Job overview
We are looking to hire a Specialist Optometrist to join our team here at Kettering General Hospital NHS Foundation Trust. This is a part-time position, working 26.5 hours per week.
You will work closely with other Optometrists and Health Care Professionals in order to deliver and develop a comprehensive range of core optometric services to the highest standards of quality and care.
Work as an autonomous practitioner in providing optometric and ophthalmological assessment, diagnosis and management of patients of all ages, and those who have varying communication skills.
There will opportunity and support for professional and career development within the hospital setting.
Main duties of the job
- To provide autonomous Orthoptic management of all types of ocular motility defects and be responsible for managing specialised and complex patients
- To use specialist orthoptic skills to diagnose and treat all conditions as necessary using advanced clinical reasoning and evidence based practice
- To be responsible as an autonomous practitioner for the evaluation of visual acuity and visual fields referred from specialist services. This includes visual acuity of babies, infants and children with strabismus and amblyopia, congenital or developmental abnormalities, genetic referrals, adults referred from Endocrine, Neurology and Maxillo-Facial clinics, children and adults with significant learning difficulties as well as acute ocular motility defects in both children and adults
- To provide teaching and supervision of Pre-registered Opticians and Medical students
Detailed job description and main responsibilities
For futher information regarding the role responsibilites and duties please refer to the job description and person specification attached.
Person specification
Skills
Essential
- To have at least one year experience in all aspects of clinical Orthoptics involving investigation, diagnosis, management and treatment
- Full range of IT skills inc Computer skills using a keyboard and mouse
- Excellent communication skills used across the organisation and with a wide range of staff at differing levels of responsibility and with different professional backgrounds
- Able to demonstrate behaviours that meet the Trust Values
Desirable
- Previous experience of specialist visual fields is beneficial, but training will be given if needed.
Qualifications
Essential
- To possess a Bachelor of Science in Orthoptics BSc(Orth), BMedSci (Orthoptics) and/or a diploma from the British Orthoptic Council (DBO)
- To be registered with the Health Care Professions Council (HCPC)
- Evidence of continuous professional development
Knowledge & Experience
Essential
- Experience of clinical orthoptics
- An understanding of ophthalmology and other conditions which affect the eyes, e.g. cataract, glaucoma, thyroid disease, diabetes, stroke and hypertension
- An understanding of visual development and how it can be affected by developmental delay
- An understanding and ability to use computers
- An ability to examine, diagnose and treat Orthoptic patients of all ages (including a large proportion of children), requiring significant manual dexterity and speed to ensure accurate results, especially in young infants
- An ability to work alone, and unsupervised when required, reporting to the Paediatric or other Consultant Ophthalmologist when require
Desirable
- An interest in acquiring advanced understanding of ophthalmology and Orthoptics in order to expand the Orthoptic role
- Specialist skills including visual field assessment including Goldman visual fields once competencies attained
Key Competencies/ Personal Qualities & Attributes
Essential
- Ability to maintain clear and accurate patient records
- Demonstrate resilience when working under pressure whilst continuing to deliver results
- Demonstrates evidence of ability to educate others
- Ability to travel between the Kettering and peripheral hospital sites
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Applying for this NHS job
This advert is for Specialist Orthoptist with Kettering General Hospital NHS Foundation Trust in Kettering, Midlands, England. It is listed as a Band 6 Orthoptist role. The advertised salary is £39,959 - £48,117 per annum pro rata. The contract type is Permanent. The application deadline is 29 Jul 2026.
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