Job summary
A part-time temporary post has become available for a highly specialist Orthoptist in Stroke specialism. This post includes a combination of ward-based new patient assessments and out-patient assessments. You will work closely with both the ward-based stroke team including stroke physicians, Occupational therapists, Physiotherapists and the Nursing team, regularly attending ward huddles in addition to the traditional Ophthalmology team. This is a dynamic department with a strong focus on quality which is constantly striving to improve services for our patients and ensure that their experience is as good as possible. We are looking for a forward thinking and innovative Orthoptist to become part of our team.
Main duties of the job
The candidate will perform both new and follow-up assessments on patients who have vision problems following stroke. They will attend the ward on a regular basis to provide bedside new patient assessments liaising closely with ward staff in ensuring that patients requiring Orthoptic assessment are identified appropriately and their findings are appropriately communicated to ensure their visual needs are taken into consideration during their ward stay and rehabilitation. They will ensure adequate follow-up for continued treatment and onward referral is made for Ophthalmological opinion where required. They will be required to hold their own stroke patient case load in addition to a general Orthoptics caseload. The successful candidate will therefore require excellent communication and organisational skills. As the postholder is clinical lead for the Orthoptic Stroke service they will be required to support strategic planning for the service in conjunction with the Head Orthoptist and other leaders within the Trust..
About us
If you are being interviewed you must accept an interview slot in the system to continue, even if you have arranged with the manager.
You must be able to produce ALL certificates stated essential in the person specification or you will not be able to complete pre-employment checks.
We provide hospital services from two acute sites - Darlington Memorial Hospital and University Hospital of North Durham. We have a centre for planned care in Bishop Auckland and provide care from community hospitals in Chester-le-Street, Shotley Bridge, Barnard Castle, Sedgefield and Weardale as well as over 80 other community based settings and providing care in patients' homes.
We particularly welcome applications from disabled and Black, Asian and Minority Ethnic (BAME) candidates as BAME and disabled people are currently under-represented.
Full Job Descriptions can be found in the adverts supporting documents.
Over reliance on AI-generated content is discouraged and may diminish the applicant's chances of success.
For the most up-to-date information on visa requirements and eligibility, please check online to determine whether you can apply.
Details
- Date posted: 03 June 2026
- Pay scheme: Agenda for change
- Band: Band 7
- Salary: £49,387 to £56,515 a year per annum, pro rata
- Contract: Fixed term
- Duration: 9 months
- Working pattern: Job share
- Reference number: C9439-2627-427
- Job locations: University Hospital Of North Durham, North Road, DURHAM, DH1 5TW, United Kingdom
Job responsibilities
The post holder will act as a source of expertise on the management of ocular motility disorder to patients, carers, other health care professionals, G.P.s and Ophthalmology Medical staff. They will be required to accurately diagnose and develop effective treatment plans for patients, ensure timely review both in general Orthoptics and in both an in-patient and out-patient setting within the Stroke speciality.
They will work as part of the multi-disciplinary Stroke teams throughout the Trust and will efficiently plan work and travel time between units within the Trust ensuring patients are seen as soon as possible after a Stroke. They will appropriately discharge and make onward referral to other services within the Trust for both Ophthalmological and emotional support, involving external agencies such as the DVLA and local government sensory support services where necessary. As lead of service, they will be required to monitor its effectiveness through audit and service evaluation considering waiting times, Key Performance Indicators and patient experience, using them to strategically plan for continuous service improvement. The post holder will be required to educate and train other Health care professionals, undergraduate Orthoptic students, medical students, Opticians and work experience students. They will be required to participate actively in continuous professional development to benefit both themselves and the Orthoptic services.
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This advert is for Specialist Orthoptist with County Durham and Darlington NHS Foundation Trust in Darlington, North East and Yorkshire, England. It is listed as a Band 7 Orthoptist role. The advertised salary is £49,387 to £56,515 a year. The contract type is Fixed-Term. The application deadline is 17 Jun 2026.
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