Job requirements
Essential
14 listedRequirements the employer expects applicants to meet.
- SKILLS & ABILITIES
Evidence of ability to maintain effective working relationships with colleagues, patients and visitors.
- SKILLS & ABILITIES
Excellent verbal, written, and interpersonal communication skills.
- SKILLS & ABILITIES
Effective time management skills and the ability to prioritise tasks.
- SKILLS & ABILITIES
Ability to work autonomously and within a team.
- KNOWLEDGE & EXPERIENCE
Experience of paediatric Orthoptics and experience assessing and managing children with additional needs
- KNOWLEDGE & EXPERIENCE
Adult orthoptics: be able to investigate diagnose and manage a range of ocular motility disorders
- KNOWLEDGE & EXPERIENCE
Experience assessing and managing complex neurological conditions
- KNOWLEDGE & EXPERIENCE
Experience of diagnosing patients with complex conditions
- KNOWLEDGE & EXPERIENCE
Experience of working in a team and single handed
- KNOWLEDGE & EXPERIENCE
Experience of teaching other healthcare professionals
- KNOWLEDGE & EXPERIENCE
Experience of departmental audits (review of banding)
- EDUCATION, QUALIFICATIONS & TRAINING
To possess an Orthoptic degree or diploma
- EDUCATION, QUALIFICATIONS & TRAINING
Evidence of CPD
- EDUCATION, QUALIFICATIONS & TRAINING
Registration with HCPC
Desirable
2 listedAdditional qualities the employer would prefer.
- KNOWLEDGE & EXPERIENCE
Experience with teaching orthoptic students (review of banding)
- EDUCATION, QUALIFICATIONS & TRAINING
Evidence of further training courses and conferences attended
Job overview
The Royal Eye Infirmary at Dorset County Hospital is looking to recruit an experienced and highly motivated Band 6 Orthoptist to join our friendly department. This is a permanent, part time 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.
UKVI Sponsorship: This role is eligible for sponsorship under the Skilled Worker route, as defined by UK Visas and Immigration (UKVI). We welcome applications from individuals who require sponsorship to work in the UK. Sponsorship will be offered subject to meeting UKVI eligibility criteria.
Main duties of the job
- To assist in the provision of the Orthoptic 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.
- Applicants will have a degree or diploma in Orthoptics and be registered with HCPC.
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, Orthoptists, Optometrists, medical photographers, 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 in 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 the manager in a timely fashion.
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.
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Applying for this NHS job
This advert is for Orthoptist with Dorset County Hospital NHS Foundation Trust in Dorchester, England. It is listed as a Band 6 Orthoptist role. The advertised salary is £39,959 - £48,117 Per Annum. The contract type is Permanent. The application deadline is 11 Oct 2026.
Before you apply, compare the job description with the person specification and mirror the employer's essential criteria in your supporting information. Use the vacancy title, employer, location, salary, contract type, closing date and posted date (25 Sep 2026) to decide whether this role fits your current NHSjob search. If the employer can close applications early, prepare the application before the stated deadline rather than waiting for the final day.
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