Specialist Orthoptist

Job overview

Specialist Orthoptist Department: Orthoptics Band: 6 £39,959 - £48,117 per annum. Pro rata if part-time Hours: 37.5 per week. All MKUH roles will be considered for flexible working

We are looking for a motivated and enthusiastic orthoptist to join our friendly and supportive team of 6 orthoptists as part of a wider multidisciplinary eye clinic. The MKUH ophthalmology department is in a new Community Diagnostic Centre 5 minutes away from the main hospital site within the city centre. It comprises of orthoptic rooms, consulting rooms, optometry rooms, treatment rooms and a theatre. Orthoptists with relevant previous clinical experience will be recruited to band 6, with the opportunity to undertake and develop skills in extended roles (depending on departmental requirements). These specialist areas may include SEN clinics, biometry, intravitreal injections, paediatric ECLO and stroke ward work. New graduate orthoptists are also welcome to apply and will be appointed at band 5 level and work through a clinical skills toolkit to help their career development. The department has supported and mentored new graduates who benefit from our preceptorship scheme which has enabled them to develop to a band 6 role. We have a recognised BIOS mentor and are actively involved in both CPD and clinical audit. Informal enquiries are welcome. Please contact: Maneeta Morarji Head Orthoptist on 01908 995526 option 5 or e-mail maneeta.morarji@mkuh.nhs.uk

Interview date: 10 November 2026

Main duties of the job

Allied Health Professionals experience a high diverse and equal work environment, supporting this with 8.33 out of 10. ''NHS Survey, 2024''

'We care We communicate We collaborate We contribute'

To provide orthoptic services as an autonomous practitioner, working within professional guidelines and policies, to provide a comprehensive and competent orthoptic service to both paediatric and adult patients within the hospital and other locations as required.

To provide assessment, diagnosis, management and treatment of patients presenting with a wide range of ophthalmic and ocular motility disorders.

Undertake one or more specialised orthoptic clinic roles such as stroke, orthoptic screening, intravitreal injections, ECLO, biometry clinics and assessment of children with additional needs (special educational needs / visual impairment / specific learning difficulties).

To independently assess and manage complex neurological patients, referring on to the consultant ophthalmologist as required.

Participate in departmental education programme, including the training of orthoptic undergraduate students, pre-registration optometrists, junior doctors, health visitors, school nurses and others.

To act as a source of expertise on the management of ocular motility disorders to patients, other healthcare professionals, GPs and consultants

Detailed job description and main responsibilities

Join #TeamSurgery at Milton Keynes University Hospital

The surgery division at MKUH, which covers specialties including theatres and the Intensive Care Unit, offers a variety of roles and opportunities, both clinical and non-clinical. The division are looking for passionate, enthusiastic and forward-thinking professionals to join the team.

MKUH is one of the leading hospitals in Europe for implementing robotics to assist in surgery, becoming the first in the continent to use the CMR Versius robot for gynaecological surgery. Since its introduction in 2019, the theatres team have completed over 500 surgical cases, the first hospital in the UK to reach this milestone, achieving this in March 2023.

As well as being an innovator in robotics, the Trust is proud to be part of the New Hospital Programme, with plans to expand and increase our surgical capacity to meet the health needs of our communities now and in the future.

With a leading benefits package, and a growing hospital estate to meet one of the fastest growing populations in the country, it is a great time to join MKUH.

Find out more about working in #TeamSurgery at MKUH from the people who work across the division in the video below.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-mYel-Y9nrU

Clinical responsibilities

Work autonomously, within professional boundaries, taking sole responsibility for the orthoptic assessment, diagnosis and treatment of patients referred from ophthalmology including booked urgent service, vision screening, paediatrics, stroke, and maxillofacial services. This will include babies, children and adults with varied complexity of medical conditions and neurological disorders.

Assess and diagnose paediatric and adult new and follow up patients. Develop and manage a specialised programme of care appropriate to the needs of the individual patient. This involves using clinical reasoning and a wide range of treatment skills, communicating effectively with patients and parents / carers. Assess understanding and gaining informed consent to the recommended treatment plan. Adhere to any national and local guidelines

Duties include one or more of the following (depending on specific departmental requirements and training):

Carry out A-scan biometry and contact / immersion measurements using specialised equipment. Perform IOP and keratometry measurements and instil eye drops as required. Liaise with the ophthalmologist regarding accurate power selection of intra-ocular lens implant. Take personal responsibility for correct machine calibration and follow guidelines to minimise possible infection risks.

To assist the surgeon with specialised A-scan immersion biometry as part of the MDT team in theatre for patients under GA. This requires taking accurate measurements to assist the surgeon with complex patients with high-risk co-morbidities during cataract surgery.

NON-CLINICAL RESPONSIBILITIES

Work as an effective member of the orthoptic team, liaising with the Deputy Head Orthoptist regarding clinic management and staff deployment.

Triage referrals into the Orthoptic department according to departmental policy. Log referral details onto orthoptic database.

Communication

To have excellent and highly developed communication skills with all staff, patients, and parents / carers of patients. Utilise and demonstrate sensitive communication styles, to ensure patients are fully informed prior to consent for treatment

Personal Development

Recognise and work within own competence and professional code of conduct as regulated by the HCPC. Understand own role and scope and identify how this may develop over time.

Delivering a quality service

Deliver care according to NSF, CQC, NICE guidelines and evidence-based care. Produce accurate, contemporaneous and complete records of patient consultation, consistent with legislation, policies and procedures

Team working

Actively promote the workplace as a learning environment, encouraging everyone to learn from each other and from external good practice. Support and encourage colleagues with development and training. Be able to challenge any complacency or actions that are not in the interest of the public and/or users of services.

Please refer to the attached job description for further information

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.