Specialist Orthoptist

Job overview

An exciting opportunity has arisen for experienced, enthusiastic and motivated orthoptist to join our friendly team at Alder Hey Children’s NHS Foundation Trust.

The position offered is a permanent, full-time (37.5 hrs per week), band 6 Specialist Orthoptist post.

A Diploma or Degree in Orthoptics and state registration with the HCPC is essential.

Main duties of the job

The postholder will work as an integral part of our team of orthoptists, ophthalmologists, optometrists, vision scientists, ophthalmic nurses and health care assistants at our main hospital site; Alder Hey Children’s hospital and in our community clinics based in Liverpool. As a tertiary hospital we assess children with complicated eye conditions referred to us from all over the UK in addition to serving the children in our local communities.

The post-holder will provide orthoptic clinical delivery in a wide variety of clinics including orthoptic, joint orthoptic & optometry clinics, general paediatric and specialist ocular motility, paediatric cataract, neuro-ophthalmology and cranio-facial clinics.

The main duties of this role involves core orthoptics, multi-disciplinary clinical assessments and has the ability for the post holder to develop skills and knowledge in future extended roles.

Detailed job description and main responsibilities

Job Summary:

To deliver a comprehensive range of core orthoptic services to the highest standards of quality and care.

Key Relationships

Lead orthoptist, orthoptists, ophthalmologists, optometrists, nurses, HCAs, vision scientists, ophthalmology service managers, administration staff, patients, parents and carers, school nurses, health visitors, GPs and Community Optometrists.

Main Duties and Responsibilities:

Clinical

Assess, diagnose and formulate management plans for orthoptic patients from all recognised referral sources in both acute and community settings.

Working as an integral part of the hospital eye service team; undertaking an active role in multidisciplinary work.

Provide patient focused care.

Ensure clinical work is of the highest standard, following departmental policies and guidelines.

Ensure correct, safe use, care and cleaning of clinical equipment and take responsibility of reporting any issue to line Manager.

Record and maintain a record of information accurately and legible in written and electronic form. Ensure patient documentation in electronic patient record is accurate.

Ensure patients are reviewed in appropriate time frame. Ensure documentation for follow up appointment or discharge is completed and is accurate.

Communication

Ensure effective communication with patients / carers when handling complex, sensitive information regarding diagnosis, prognosis and treatment.

Ensure effective communication with patients / carers to gain co-operation and trust.

Instruct patients (parents/carers) a programme of treatment and be responsible for patients undergoing ongoing orthoptic management.

Maintain good communications with patient’s relatives regarding the patient’s needs and welfare.  Provide support for relatives where necessary.

Ensure effective communication within wider Ophthalmology team.

Ensure that confidentiality is maintained at all times.

Escalate any concerns or issues to Lead orthoptist

Responsibility for CPD, Audit, Research

Be responsible for maintaining own education and continuing professional development.

Ensure active participation in PDR process to help facilitate ongoing development.

Attend and participate in staff meetings.

Be pro-active in ensuring evidence-based practice; be able to use information from journals and other sources to ensure up to date clinical practice.

Participate in the teaching of undergraduate Orthoptic students and other health professionals.

Participate in the teaching and clinical training of outpatient staff: nurses and HCA’s in vision assessment, instillation of eye drops and imaging techniques.

Take an active role in audits in which effectiveness of Orthoptic care and treatments will be evaluated.

Contribute to the development of clinical protocols and evidenced based practice

Participate in research within Ophthalmology department.