Specialist Orthoptist

at  Oxford University Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust

We are looking for an innovative, self motivated and enthusiastic Orthoptist to join our friendly and dynamic team. Our department primarily consists of 1 3 Orthoptists and 4 Administrators and we work closely with a large extended team of Optometrists/Imaging technician’s/health care assistants and 24 Consultant Ophthalmologists. We also work jointly with a number of services within the Main John Radcliffe Hospital and this includes, an inpatient stroke service, adult neuro service including specialist services for NMO and NF2. Community Paediatric Service , Paediatric Oncology Service and the Craniofacial service.
The caseload is extremely varied and will include core Orthoptic clinics, adult motility and paediatric Ophthalmology clinics. We also have extended roles within, adult Neuro-Ophthalmology, Thyroid Eye Disease, ROP screening, out-patient stroke service, and intravitreal injections for AMD.
We have extended roles working directly within Ophthalmology and are very supportive in developing ACP roles to support and develop a sustainable service for the future.
We invite newly qualified and experienced Orthoptists to apply and have a full preceptorship programme in place.
1) To provide a comprehensive examination, diagnosis and treatment plan for adult and paediatric orthoptic and ophthalmology patients.
2) To work single handily in one of our 5 community sites
3) To work alongside a team of Orthoptists providing vision screening to all children in the reception year at school
4) To actively be involved in Journal clubs and case discussions
5) To Actively be involved in all aspects of teaching including orthoptic undergraduates
6)To participate and lead on daily operational procedures including monitoring and ordering stock.
A flexible approach to service adaptation and demand is essential.

We have a team of 13 Orthoptists, with a varied level of experience from 12 months to 25 + years. The culture within the department is friendly approachable and everyone is keen to share their skills and knowledge. The departmental actively encourages personal develop and academic development that is appropriate for each individual and their career goals. We very much work in collaboration with each other, all ideas of how we can develop and improve our service are welcome.

• To take sole responsibility for the orthoptic assessment, diagnosis and treatment of all

patients referred from the GP, other Health Care Professionals, vision screening, ‘High
street’ optometrists, max fax, paediatricians, accident and emergency, craniofacial,

neurosurgery, neurology, stroke and rehabilitation services.

• To act as an Autonomous practitioner with freedom to take action based on own

interpretation of clinical findings.

• To formulate individualized management and treatment plans in line with departmental

policies and guidelines, using advanced clinical reasoning and evidence based practice. To

seek support from colleagues and line manager when required.

• To use a range of verbal and nonverbal communication skills to explain outcomes and

treatment plans, adapting the delivery according to patient understanding e.g.: hearing

problems, language difficulties, comprehension difficulties.

• Requirement for highly developed interpersonal and communication skills to persuade,

motivate and reassure client group, which include young, apprehensive children from
whom it is essential to gain co-operation for reliable accurate information which will

determine diagnosis and treatment; this will include children with challenging behaviour.

• To be responsible for maintaining accurate and comprehensive diagnostic and treatment

notes for each patient, and maintaining patient confidentiality.

• To prioritise own activity to meet immediate demands, performing under pressure with

unpredictable interruptions (eg: to see emergency patients for diagnostic procedures at

the request of senior medical staff)

• To assess patients pre-operatively and post operatively.
• To have sole responsibility to formulate relevant discharge plans and onward referral,

including communicating with referrer.

• To potentially undertake school screening across the Oxfordshire county on any number

of sessions per week. To adhere to departmental policy and referral guidelines.

• To provide specialist advice to the ophthalmology team and other medical colleagues

based on interpretation of all relevant orthoptic information, highlighting the need for

further investigation when judged appropriate.

• To liaise with the Head Orthoptist regarding any problems regarding service delivery
• To adhere to operational procedures, within the Oxford Eye Hospital and Community

sites.

• The duties are not exhaustive and any other areas requiring a management lead will be

expected from the post holder.

• To participate in the Orthoptic undergraduate teaching program. To deliver the training of

specialist clinical skills to medical students, nurses and optometrists.
To participate in the Orthoptic undergraduate teaching program. To deliver the training of

specialist clinical skills to medical students, nurses and optometrists.

• To give lectures and presentations as required at regular regional meetings to

Ophthalmologists of all grades, this includes the ocular motility clinic. To participate in

virtual teaching sessions as required.

• To develop teaching materials/tutorials for Orthoptic undergraduates
• To deliver the training and lectures to medical students, pre-registration optometry

students, GPs, and other health care professionals and to undertake the training of all
post-graduate medical staff in orthoptic assessment techniques, in preparation for Royal
College of Ophthalmology examinations and any other personnel requiring Orthoptic

training.

• Provide training and support to staff as required

Please refer the Job description for details