Orthoptist - Band 5

Job overview

To provide diagnosis, management and treatment of patients referred to the Orthoptic Department for various clinics including, General Paediatrics, Special Needs Paediatrics, Ocular Motility Clinics. To be responsible as an autonomous practitioner and to be professionally and legally accountable and responsible for all aspects of own work in the evaluation of visual acuity and visual behaviour in referrals, responsible for planning and implementing and monitoring individual orthoptic treatment plans/care pathways for patients of all ages using advanced clinical reasoning and evidence based practice. This includes infants with strabismus (squint) and amblyopia, congenital or developmental abnormalities, genetic referrals, adult illiterates and children and adults with significant learning difficulties as well as ocular motility defects in both children and adults.

To effectively communicate complex clinical information in a clear manner to the patient/carer and other professionals to ensure an understanding of the condition and its treatment.

To contribute to the efficient running of outpatient clinics of the ophthalmology service.

To carry and prioritise own clinical workload

You will be working in a team of 6.5 WTE Orthoptist. We also have a fantastic team of Orthoptic assistants and two Optometrists.

We have a great working relationship with the wider Ophthalmology team and we are involved in several extended roles including shared care glaucoma and visual processing.

Main duties of the job

Detailed job description and main responsibilities

• ¨ To work as an autonomous practitioner, legally and professionally responsible and accountable for the investigation, diagnosis and management of Orthoptic patients ¨ To prioritise own clinical workload and keep accurate contemporaneous records ¨ Support the development of Orthoptic service ¨ Use all equipment safely and without risk to patients ¨ To liaise with other health care professionals and others when required ¨ Directly involved in the teaching of other health professionals in aspects of orthoptic investigation practical and theory ¨ Continued Professional Development ¨ To work within Professional Guidelines ¨ Maintain registration with the Health Professions Council and abide by their rules and regulations ¨ Knowledge of departmental and Trust policies and procedures ¨ To be involved in Orthoptic service development and promoting the profession ¨ To undergo further training as required. ¨ United Lincolnshire Hospitals Trust is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children, young people and adults, both as service users and visitors to Trust premises. All staff have a responsibility to safeguard and promote the welfare of children and adults. The post holder, in conjunction with their line manager, will be responsible for ensuring they undertake the appropriate level of training relevant to their individual role and responsibilities and that they are aware of and work within the safeguarding policies of the Trust.