Specialist Orthoptist

To be legally and professionally responsible and accountable for the orthoptic investigation, diagnosis and management of new and follow-up patients referred to the Orthoptic Department from various departments including ophthalmology, paediatrics, the Emergency Eye Centre (EEC), accident and emergency, maxillo-facial, and neurology.

This patient group comprises all cases of ocular motility defects and amblyopia (reduced vision with no pathological cause), anomalies of binocular single vision (ability to use the eyes together), complex congenital and acquired cases including neurological abnormalities, genetic disorders and associated ocular abnormalities.

To be responsible for the evaluation of visual acuity and visual behaviour in referrals from the specialist services, including non-seeing babies, infants with strabismus (squint) and amblyopia, congenital or developmental abnormalities, adult illiterates, and children and adults with significant learning difficulties.

To formulate and implement individualised management and treatment plans using advanced clinical reasoning and a wide range of treatment skills, communicating these effectively with patients (adults and children), parents, and carers and to gain informed consent to those treatment plans.

You will be working for an organisation which values and respects all its staff and the community it serves. The Trust is a leader in the NHS and research sectors and provides excellent benefits for its staff. This includes commitments to professional development but also many policies to support employees in balancing their personal and professional lives.

This vacancy is advertised on a fixed term contract basis for a period of a maximum of twelve months due to maternity leave of the substantive post holder. The fixed term contract status of the post holder will be reviewed in accordance with the Trust's legal obligations regarding fixed term contracts and statutory maternity provisions.

Please note all existing NHS staff will only be considered on a secondment basis. This must first be agreed with your current line manager.

Qualifications

Desirable: - Medical exemptions for Orthoptists; - Member of the British & Irish Orthoptic Society (BIOS)

Knowledge and Experience

Communication Skills

Personal Attributes