Band 5/6 Preceptorship

at  Frimley Health NHS Foundation Trust

Orthoptic Clinical Duties To carry out Orthoptic assessment, diagnosis and treatment of patients referred from outside agencies and to manage, using individual treatment plans, the associated amblyopia (non pathological vision loss) and other visual symptoms. This group of patients includes children with significant sight defects and requires a considerable degree of empathy and family support. In adults the diagnosis of acute onset ocular motility defects require a significantly high level of anatomical and neurological knowledge when there may be the need to make a differential diagnosis between clinical conditions. To formulate individualised management and treatment programmes using clinical reasoning and a wide range of treatment skills.
Communicating effectively with patients, & / parents, & / carers those plans and to assess capacity and gain informed consent to those treatment plans. To assess, diagnose and treat patients with special needs. This group of patients can often include assessment of non-seeing babies and specialist communication skills are needed in conveying this information to the parents / guardians. Where clinical signs and symptoms do not always fall into particular categories, & / or where information is limited / unavailable the Orthoptist will be expected to determine the diagnosis, prognosis, management.
To liase with the Team Leader Orthoptics regarding problems arising from any Orthoptic treatment. To perform secondary vision screening 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 undertake pre and post-operative measurements of motility defects. Surgery will be based on the Orthoptic measurements.
To identify surgical risks (pre, peri and post surgery) and to discuss these with the patients (parents / carers) and surgeon. To take the lead in the decision and timing of surgery. This requires an up to date knowledge of evidence-based practice. To assess patients post-operative outcome and modify treatment accordingly.
To support the Ophthalmologist in outreach clinics. To liase with the visual impairment services team and health professionals regarding the educational and social needs of patients. To work as a part of a multi-disciplinary team consisting of Ophthalmologists, Optometrists, Orthoptists, Nurses, and Clerks etc. To assist and provide internal cover for colleagues during periods of annual leave, sickness and vacancies cross-site

Please refer the Job description for details