Orthoptist Strabismus Surgery Specialist Band 7

Job details

• Branch: Belfast HSCT
• Location: BHSCT, base RVH EENT Building
• Salary: Band 7 (£47,810 - £54,710)
• Contract Type: Permanent
• Opening Date: 19/08/26
• Closes: Wed, 02 September 2026 @ 4:30 PM
• Interview Dates: Possibly 4th September 2026 but subject to change

Notes

Accept online applications only. Applications received after the advertised closing date/time cannot be considered, so please allow enough time for postage. “A waiting list may be created for similar posts that may arise while the waiting list is live, this may include temporary or part-time posts. This will be managed in line with the updated HSC waiting list principles effective from 1 April 2026. Where a part-time waiting list is required, one part-time waiting list will be created- regardless of any specific hours advertised, this waiting list will cover all future vacancies where part-time posts arise. A part-time post is defined as any post that has less than 37.5 hours per week.” Please remember to save or print a copy of the job description before submitting your application, as it will not be accessible afterwards. Flexible Working We welcome flexible working requests from day one. All HSC organisations offer a range of flexible working options. The options available for this post will depend on the requirements of the role. Find out more about flexible working options on our website.

JOB DESCRIPTION

POST: Orthoptist Strabismus surgery specialist

DIRECTORATE: Anaesthetics, Critical Care, Theatres & Sterile Services and Surgery

LOCATION: Belfast Health and Social Care Trust; base RVH EENT building

BAND: 7

HOURS 1.0 WTE (37.5 hours)

REPORTS TO: Head of Orthoptic Services

RESPONSIBLE TO: Ophthalmology Service Manager

Job Summary

The post holder will be the specialist for squint surgery including reviewing patients at the pre and postoperative assessments. This will include triage, completing boarding, consent, pre-assessment clinics, and post-op on the ward and in clinics for of orthoptic patients suitable for squint surgery.

The post holder will complete orthoptic assessments for post operative adjustable procedures.

The post-holder will develop the skills required to complete the autonomous pre-operative and post-operative review of patients including assessment of suture site and identifying those patients suitable for discharge from ophthalmology services.

The post holder will identify patients requiring ophthalmology input postoperatively for example those presenting with post operative infection and those requiring further surgery.

To work collaboratively within the multi-professional ophthalmology team in coordinating theatre lists for surgeons, patients and clinicians in clinics across the regional paediatric ophthalmology strabismus (including but not exclusively theatre/clinics in Belfast, Mid-Ulster and Ulster hospitals) and the Belfast H&SC trust adult strabismus services.

To act as advanced clinician and as first assistant in theatre in the surgical units (paediatric and adults) as required.

Be responsible for the audit of the service.

Work as the advanced clinician, to promote the spread of specialist knowledge and expertise across disciplines at local, regional and national levels

Provide a high standard of specialist care, using safe, effective and appropriate interventions in accordance with current research and professional guidelines

Key Duties & Responsibilities

To be an orthoptic theatre assistant, ensuring BIOS competencies and those agreed with the medical lead and consultants involved in strabismus surgery are completed and achieved in the first year. They will be the expert orthoptist with responsibility for planning the service, developing the role and ensuring it is safe and fit for purpose.

To be an advanced practitioner in knowledge of surgical options for all types of squint surgery including pre-operative, peri operative and post-operative procedures and possible complications. The role will include assisting in the surgery and teaching of the wider MDT including orthoptists, nurses and ophthalmology trainees as required.

To support the ophthalmologist in specialist pre-assessment clinics completing orthoptic examination, boarding and consenting patients.

To be responsible for own caseload, act as an advisor to junior colleagues and advising on referrals from other services.

To take responsibility to formulate relevant discharge plans and to decide relevant onward referral if required. This patient group comprises, but not exhaustive, cases of ocular motility defects, complex congenital and acquired cases, including neurological abnormalities, genetic disorders and associated ocular abnormalities.

To be responsible for the planning, implementing and monitoring of surgical plans for patients of all ages using advanced clinical reasoning and evidence based practice.

To be the advanced practitioner in the clinical knowledge of surgical options for squint surgery, and to be an excellent communicator to medical colleagues regarding options.

To be able to discuss options and outcomes with patients and carers to ensure informed consent including identifying those unable to consent or the guardians able to complete consent.

To be responsible for the development of the theatre assistant role both internally and externally.

To liaise with and give advice to the relevant consultants on the orthoptic diagnosis and suggested management and the options for surgical intervention.

To assess patient’s surgical results and to act when they show new or changes in existing clinical signs

To audit the specialist services and to take appropriate action to implement the required findings.

To use national guidelines and to implement these as required locally

To develop and regularly review the specialist services protocols and policies and to implement change within the specialist teams. To be the expert in procedures and have strategic aims for the long term continuity of the assistant role in theatre.

To be the expert regionally on squint surgery, advising on suitability of patients, adding and removing patients from surgical waiting lists while advising and teaching on the role.

To undertake pre and post operative measurements of eye movement defects. Significant manual dexterity and hand eye co-ordination is required, as the measurements obtained will be used in the eye surgery. Speed and accuracy is also required in infants having eye surgery. Dexterity required for manipulation of theatre equipment, such as squint hooks, during squint surgery.

To assist the surgeon in the post operative adjustable suture technique. This requires accurate measurements of ocular realignment to ensure minimum postoperative complications such as double vision and also to ensure the best cosmesis. This technique is carried out with the patient under local anaesthetic.

To identify surgical risks (pre, peri and post surgery) and to discuss these with the patient, parent and surgeon.

To take the lead in the decision and timing of surgery. This will require an up to date knowledge of evidence based practice.

To assess patients post operatively on the ward on day of surgery and in clinic and to modify treatment accordingly.

To complete post operative assessments of the wound site including but not exhaustive slit lamp examination to identify infection etc.

To maintain own professional and personal development in accordance with the DHSSPS and HCPC standards and professional guidelines for practice and requirements.

Undertake a period of training and supervised practice for a specified time as defined by a mentor in the service appropriate to the individual's learning needs. The practitioner progress through a clearly defined competency based training framework within a prescribed timeframe set by an assigned mentor and approved by the Ophthalmology and Orthoptic Service leads.

Accurately record all activities including the timely recording of patient assessment , diagnosis and treatment interventions on both electronic records and medical notes.

Promote a culture of research and evidence based practice. In order to improve surgical outcomes and quality of life of patients, the post holder will be required to collect and collate data for reports and research and manage the surgical database.

Regularly carry out clinical audit of all ophthalmic orthoptic-led theatre activity to ensure a high standard of quality and safety as well as high levels of patient satisfaction, taking remedial action as necessary.

Regularly participate in multidisciplinary strabismus service scheduling

Demonstrate an advanced level of competency and knowledge within own specialist field.

Ensure personal and peer support and clinical supervision needs are met as outlined in the requirements of the competency based training and learning framework.

Demonstrate a commitment to professional development and reflective practice, ensuring principles for life long learning and reflective practices are adhered too for self and others.

To liaise with external agencies within the designated speciality.

To have input into local policies and procedures and to organise, write and audit policies within the designated speciality. As the expert in this area this will include writing and updating all policies for the orthoptic role.

Undertake a range of autonomous clinical duties and advanced ophthalmic duties that contribute to the delivery of orthoptic services in the ophthalmology outpatient and surgical setting. Undertake pre-assessments, gain consent and complete post-operative ophthalmological assessment for strabismus patients.

Deliver orthoptic-led services in a range of clinical locations to support the regional paediatric ophthalmology and BHSCT adult strabismus services including but not exclusive in BHSCT, Mid-Ulster and Ulster supporting ophthalmology service using clearly defined patient assessment, consent and discharge protocols. Continuously monitor protocols in conjunction with medical staff to ensure patient outcomes are achieved.

To be the orthoptic assistant in theatre supporting the consultant ophthalmologist, theatre nursing and patient, continually monitor patients through the surgical pathway in each of the units as required.

To undertake competency training, develop protocols and deliver RETeval investigations in theatre aiding in the diagnosis of ophthalmic conditions for those patients requiring an examination under anaesthetic. To monitor and audit the service to ensure safe clinical pathways to improve patient access to diagnosis.

To work as a theatre champion, promote patient centre care by advocating for patients with strabismus to ensure surgical theatre time is prioritised.

Maintain patient confidentiality.

To manage the surgical service in all aspects as well as the day-to-day supervision of staff as designated. Knowledge of legislation surrounding surgery and needs of those with complex conditions is essential.

To assess referrals as they arrive in the department and refer to appropriate clinic.

To ensure designated clinics are fully utilised

To assess pending lists and modify rotas accordingly.

To keep and maintain appropriate records

To be able to receipt goods and orthoptic and Optometric equipment.

Responsible for maintaining professional standards, ensuring these are monitored regularly and where appropriate corrective action is taken.

Manage a defined caseload of patients with strabismus, managing their post-operative ophthalmological review.

Acting as a clinical expert in the planning, assisting in theatre and post-operative review of patients with strabismus.

To manage the surgical service in all aspects as well as the day-to-day supervision of staff as designated.

Participate in and respond to patient complaints, adverse incident reporting and investigation, serious adverse incident investigations, risk assessments, health & safety evaluation and action planning.

Promote and develop effective communication across the multidisciplinary team, including liaison with all relevant medical, orthoptic, nursing staff on wards and in theatres and other hospital departments.

Acts as a mentor, clinical tutor and supervisor for orthoptic, medical, nursing staff and students as required.

To liaise with external agencies within the designated speciality. This will include;- the universities regarding undergraduate clinical placements, the education establishments and teachers of the visually impaired, the low vision services, the child development centres, the adult learning disabled units and services, health visitors, school nurses paediatricians. This list is not exhaustive.

Work with MDT to ensure audit of clinical standards of care within ophthalmology ensuring high standards of care.

Work with orthoptic service manager to deliver care in non- divisional departments.

Lead on quality and service improvement within the appropriate areas of the ophthalmology and orthoptic services. Propose potential improvement in this area; develop protocols, patient care pathways and training opportunities for all staff involved in the delivery of ophthalmology including strabismus care.

Establish and develop links with key stakeholders both within and out of the Trust. These include primary and secondary care, commissioning services, statutory and voluntary services.

Represent the service and Trust at professional meetings locally and nationally as requested ensuring feedback is actioned appropriately.

To have documentary evidence of up to date and ongoing continuing professional development (CPD)

To participate in an annual appraisal.

To attend and contribute to departmental teaching sessions.

To organise and teach on designated speciality.

To represent the department locally and regionally and nationally if appropriate.

To comply with national guidelines and to be able to interpret these locally.

To attend appropriate training events,

To observe safe working practices.

To take an active part in the teaching for undergraduate orthoptic and optometric students as well as teaching for junior doctors and consultants. And to organise and teach other professional such as GPs, health visitors, other allied health professionals in vision problems associated with their profession.

Provide information required for effective performance management of staff and resource

Delegate appropriately to staff

Participate in Trust Appraisal conversations and review staff performance in line with the same

Undertake and allocate supervision, education and assessment of the performance of staff and students to undergraduate or post graduate standard when required

Undertake appraisal , supervision, education and assessment of the performance of Team member

Ensure personal and professional development assisting in theatre in accordance with professional and standards ensuring appropriate training completed and refreshed.

Undertake evaluation of the service carrying out clinical audit and research as appropriate. This may lead to the implementation of specific changes to practice or contribute to the development of service protocols

Participate in the development and review of service and professional standards.

General Responsibilities

Employees of the Trust are required to promote and support the mission and vision of the service for which they are responsible and:

At all times provide a caring service and to treat those with whom they come into contact in a courteous and respectful manner.

Promote and support effective team working, fostering a culture of openness and transparency. The post holder will ensure that they take all concerns raised with them seriously and act in accordance with Belfast Trust’s Whistleblowing Policy and their professional code of conduct, where applicable.

Demonstrate their commitment by their regular attendance and the efficient completion of all tasks allocated to them.

Comply with the Trust’s Smoke Free Policy.

Carry out their duties and responsibilities in compliance with the Health and Safety Policies and Statutory Regulations.

Adhere to Equality and Good Relations duties throughout the course of their employment.

Ensure the ongoing confidence of the public in-service provision.

Maintain high standards of personal accountability.

Comply with the HPSS Code of Conduct.

Information Governance

All employees of Belfast Health & Social Care Trust are legally responsible for all records held, created or used as part of their business within the Belfast Health and Social Care Trust, including patient/client, corporate and administrative records whether paper based or electronic and also including e-mails. All such records are public records and are accessible to the general public, with limited exceptions, under the Freedom of Information Act 2000, the Environment Regulations 2004, the UK General Data Protection Regulation (UK GDPR) and the Data Protection Act 2018. Employees are required to be conversant and to comply with the Belfast Health and Social Care Trust policies on Information Governance including for example the ICT Security Policy, Data Protection Policy and Records Management Policy and to seek advice if in doubt.

Environmental Cleaning Strategy

The Trusts Environmental Cleaning Strategy recognizes the key principle that “Cleanliness matters is everyone’s responsibility, not just the cleaners” Whilst there are staff employed who are responsible for cleaning services, all Trust staff have a responsibility to ensure a clean, comfortable, safe environment for patients, clients, residents, visitors, staff and members of the general public.

Infection Prevention and Control

The Belfast Trust is committed to reducing Healthcare associated infections (HCAIs) and all staff have a part to play in making this happen. Staff must comply with all policies in relation to Infection Prevention and Control and with ongoing reduction strategies. Standard Infection Prevention and Control Precautions must be used at all times to ensure the safety of patients and staff.

This includes:-

Cleaning hands either with soap and water or a hand sanitiser at the appropriate times (WHO ‘5 moments’);

Using the correct ‘7 step’ hand hygiene technique;

Being ‘bare below the elbows’ when in a clinical environment;

Following Trust policies and the Regional Infection Control Manual (found on intranet);

Wearing the correct Personal Protective Equipment (PPE);

Ensuring correct handling and disposal of waste (including sharps) and laundry;

Ensuring all medical devices (equipment) are decontaminated appropriately i.e. cleaned, disinfected and/or sterilised;

Ensuring compliance with High Impact Interventions.

Personal Public Involvement

Staff members are expected to involve patients, clients, carers and the wider community were relevant, in developing, planning and delivering our services in a meaningful and effective way, as part of the Trust’s ongoing commitment to Personal Public Involvement (PPI).

Please use the link below to access the PPI standards leaflet for further information.

http://www.publichealth.hscni.net/sites/default/files/PPI_leaflet.pdf

PERSONNEL SPECIFICATION

JOB TITLE

Orthoptist Strabismus surgery specialist and coordinator

BAND

7

DIRECTORATE

Surgery & Specialist Services

Notes to applicants

You must clearly demonstrate on your application form under each question, how you meet the required criteria as failure to do so may result in you not being shortlisted. You should clearly demonstrate this for both the essential and desirable criteria.

Shortlisting will be carried out on the basis of the essential criteria set out in Section 1 below, using the information provided by you on your application form. Please note the Trust reserves the right to use any desirable criteria outlined in Section 3 at shortlisting. You must clearly demonstrate on your application form how you meet the desirable criteria.

Proof of qualifications and/or professional registration will be required if an offer of employment is made – if you are unable to provide this, the offer may be withdrawn.

ESSENTIAL CRITERIA

SECTION 1: The following are ESSENTIAL criteria which will initially be measured at shortlisting stage although may also be further explored during the interview/selection stage. You should therefore make it clear on your application form whether or not you meet these criteria. Failure to do so may result in you not being shortlisted. The stage in the process when the criteria will be measured is stated below.

Factor

Criteria

Ideally no more than 6-8 criteria in this section

Method of Assessment

Experience

Minimum of 5 years’ experience with at least 3 years at Band 6

Must provide evidence of continuous personal and professional development.

Demonstrate the ability to work as an autonomous practitioner as well as part of the wider multidisciplinary team.

Excellent communication skills.

Good organisational and time management skills.

Experience of pre and post operative strabismus assessments

Proactive approach to quality improvement and service improvement.

Experience of advanced clinical skills training

Competent computer skills for communication, data collection and analysis.

Shortlisting by Application Form

Qualifications/ Registration

BSc (Hons) in Orthoptics / DBO.

HCPC Registration.

Other

Hold a current full driving licence which is valid for use in the UK and have access to a car on appointment.

‘Where disability prohibits driving, this criteria will be waived if the applicant is able to organise suitable alternative arrangements.’

SECTION 2: The following are ESSENTIAL criteria which will be measured during the interview/ selection stage:

Skills / Abilities

Experience in or willing to develop a range of ophthalmic skills including but not exhaustive slit lamp examination skills to Level 3 in one or more sub-specialities in Ophthalmology outlined in the Common Clinical Competency Framework for Non-medical Ophthalmic Healthcare Professionals in Secondary Care and successfully apply these skills to practice within a two year period.

Completion of or willing to develop and be deemed competent in theatre assistant clinical skills by completing the BIOS competency training and in house theatre assistant training schedule within one year of taking up the post.

Experience of advanced clinical skills training and /or post graduate qualifications relevant to this post for example slit lamp skills.

Completed or willingness to complete consent training for autonomous preoperative strabismus clinics within one year of taking up the post.

Experience in people management.

Interview

Knowledge

Evidence of developing evidence based clinical practice

Experience of completing risk assessment

DESIRABLE CRITERIA

SECTION 3: these will ONLY be used where it is necessary to introduce additional job related criteria to ensure files are manageable. You should therefore make it clear on your application form how you meet these criteria. Failure to do so may result in you not being shortlisted

Experience in pre- and post op strabismus clinics including surgical planning

Qualifications

Post Graduate qualification in Orthoptics in a relevant Masters level module or a willingness to complete within 2 years.

Evidence of advanced clinical skills/competency training for example, but not exhaustive, slit lamp skills, consent training

All staff are expected to display the HSC Values at all times