South Tyneside and Sunderland NHS Foundation Trust
This is a fixed term post until 27th March 2026.
There are many reasons to join our team at Sunderland Eye Infirmary. Aside from our fantastic staff, we have lots of exciting developments underway. Our plans for our Eye Hospital in Sunderland are taking shape and will be our new home, with work having started this year. The new hospital will ensure Sunderland remains home to the region's only dedicated standalone eye hospital, strengthening our excellent reputation across the NHS as a centre of excellence for ophthalmology care.
We never stay still when it comes to discovering new and better treatments. As one of the few specialist eye hospitals in the country, research and the use of developing technology are key parts of our work. We encourage innovation and research in everything we do. If you share our vision for excellence in all that we do, we'd love you to join us!
We are looking for an enthusiastic and motivated Orthoptist to join our friendly and experienced team of 8 Orthoptists based at Sunderland Eye Infirmary. As a tertiary referral centre, our service supports paediatric Ophthalmology, Neuro-Ophthalmology, Maxillofacial, Emergency care, adult motility, and an acute stroke service. We also participate in student teaching as an accredited Orthoptic student placement site.
Main duties of the job
The successful candidate will join a team of 8 Orthoptists on a fixed term basis until 27th March 2026. They will also work alongside 2 consultant Paediatric Ophthalmologists, 1 specialist Neuro-Ophthalmologist, and 9 Optometrists. They will be based at Sunderland Eye Infirmary and will participate in joint Consultant, Optometry, and individual Orthoptic clinics. They will also have the opportunity to participate in peripheral clinics, regular journal clubs, and the teaching of Orthoptic and medical students. Support will be provided if this is their first clinical role following qualification.
The working hours will be 37.5 hours per week, Monday to Friday, 08:30-16:30. We encourage all hopeful candidates to contact our Orthoptic Department Manager, Rafaela Schelle, at 0191 5410093 or rafaela.schelle@nhs.net for further information regarding this post.
About us
Please help us by adding your telephone number to your application form; this will allow us to contact you quickly if required.
One Team One Trust - There are many reasons to work at our Trust. From our commitment to putting people first to our accessible services and award-winning teams, we have a passion for research, innovation, and tackling inequalities. We are committed to respect, fairness, and civility, promoting a compassionate, caring, and positive culture and working environment.
We welcome all applications irrespective of race, disability, gender, sexual orientation, religion/belief, age, gender identity, marriage and civil partnership, pregnancy/maternity, and in particular those from under-represented groups. Looking after our workforce's health and wellbeing is a priority for STSFT. We also provide access to high-quality education, training, career progression, and support. Flexible working is supported via the Trust's Flexible Working Policy.
The Trust employs around 8,300 people and provides a range of hospital services to a local community of around 430,000 residents. We also provide a range of more specialized services outside this area, in some cases to a population as great as 860,000. We offer our staff outstanding benefits - Fitness Centre (SRH), libraries at both hospital sites, chaplaincy support, and access to a Childcare Co-ordinator to help staff with childcare arrangements.
Job responsibilities
PLEASE REFER TO THE ATTACHED JOB DESCRIPTION FOR FULL DUTIES OF THE ROLE.
* To provide comprehensive and quality Orthoptic investigation as an autonomous practitioner for patients referred to the Eye Department.
* To work independently and within a multi-disciplinary team to provide appropriate assessment, diagnosis, and treatment for Orthoptic patients ranging in age and abilities.
* To carry out secondary screening in the community and peripheral sites.
Person Specification
Experience
* Experience in all aspects of clinical Orthoptics.
* Experience in ophthalmological assessment of patients.
* Evidence of continued professional development.
* Evidence of special interest in neuro-ophthalmology and strabismus.
* Experience of delivering student supervision and clinical education to Orthoptic undergraduates, pre-registration optometrists, trainee GPs, and junior doctors.
Qualifications
* BSc (Hons) Orthoptics OR Orthoptics BMedSci OR Diploma from British Orthoptic Council (DBO).
* To be registered with the Health and Care Professions Council.
* BIOS member or other professional liability insurance.
* Medical exemptions for orthoptists.
Skills and Knowledge
* Good planning and organisational skills and be self-directing.
* Ability to deliver presentations.
* Good interpersonal and communication skills at all levels.
* Ability to manage and prioritise clinical workload and respond appropriately and logically.
* Understanding of and ability to maintain patient confidentiality.
* Ability to gain cooperation dependent on the audience, ability, and understanding.
* IT Skills.
* Ability to adapt communication to individuals including non-verbal ways e.g., Makaton.
Physical Skills
* Ability to assist patients to move as per Trust Moving and Handling Policy.
* Expert hand/eye coordination to perform accurate assessments with challenging patients.
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.
South Tyneside and Sunderland NHS Foundation Trust
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