Job summary The Orthoptic and Optometry team at County Durham and Darlington NHS Foundation Trust consists of a team of seven Orthoptists and three part time Optometrists working closely together with the Consultant Ophthalmologists to provide a high standard of care to our paediatric and adult patients. We work to the Trusts ethos of providing the patient with safe, compassionate, joined-up care. We are looking for an enthusiastic and motivated Optometrist to join our team working predominantly with paediatric patients but also some low vision patients where service needs allow. You may be providing multi-disciplinary clinics with the consultant Paediatric ophthalmologist, providing optometry paediatric review. Additionally there would be training opportunities to expand into medical contact lenses through formal training and clinical practice. Main duties of the job This band 6 role is involved in the provision of core optometry work to the Orthoptic and Ophthalmology departments and patients; predominantly involving the core paediatric elements of hospital optometry. You will be providing multi-disciplinary clinics with the consultant Paediatric Ophthalmologist, providing optometry paediatric review refraction clinics and also working in a collaborative clinic with the Orthoptist. All clinics involve a mix of new and review patients of all ages and abilities, including children with learning difficulties, and involve strong collaborative team working. In addition to skills with dilated retinoscopy you will be required to perform ophthalmoscopy on dilated paediatric patients and work closely with the other team members to manage clinical care. This role gives a unique opportunity to use your knowledge in strabismus and BSV and gain valuable experience in the management of complex cases not available in the private setting. There would also be the opportunity to undertake some training for Low Visual Aid work if required and through formal training to expand into the area of medical contact lenses. About us If you are being interviewed you must accept an interview slot in the system to continue, even if you have arranged with the manager You must be able to produce ALL certificates stated essential in the person specification or you will not be able to complete pre-employment checks We provide hospital services from two acute sites - Darlington Memorial Hospital and University Hospital of North Durham. We have a centre for planned care in Bishop Auckland and provide care from community hospitals in Chester-le-Street, Shotley Bridge, Barnard Castle, Sedgefield and Weardale as well as over 80 other community based settings and providing care in patients' homes. We particularly welcome applications from disabled and Black, Asian and Minority Ethnic (BAME) candidates as BAME and disabled people are currently under-represented We are unable to sponsor roles that do not meet the minimum salary requirements. please check the UK immigration skilled worker rules for information Full Job Descriptions can be found in the adverts supporting documents Date posted 10 January 2025 Pay scheme Agenda for change Band Band 6 Salary £37,338 to £44,962 a year pro rata Contract Permanent Working pattern Part-time, Job share Reference number C9439-25-0034 Job locations Darlington Memorial Hospital NHS Trust Hollyhurst Road Darlington County Durham DL3 6HX Job description Job responsibilities We are looking for someone who can undertake all the aspects of the core paediatric Optometry hospital role. We may also be able to train applicants in a qualification for the low vision service with involvement with clinics within this service once trained and where service needs allow. You may be providing multi-disciplinary clinics with the consultant Paediatric Ophthalmologist, providing Optometry paediatric review refraction clinics and also working in a collaborative clinic with the Orthoptist. All clinics involve a mix of new and review patients of all ages and abilities, including children with learning difficulties, and involve strong collaborative team working. In addition to skills with dilated retinoscopy you will be required to perform ophthalmoscopy on dilated paediatric patients and work closely with the other team members to manage the cases. This role gives a unique opportunity to use your knowledge in strabismus and BSV and gain valuable experience in the management of complex cases not managed in the private setting. Additionally we would be able to offer the opportunity through formal training to expand into medical contact lens clinics. We would encourage you to contact the department for more information on the possible working hours and responsibilities and duties of the post via email. Job description Job responsibilities We are looking for someone who can undertake all the aspects of the core paediatric Optometry hospital role. We may also be able to train applicants in a qualification for the low vision service with involvement with clinics within this service once trained and where service needs allow. You may be providing multi-disciplinary clinics with the consultant Paediatric Ophthalmologist, providing Optometry paediatric review refraction clinics and also working in a collaborative clinic with the Orthoptist. All clinics involve a mix of new and review patients of all ages and abilities, including children with learning difficulties, and involve strong collaborative team working. In addition to skills with dilated retinoscopy you will be required to perform ophthalmoscopy on dilated paediatric patients and work closely with the other team members to manage the cases. This role gives a unique opportunity to use your knowledge in strabismus and BSV and gain valuable experience in the management of complex cases not managed in the private setting. Additionally we would be able to offer the opportunity through formal training to expand into medical contact lens clinics. We would encourage you to contact the department for more information on the possible working hours and responsibilities and duties of the post via email. Person Specification Statutory Registration Essential Current GOC Registration Special Skills & Knowledge Essential Experience in paediatric refraction Good communication and organisational skills. Good interpersonal skills. IT skills. Desirable Experience in low vision aids / willingness to undertake additional training if required Experience/interest in specialist contact lens work/ willingness to undertake additional training if required Experience Essential Experience in paediatric refraction Qualifications Essential Bsc Hon (Optometry) MCOptom Desirable Significant post graduate experience Special Requirements Essential Well developed hand/eye co-ordination, skilled to work with all ages of patients. Flexible. Enthusiastic. Desirable Receptive to change Person Specification Statutory Registration Essential Current GOC Registration Special Skills & Knowledge Essential Experience in paediatric refraction Good communication and organisational skills. Good interpersonal skills. IT skills. Desirable Experience in low vision aids / willingness to undertake additional training if required Experience/interest in specialist contact lens work/ willingness to undertake additional training if required Experience Essential Experience in paediatric refraction Qualifications Essential Bsc Hon (Optometry) MCOptom Desirable Significant post graduate experience Special Requirements Essential Well developed hand/eye co-ordination, skilled to work with all ages of patients. Flexible. Enthusiastic. Desirable Receptive to change 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). 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. 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 County Durham & Darlington NHS Foundation Trust Address Darlington Memorial Hospital NHS Trust Hollyhurst Road Darlington County Durham DL3 6HX Employer's website https://www.cddft.nhs.uk/ (Opens in a new tab)