Orthoptist

To ensure high quality evidence based orthoptic care to diagnose, plan, implement and monitor treatment a high standard, efficient and effective orthoptic assessments and treatments for a range of paediatric and adult patients.

To assess, treat and manage own caseload of patients as an autonomous practitioner, including the maintenance of comprehensive records.

Responsibilities will also involve working in specialist clinics including intravitreal injections, stroke, trauma.

Communicate appropriately with patients, carers and other team members as required.

To teach and develop undergraduate orthoptic students and ophthalmic colleagues.

To undertake an evidence-based projects to further the clinical practice of self and the team, and to enhance patient care.

To be an effective and collaborative team member, working reliably and flexibly being commited.

To be involved in the following highly specialist clinics:

Orthoptic.

Paediatric.

Ocular motility, strabismus and botulinum toxin.

Neuro-ophthalmology.

Intra vitreal injections.

Stroke.

Trauma.

Work as an autonomous practitioner in a single-handed capacity, with support from others.

To be professionally and legally responsible and accountable for all aspects of own work including management of clinical risk, knowledge of indications and precautions in line with national and trust clinical guidelines, protocols and pathways where they exist.

To receive referrals, undertake assessment, conclude a diagnosis and independently plan individual treatment plans for patients (orthoptic, ophthalmic, optical and surgical) dependant on orthoptic diagnosis, using clinical reasoning and specialist skills and patient education.

To be responsible for the prioritising appropriate onward referral of patients.

To provide advice and support to patients and relatives regarding visual problems.

To assess patients pre-operatively and discuss with the ophthalmologist the need for surgical intervention, timing of surgery, risks and benefits, the type of surgery and alternative treatments.

To assess patients post-operatively and carry out the appropriate treatment.

To assist the ophthalmologist with adjustable suture strabismus surgery.

To use recognized outcome measures to evaluate the effect of interventions and ensure the treatment programmes are progressing appropriately.

With support discharge, PIFU or appropriate transfer of care for patients.

At all times to observe safe working practices and equipment procedures that comply with legislative requirements and health and safety regulations.

Dispenses medication using patient group directions or under delegation.

To be responsible for the standard of care performed by orthoptic assistants working with you.

To respect patients privacy, dignity, gender, sexuality and have due regard to patients cultural and religious beliefs.

Undertake other clinical duties as requested by the deputy head or lead of service.

To be able to persuade and motivate patients through effective communication.

To be sensitive to patients cultural identity and overcome language and other barriers to understanding (e.g. hearing or visual impairment, learning difficulties).

To provide and receive information from patients, carers and other professionals regarding a patients condition and treatment progress. This may include the sharing and receiving of complex and/or sensitive information.

To consult when necessary with appropriate senior specialist staff regarding patients with particular problems

The Trust provides a full range of local and specialist services across its five sites. In June 2026, we launched our new strategy for 2026-31. Our vision is to transform healthcare, and we have agreed six strategic ambitions to help us improve care for patients, and the working lives of our staff.

Our six strategic ambitions are deliveringhigh-quality patient care; creating a great place to work; leading pioneering research, innovation and education; building strong and successful partnerships; providing timely and efficient care; and ensuring long-term financial sustainability.

We have also agreed four new organisational values - Caring, Collaborative, Inclusive, Innovative - and these underpin everything we do, and how our teams interact with the patients under our care.

We are at a pivotal point in our history and we require individuals who are ready to join a highly professional team and make a real, lasting difference to our patients and our people.

King's is committed to delivering Sustainable Healthcare for All via our Green Plan. In line with national Greener NHS ambitions, we have set net zero carbon targets of 2040 for our NHS Carbon Footprint and 2045 for our NHS Carbon Footprint Plus. Everyone's contribution is required in order to meet the goals set out in our Green Plan and we encourage all staff to work responsibly, minimising their contributions to the Trust's carbon emissions, waste and pollution wherever possible.

Education and qualifications

Essential: - Degree Orthoptics; - HCPC registration; - Demonstrates CPD at a post graduate level.

Desirable: - Member of clinical interest group

Knowledge and experience

Essential: - Paeditrics; - Adults; - Running single-handed clinics.

Desirable: - Neuro-ophthalmology; - Large teaching hospital experience

Skills and competencies

Desirable: - Pastoral care of students.