East Kent Hospitals University NHS Foundation Trust

Orthoptist

The closing date is 19 August 2025

Job summary

We are looking for a highly motivated orthoptist keen to be part of a team of 10 Orthoptists. You will work alongside Consultant Ophthalmologists, Orthoptic Clinical Assistant, Optometrists, Ophthalmic Nurses and Ophthalmic Technicians.

The orthoptic department has 11 members of staff (9.8 wte) and covers 6 sites within East Kent. We are a friendly, hardworking, supportive team who get together for regular meetings and CPD.

We have strong links with many departments within the hospital including the stroke wards, neurology, endocrinology and SCBU. Band 6 Orthoptists work competently at an enhanced practice level providing care aligned to the four pillars of practice. It is envisaged that 90% of this role will be spent in the clinical area, as part of an agreed job plan.

There is a strong drive to service improvement, developing staff and being an integral part to this busy acute trust. We are a student placement site and are involved in research projects both internally and nationally.

Main duties of the job

The investigation, diagnosis and management of cases referred to the orthoptic department.Formulate an ongoing plan of treatment for a wide range of conditions.To liase with or make onward referrals to ophthalmology and other professionals as appropriate.Dispense medication according to patient group directives/medical exemptions.Communicate complex, sensitive information which is condition specific to patients, relatives and carers.Demonstrable commitment to Continuing Professional Development and Clinical Governance.To develop enhanced practice skills.

About us

We are one of the largest hospital trusts in England, with five hospitals and community clinics serving a local population of around 800,000 people. Our vision is 'great healthcare from great people'. Everything we do is guided by our values: 'People feel cared for, safe, respected and confident that we are making a difference'. We have a new way of working at East Kent Hospitals, called 'We care'. It's about empowering frontline staff to lead improvements day-to-day. We're looking for compassionate people to be part of our improvement journey for the patients, families and carers we care for every day.

Please note that if you require a Certificate of Sponsorship to work in the UK you must declare this on your application form, even if you currently have a certificate of sponsorship or a work permit for another role and are already working in the country. Please note we are only able to sponsor candidates on a Skilled Worker Visa applying for roles Band 5 and above.

Details

Date posted

05 August 2025

Pay scheme

Agenda for change

Band

Band 6

Salary

£38,682 to £46,580 a year Newly qualified applicant may be accepted at Band 5

Contract

Permanent

Working pattern

Full-time, Flexible working

Reference number

344-9528SAC

Job locations

Kent & Canterbury Hospital

Ethelbert Road

Canterbury

CT1 3NG


Job description

Job responsibilities

Please scroll down to access the full Job Description and Person Specification located in Documents to download.

If you have further queries please dont hesitate to contact the line manager using the contact details below.

Job description

Job responsibilities

Please scroll down to access the full Job Description and Person Specification located in Documents to download.

If you have further queries please dont hesitate to contact the line manager using the contact details below.

Person Specification

Qualifications

Essential

  • Orthoptic degree or equivalent Registered with HCPC
  • Evidence of ongoing profession development

Desirable

  • BSc/BMedSci/MSc in Orthoptics or Diploma from the British Orthoptic Council

Clinical skills and experience

Essential

  • Completed preceptorship training. Experience assessing a broad range of Orthoptic patients including complex patients
  • Ability to analyse & interprer
  • Clinical findings in order to plan and deliver the best treatment possible
  • Excellent written and verbal communication skills
  • Excellent time management and organisational skills
  • IT skills relevant to digital healthcare and role

Desirable

  • Teaching and facilitation skills
  • Enhanced role competencies
  • Experience undertaking research

Governance

Essential

  • Awareness of professional issues and current Healthcare relating to Quality Governance, NICE and, CQC and, GIRFT
  • Awareness of quality governance, clinical effectiveness patient safety and patient
  • Experience tools to support clinical practice and service improvement

Desirable

  • Clinical Audit skills and experience relevant to role

Personal/professional attributes

Essential

  • Ability to work within a team to achieving goals and motivate others
  • Ability to work under pressure to problem solve, plan and prioritise care
  • Demonstrate knowledge of change management and impact .

Other requirements

Essential

  • Flexibility in working patterns to meet the needs of the service
  • Ability to travel independently to all sites in a timely manner
  • Commitment to equity and diversity Self-motivated, positive, adaptable and flexible approach
  • Upholds and role models the Trust values
Person Specification

Qualifications

Essential

  • Orthoptic degree or equivalent Registered with HCPC
  • Evidence of ongoing profession development

Desirable

  • BSc/BMedSci/MSc in Orthoptics or Diploma from the British Orthoptic Council

Clinical skills and experience

Essential

  • Completed preceptorship training. Experience assessing a broad range of Orthoptic patients including complex patients
  • Ability to analyse & interprer
  • Clinical findings in order to plan and deliver the best treatment possible
  • Excellent written and verbal communication skills
  • Excellent time management and organisational skills
  • IT skills relevant to digital healthcare and role

Desirable

  • Teaching and facilitation skills
  • Enhanced role competencies
  • Experience undertaking research

Governance

Essential

  • Awareness of professional issues and current Healthcare relating to Quality Governance, NICE and, CQC and, GIRFT
  • Awareness of quality governance, clinical effectiveness patient safety and patient
  • Experience tools to support clinical practice and service improvement

Desirable

  • Clinical Audit skills and experience relevant to role

Personal/professional attributes

Essential

  • Ability to work within a team to achieving goals and motivate others
  • Ability to work under pressure to problem solve, plan and prioritise care
  • Demonstrate knowledge of change management and impact .

Other requirements

Essential

  • Flexibility in working patterns to meet the needs of the service
  • Ability to travel independently to all sites in a timely manner
  • Commitment to equity and diversity Self-motivated, positive, adaptable and flexible approach
  • Upholds and role models the Trust values

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.

Certificate of Sponsorship

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.

Certificate of Sponsorship

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).

Employer details

Employer name

East Kent Hospitals University NHS Foundation Trust

Address

Kent & Canterbury Hospital

Ethelbert Road

Canterbury

CT1 3NG


Employer's website

https://www.ekhuft.nhs.uk/patients-and-visitors/ (Opens in a new tab)

Employer details

Employer name

East Kent Hospitals University NHS Foundation Trust

Address

Kent & Canterbury Hospital

Ethelbert Road

Canterbury

CT1 3NG


Employer's website

https://www.ekhuft.nhs.uk/patients-and-visitors/ (Opens in a new tab)

Employer contact details

For questions about the job, contact:

Head Orthoptist

Charlotte Swoffer

charlotte.swoffer@nhs.net

01227868615

Details

Date posted

05 August 2025

Pay scheme

Agenda for change

Band

Band 6

Salary

£38,682 to £46,580 a year Newly qualified applicant may be accepted at Band 5

Contract

Permanent

Working pattern

Full-time, Flexible working

Reference number

344-9528SAC

Job locations

Kent & Canterbury Hospital

Ethelbert Road

Canterbury

CT1 3NG


Supporting documents

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