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 full-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, including 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.
Responsibilities:
1. To assess, diagnose, and manage all patients referred to the Orthoptic department as an autonomous practitioner.
2. To contribute to a comprehensive quality Orthoptic service for all patients referred to the Orthoptic department.
3. To work as an active member of the eye care and multi-disciplinary team.
4. To assess, diagnose, and manage all patients referred to the orthoptic department, including specialist groups such as children and adults with learning disabilities, physical disabilities, neurological, maxilla-facial and endocrine problems, stroke patients, glaucoma patients, and children from the child development centre.
5. To be responsible for patients undergoing orthoptic treatment as inpatients or outpatients.
6. To liaise with the Head Orthoptist regarding problems arising.
7. To assess and diagnose new patients and develop and manage a specialized treatment package appropriate to the needs of the individual patient adhering to national and local guidelines.
8. To instruct and negotiate the implementation of the care package with individual patients and their carers to ensure compliance.
9. To provide motivational support for patients and parents undergoing prolonged and difficult treatments.
10. To carry out appropriate visual field testing on patients referred by the Ophthalmologists, Neurologists, and other medical practitioners within the hospital.
11. To carry out HRT II (Heidelberg Retinal Topography) visual field testing, OCTs, and measure IOPs as part of the glaucoma monitoring service.
12. To take part in clinical audit.
13. To maintain an up-to-date knowledge of techniques and technology and to attend appropriate training as part of our CPD (continuing professional development).
14. To manage unplanned workload to minimize inconvenience to patients and maximize the smooth running of the Orthoptic and eye clinics.
15. To be responsible for the decision to instill drops for diagnostic and refraction purposes.
16. To undertake pre- and post-operative measurements of motility defects.
17. To discuss surgical options with the surgeon.
18. To assist the surgeon in post-operative adjustable suture techniques.
19. To identify surgical risks and discuss these with the patients and surgeon.
20. To assess patients’ post-operative outcome and modify treatment accordingly.
21. To work as part of a multi-disciplinary team.
22. To assist and provide internal cover for colleagues during periods of annual leave, sickness, and vacancies.
23. To utilize a range of verbal and non-verbal mechanisms in the assessment and communication of treatment plans.
24. To be aware of barriers to communication and effectively overcome them.
25. To tactfully explain the details of complex medical conditions.
26. To communicate initial potential diagnosis that may be distressing.
27. To participate in clinical teaching to a wide range of professionals.
Our Excellence Values:
1. Compassion
2. Accountability
3. Respect
4. Integrity
5. 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. 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 ensure the environment they work in is inclusive and collaborative. #J-18808-Ljbffr