Job summary
Band 6 Orthoptist
An exciting opportunity has arisen for a highly motivated Band 6 Orthoptist to join our friendly team of 4 Orthoptists, 10 Ophthalmologists and 4 Ophthalmic technicians. This is a permanent part time post. The department is based at Northampton General Hospital, but we do run some single handed clinics at Danetre Hospital.
The successful applicant must have experience of working in Orthoptics and be able to work well in a high pressure environment delivering all aspects of orthoptic care.
The department regularly participates in the training of various health professionals to include: undergraduate orthoptists, pre-reg Optometrists, junior doctors and nurses so an interest in, or experience of, work as a clinical trainer would be an advantage.
The successful applicant must hold a degree or diploma in Orthoptics and be registered with HCPC.
This post would be most suitable for experienced Orthoptists already working in a Band 5 or Band 6 role.
Main duties of the job
To assess, diagnose and manage all patients referred to the Orthoptic department
To work autonomously but within Trust and HCPC policies, protocols and guidelines, demonstrating safe, clinical decision-making, high levels of critical thinking and holistic practice.
To work as an active member of the eye care and multi-disciplinary team by contributing to a comprehensive quality Orthoptic service for all patients referred to the Orthoptic department
Provide effective input into the work of the Trust, to support the achievement of our vision and values.
Instillation of appropriate eye drops in patients across the age range as agreed by the Ophthalmologist in accordance with the local PGD or utilising Medical Exemptions.
About us
Northampton General Hospital is one of the largest employers in the area and we are on an exciting journey. All of our divisions are committed to doing things better, with more efficiency as we update, modernise, and advance. We have also entered into a Group Model with neighbouring Kettering General Hospital NHS Foundation Trust and become University Hospitals of Northamptonshire.
Our Excellence Values
Compassion
Accountability
Respect
Integrity
Courage
We want to recruit the best people to deliver our services across the University Hospitals of Northamptonshire and help to unleash everyone's full potential. As an organisation, we value how we communicate and promote our vacancies to all communities.
We are a Defence positive trust, supporting our reservists, veterans, spouses and partners.
The Hospital Group encourages applications from people who identify from all protected groups, especially those from BAME, Disabled and LGBTQ+ backgrounds as these are underrepresented in our hospitals.
We understand that we need to work with colleagues from diverse backgrounds and make sure the environment they work in is inclusive and collaborative.
We have active Networks that promote and support colleagues from all backgrounds.This ensures everyone feels supported and has a sense of belonging working for Kettering and Northampton General Hospitals.
Job description
Job responsibilities
Main Duties and Responsibilities
To work autonomously, but within professional boundaries, taking sole responsibility for the orthoptic assessment, diagnosis and treatment of all patients referred to the orthoptic department including eye casualty, child development centre, paediatrics, neurology, stroke, rehabilitation and maxillofacial services. This will include babies, children and adults varied medical conditions and neurological disorders some with severe visual defects as both inpatients and outpatients.
Carry out ocular motility assessment and measurement accurately, applying speed and dexterity with an approach that is sympathetic and acceptable to patients of all ages and abilities. Assessment of babies and children requires quick accurate observation and skilled interpretation.
Formulate individualised management and treatment plans using clinical reasoning and a wide range of treatment skills, which integrate scientific, medical and social aspects of patient care
Prioritise health problems and intervene appropriately to assist the patient in complex, urgent or emergency situations, including initiation of effective emergency care.
Undertake pre and post-operative measurements of ocular motility defects; discuss surgical options with the ophthalmologist; identify post-operative risks and discuss this with patients, parents or carer.
To assist surgeon in post-operative adjustable suture techniques. This requires accurate measurement to assist the surgeon with ocular alignment whilst the patient is under local anaesthesia.
To assess patients post-operative outcome and modify treatment accordingly.
Assess and interpret visual fields using the Humphrey visual field analyser and Goldman perimeter providing feedback and where required a summary of the results obtained to the referrer and other professionals.
As an autonomous practitioner, the post-holder will be responsible for the decision to instil drops for diagnostic and refraction purposes, the appropriate strength required and to advise patients of the side effects.
To administer medication in accordance with PGD, or under medical exemptions registration.
To instruct and negotiate the implementation of the care package with individual patients and their carers to ensure compliance, in such as to overcome ant barriers to understanding.
Provide motivational support for patients and parents undergoing prolonged and difficult treatments.
Ensure full and accurate documentation in patient notes of clinical history, physical examination, diagnosis and treatment plan.
To work as a part of a multi-disciplinary team consisting of Ophthalmologists, Optometrists, Orthoptists, Ophthalmic technicians Nurses, and Clerks etc.
To take part in clinical audit.
To participate in clinical teaching to a wide range of professionals.
To maintain an up-to-date knowledge of techniques and technology and to attend appropriate training as part of our CPD (continuing professional development) and to be responsible for maintaining your own CPD folder.
To be responsible for managing and incorporating any unplanned workload in such a way as to minimise inconvenience to patients and maximise the smooth running of the Orthoptic and eye clinics.
To assist and provide internal cover for colleagues during periods of annual leave, sickness and vacancies.
To utilise a range of verbal and non-verbal (e.g. Makaton sign language) mechanisms in the assessment and communication of treatment plans to patients and parents to progress visual improvement. This will include patients who may have difficulties in understanding e.g. stroke victims, patients with a learning disability.
To be aware of barriers to communication and be able to overcome them effectively with for example: learning disabled parents; where English is not the first language; with patients with expressive language difficulties (stroke victims)
To tactfully explain the details of the medical condition which may be highly complex. This requires a holistic and tactful approach where patients or parents have no knowledge of the ocular defects associated with particular medical conditions and / or who have difficulty accepting the diagnosis.
To communicate initial potential diagnosis which may be of a distressing nature.
To liaise with the Head Orthoptist regarding problems arising.
Job description
Job responsibilities
Main Duties and Responsibilities
To work autonomously, but within professional boundaries, taking sole responsibility for the orthoptic assessment, diagnosis and treatment of all patients referred to the orthoptic department including eye casualty, child development centre, paediatrics, neurology, stroke, rehabilitation and maxillofacial services. This will include babies, children and adults varied medical conditions and neurological disorders some with severe visual defects as both inpatients and outpatients.
Carry out ocular motility assessment and measurement accurately, applying speed and dexterity with an approach that is sympathetic and acceptable to patients of all ages and abilities. Assessment of babies and children requires quick accurate observation and skilled interpretation.
Formulate individualised management and treatment plans using clinical reasoning and a wide range of treatment skills, which integrate scientific, medical and social aspects of patient care
Prioritise health problems and intervene appropriately to assist the patient in complex, urgent or emergency situations, including initiation of effective emergency care.
Undertake pre and post-operative measurements of ocular motility defects; discuss surgical options with the ophthalmologist; identify post-operative risks and discuss this with patients, parents or carer.
To assist surgeon in post-operative adjustable suture techniques. This requires accurate measurement to assist the surgeon with ocular alignment whilst the patient is under local anaesthesia.
To assess patients post-operative outcome and modify treatment accordingly.
Assess and interpret visual fields using the Humphrey visual field analyser and Goldman perimeter providing feedback and where required a summary of the results obtained to the referrer and other professionals.
As an autonomous practitioner, the post-holder will be responsible for the decision to instil drops for diagnostic and refraction purposes, the appropriate strength required and to advise patients of the side effects.
To administer medication in accordance with PGD, or under medical exemptions registration.
To instruct and negotiate the implementation of the care package with individual patients and their carers to ensure compliance, in such as to overcome ant barriers to understanding.
Provide motivational support for patients and parents undergoing prolonged and difficult treatments.
Ensure full and accurate documentation in patient notes of clinical history, physical examination, diagnosis and treatment plan.
To work as a part of a multi-disciplinary team consisting of Ophthalmologists, Optometrists, Orthoptists, Ophthalmic technicians Nurses, and Clerks etc.
To take part in clinical audit.
To participate in clinical teaching to a wide range of professionals.
To maintain an up-to-date knowledge of techniques and technology and to attend appropriate training as part of our CPD (continuing professional development) and to be responsible for maintaining your own CPD folder.
To be responsible for managing and incorporating any unplanned workload in such a way as to minimise inconvenience to patients and maximise the smooth running of the Orthoptic and eye clinics.
To assist and provide internal cover for colleagues during periods of annual leave, sickness and vacancies.
To utilise a range of verbal and non-verbal (e.g. Makaton sign language) mechanisms in the assessment and communication of treatment plans to patients and parents to progress visual improvement. This will include patients who may have difficulties in understanding e.g. stroke victims, patients with a learning disability.
To be aware of barriers to communication and be able to overcome them effectively with for example: learning disabled parents; where English is not the first language; with patients with expressive language difficulties (stroke victims)
To tactfully explain the details of the medical condition which may be highly complex. This requires a holistic and tactful approach where patients or parents have no knowledge of the ocular defects associated with particular medical conditions and / or who have difficulty accepting the diagnosis.
To communicate initial potential diagnosis which may be of a distressing nature.
To liaise with the Head Orthoptist regarding problems arising.
Person Specification
Educations, Training and Qualifications
Essential
- Educated to degree level or equivalent level in orthoptics
- Registered with HCPC and preferably membership of The British and Irish Orthoptic Society
Desirable
- Clinical Education qualification (practice and theory of Orthoptics)
Knowledge and Experience
Essential
- Knowledge of a range of ophthalmic conditions treated in paediatric ophthalmology, neuro-ophthalmology and adult motility clinics
- Worked successfully as part of multidisciplinary team and as an individual
- Demonstrable knowledge of visual field assessment using Humphrey and Goldmann Perimeters
Desirable
- 1 year post registration experience
Skills
Essential
- good communication skills
- Excellent interpersonal skills with particular ability to liaise effectively with multidisciplinary team members
- Must be self-motivated and have the ability to analyse clinical data and formulate management plans
- Moving and transferring patients
- Physically able to adapt orthoptic technique to meet the patients needs
- Computer Literacy
- Dealing with angry upset patients in a non-confrontational manner
- Ability to undertake administrational duties as appropriate
- Knowledge of quality issues
- Ability to cope with occasional exposure to bodily fluids and odour
Person Specification
Educations, Training and Qualifications
Essential
- Educated to degree level or equivalent level in orthoptics
- Registered with HCPC and preferably membership of The British and Irish Orthoptic Society
Desirable
- Clinical Education qualification (practice and theory of Orthoptics)
Knowledge and Experience
Essential
- Knowledge of a range of ophthalmic conditions treated in paediatric ophthalmology, neuro-ophthalmology and adult motility clinics
- Worked successfully as part of multidisciplinary team and as an individual
- Demonstrable knowledge of visual field assessment using Humphrey and Goldmann Perimeters
Desirable
- 1 year post registration experience
Skills
Essential
- good communication skills
- Excellent interpersonal skills with particular ability to liaise effectively with multidisciplinary team members
- Must be self-motivated and have the ability to analyse clinical data and formulate management plans
- Moving and transferring patients
- Physically able to adapt orthoptic technique to meet the patients needs
- Computer Literacy
- Dealing with angry upset patients in a non-confrontational manner
- Ability to undertake administrational duties as appropriate
- Knowledge of quality issues
- Ability to cope with occasional exposure to bodily fluids and odour
Disclosure and Barring Service Check
This post is subject to the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act (Exceptions Order) 1975 and as such it will be necessary for a submission for Disclosure to be made to the Disclosure and Barring Service (formerly known as CRB) to check for any previous criminal convictions.
Applications from job seekers who require current Skilled worker sponsorship to work in the UK are welcome and will be considered alongside all other applications. For further information visit the UK Visas and Immigration website (Opens in a new tab).
From 6 April 2017, skilled worker applicants, applying for entry clearance into the UK, have had to present a criminal record certificate from each country they have resided continuously or cumulatively for 12 months or more in the past 10 years. Adult dependants (over 18 years old) are also subject to this requirement. Guidance can be found here Criminal records checks for overseas applicants (Opens in a new tab).
UK Registration
Applicants must have current UK professional registration. For further information please see
NHS Careers website (opens in a new window).
Additional information
Disclosure and Barring Service Check
This post is subject to the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act (Exceptions Order) 1975 and as such it will be necessary for a submission for Disclosure to be made to the Disclosure and Barring Service (formerly known as CRB) to check for any previous criminal convictions.
Applications from job seekers who require current Skilled worker sponsorship to work in the UK are welcome and will be considered alongside all other applications. For further information visit the UK Visas and Immigration website (Opens in a new tab).
From 6 April 2017, skilled worker applicants, applying for entry clearance into the UK, have had to present a criminal record certificate from each country they have resided continuously or cumulatively for 12 months or more in the past 10 years. Adult dependants (over 18 years old) are also subject to this requirement. Guidance can be found here Criminal records checks for overseas applicants (Opens in a new tab).
UK Registration
Applicants must have current UK professional registration. For further information please see
NHS Careers website (opens in a new window).
