Specialist/ New Graduate Orthoptist (depending on experience)

Job description

Job responsibilities

A full job description is attached however main responsibilities include:

a) To be responsible for the orthoptic assessment, diagnosis and appropriate management of new patients referred to the orthoptic department. This patient group comprises all cases of strabismus and amblyopia, highly complex congenital and acquired ocular motility disorders, nystagmus, congenital and acquired orbital and adnexal disorders, congenital and acquired neurological conditions, congenital and developmental ocular abnormalities, genetic disorders and systemic diagnoses with associated ocular abnormalities.

b) To be responsible for evaluation of visual acuity and visual behaviour in referrals from the specialist services, particularly strabismus and paediatric referrals, PCC and A&E. This includes all infants and young children, patients of all ages with poor cooperation, adult illiterates, functional visual loss and learning disabled patients.

c) To be responsible for the orthoptic assessment, diagnosis and appropriate management of new and follow-up patients seen in any of the Moorfields clinics.

d) To be responsible as an independent practitioner for planning, implementing and monitoring orthoptic treatment for patients of all ages and for appropriately following up patients who fail to attend or comply with treatment, in conformance with Trust and departmental policies.

e) To be responsible as an independent practitioner for orthoptic monitoring of patients under the care of specialist services and for re-referral to specialist services if indicated.

f) To collaborate with the specialist services to ensure appropriate and effective patient management. This includes patients attending the Neuro-ophthalmology, Strabismic, Orbital and Toxin

g) As an autonomous practitioner, to be responsible for the decision to instil drops for diagnostic and refractive purposes, the appropriate strength required and to advise patients / parents / carers of side effects accordingly, in line with Patient Group Direction (PGD

Person Specification

Education & Qualifications

Essential

• Professional qualification in orthoptics recognised by the Health Care Professions Council
• Registration with HCPC
• Knowledge of Data Protection Act

Desirable

• Participation in courses which may lead to additional qualifications

Experience

Essential

• Minimum two years experience in orthoptic NHS setting, involving specialist clinics
• Experience of diagnosis and management of complex ocular motility disorders
• Completed and signed off preceptorship training

Desirable

• Experience in tertiary referral or specialist departments

Knowledge

Essential

• Applicants must demonstrate documented evidence of continuing professional development and reflective practice obtained through formal or informal study and clinical experience
• Knowledge of clinical governance in relation to own area of practice

Desirable

• Active involvement in audit in relation to own area of practice

Skills and abilities

Essential

• Good communication skills with patients, peers and colleagues

Personal qualities

Essential

• Patient and friendly approach, enthusiastic and self-motivated
• Ability to work under pressure and be adaptable

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.

UK Registration

Applicants must have current UK professional registration. For further information please see NHS Careers website (opens in a new window).

Employer details

Employer name

Moorfields Eye Hospital NHS Foundation Trust

Address

Moorfields at Croydon

Croydon University Hospital, 530 London Road

Croydon

CR7 7YE

Employer's website

https://www.moorfields.nhs.uk/work-for-us (Opens in a new tab)