Information to Candidates
The role may involve evening and weekend work due to large activity volume. Salary is in Band 5.
Equality and Diversity
UHL is an equal opportunities employer. We aim to employ a workforce that reflects the diverse communities we serve. We welcome applications from people from all backgrounds who match our job criteria. Applicants who have a disability and meet the essential criteria for the job will be interviewed if they indicate a wish to be considered under the Guaranteed Interview Scheme. If you require a reasonable adjustment at any stage of the recruitment process please inform the recruitment services team.
Disclosure and Barring Service Check
Successful candidates will be required to undertake a Disclosure & Barring Service check. The trust will pay for the check initially and the amount will be deducted from salary over three months. Current price: £38 for enhanced, £18 for standard.
COVID‑19 Risk Assessment
We have introduced a staff risk assessment into the pre‑employment process. The assessment ensures safe performance of duties. If you fall into a vulnerable category, reasonable adjustments will be made.
COVID‑19 Vaccination Status
We encourage all current and potential colleagues to be vaccinated to protect themselves and patients.
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