Orthoptist

Job overview

The Royal Eye Infirmary at Dorset County Hospital is looking to recruit an experienced and highly motivated Band 5 Orthoptist to join our friendly department. This is a fixed term post. The department is based at Dorset County Hospital, but we run single handed clinics in the community.

A diploma/degree in Orthoptics and HCPC registration is essential. The post holder will be expected to travel between the hospital site and various locations in the community to carry out peripheral clinics; therefore, a car driver is preferable.

The department currently runs paediatric and ocular motility clinics. Currently, orthoptists in our department have extended roles in stroke. We are also a placement site for Orthoptic students. Staff regularly participate in department audit, clinical governance and clinical teaching sessions. The post-holder will be supported by the Head Orthoptist.

Right to Work in the UK: This role is not available for Skilled Worker visa sponsorship. Applicants must already have the legal right to work in the UK at the time of application. Unfortunately, we are unable to support visa applications for this post in line with UKVI regulations.

Main duties of the job

• To assist in the provision of the Orthoptist services as an autonomous practitioner,
• Expected to work clinically to deliver a range of core Orthoptic services
• To provide Orthoptic assessment, diagnosis and management of patients of all ages and abilities, planning, implementing, and monitoring individual Orthoptic treatment plans/care pathways using clinical reasoning and evidence based practice.
• To support the Ophthalmology service as required.

Detailed job description and main responsibilities

• You will need to plan and prioritise your own workload
• Work as part of a multi-disciplinary team of Ophthalmologists, Orthotists, Optometrists, Ophthalmic technicians, nurses, clerical staff and secretarial staff.
• Undertake correspondence with GPs and other colleagues.
• Deal with queries regarding appointments, internal referrals etc, that arise during the working day and to liaise with the senior Orthoptists to take the appropriate action.
• Check clinical area is safe for patients and staff and report any hazards to the manager in a timely manner.
• Participate in regular Orthoptic departmental meetings giving feedback from courses and conferences attended.
• To participate departmental audit and research where possible.
• To cover, as appropriate, for colleagues during periods of sick and annual leave.
• To report damage or functioning problems with equipment to manager in a timely manner.

Applicant requirements

You must have appropriate UK professional registration.

This post is subject to the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act 1974 (Exceptions) Order 1975 (Amendment) (England and Wales) Order 2020 and it will be necessary for a submission for Disclosure to be made to the Disclosure and Barring Service.