Job summary The Orthoptics service in Somerset is growing and developing making it a really exciting time to join our team. We are creating new services following the merger of two trusts to create Somerset NHS Foundation Trust creating a growing team of orthoptists working in diverse roles both autonomously and as part of multi disciplinary teams in Paediatric ophthalmology, Neuro ophthalmology, Adults Strabismus, Stroke, Glaucoma and Ocular plastics. We have reception aged school vision screening and are a clinical placement site for student orthoptists. Orthoptists with an interest in Stroke are especially welcome to apply. Main duties of the job To provide Orthoptic services as an autonomous practitioner. To assess, diagnose and manage patients referred to the Orthoptic Department providing a comprehensive service. The post holder will work within a multi-disciplinary team within the ophthalmology department to provide and develop these services within the Trust. About us At Somerset NHS Foundation Trust, we're committed to supporting our employees with a range of benefits designed to enhance your professional and personal life. We offer: Flexible working options to help you balance work and life NHS pension scheme for long-term financial security Generous annual leave allowance to recharge and relax A strong focus on career development to help you grow and achieve your potential Additionally, you'll gain access to our Blue Light Card, unlocking exclusive discounts on shopping, dining, and leisure activities, as well as NHS-specific perks to support you both inside and outside of work. We are proud to foster a diverse, skilled, and inclusive workforce, and we encourage applications from all backgrounds. Why Somerset? Somerset offers the perfect blend of idyllic countryside, outstanding areas of natural beauty, and breathtaking coastlines, with vibrant cities like Bristol, Bath, and Exeter just a short drive away - and only two hours to London. The region is home to excellent educational facilities, and with affordable housing compared to other parts of the country, it's a great place to build both your career and your future. Somerset truly has it all - the peaceful countryside and cosmopolitan city life, with something for everyone to enjoy. Date posted 25 February 2025 Pay scheme Agenda for change Band Band 6 Salary £37,338 to £44,962 a year Contract Permanent Working pattern Full-time, Flexible working Reference number 184-OL-OR-1758 Job locations Yeovil District Hospital Higher Kingston Yeovil Somerset BA21 4AT Musgrove Park Hospital Musgrove Road Taunton Somerset TA1 5DA Job description Job responsibilities Duties and Responsibilities Communication and Key Working Relationships To liaise with the Consultant Ophthalmologists, Optometrists, Health Visitors/School nurses, parents, patients and teachers of visual impairment using verbal and written correspondence. To be aware of barriers to communication and be able to overcome them effectively for example: with children, people with learning disabilities, where English is not the first language, with patients with expressive language difficulties (stroke). To participate in an annual appraisal (Developmental Review). To participate in the teaching of undergraduate orthoptists on placement from universities as well as medical students, junior doctors and pre-registration optometrists. Planning and Organisation To be responsible for planning, implementing and monitoring individual Orthoptic treatment plans / care pathways for patients of all ages, using advanced clinical reasoning and evidence based practice to decide the most appropriate treatment from a range of available options. To take the lead in the decision and timing of surgery using an up-to-date knowledge of evidence based practice. To discuss surgical options with the surgeon and make recommendations regarding surgical procedures. To attend and contribute to Orthoptic departmental meetings. Responsibility for Patient / Client Care, Treatment & Therapy To be responsible as an autonomous practitioner for the evaluation of visual acuity and visual behaviour in referrals from the specialist services. This includes infants with strabismus (squint) and amblyopia, congenital or developmental abnormalities, genetic referral, adult illiterates, children and adults with significant learning difficulties as well as acute ocular motility defects in both children and adults. To be responsible for the Orthoptic assessment, diagnosis and management of patients referred to the Orthoptic Department from various departments, including paediatrics, accident and emergency, maxillo-facial department and the child development centre. To take sole responsibility to formulate relevant discharge plans and onward referral. This patient group comprises all cases of ocular motility defects and amblyopia, complex congenital and acquired cases, including neurological abnormalities, genetic disorders and associated ocular abnormalities. To assess, diagnose and treat patients with special needs in specialist children's clinics. This group of patients can often include assessment of non-seeing babies, specialist communication skills will be needed when conveying this information to the parents/guardians. To decide, plan and organise patient's investigations before seeing consultant ophthalmologist to ensure efficient running of clinic and best patient experience. To assess eye movement disorders in patients from specialist clinics including Neurology, Maxillo-facial, Endocrine, and Eye casualty etc and to develop specialist treatment plans based on the individual signs and symptoms. To assist surgeon in post-operative adjustable suture techniques. This requires accurate measurement to aid and allow ocular re-alignment whilst the patient is under local anaesthesia. To perform auto refraction and to be responsible for the maintenance and safe use of the auto refractor. Policy, Service, Research & Development Responsibility To undertake regular audit of the services within the area of responsibility. To contribute to the planning and the development of the Orthoptic service, e.g. developing guidelines and policies for the Orthoptic team and those accessing the service such as nursing medical or therapy staff. Responsibility for Finance, Equipment & Other Resources To be responsible for maintaining adequate levels of medical/surgical supplies and security of medication used in clinical situations. To be responsible for the care of clinical equipment and reporting of faults. To always keep and maintain appropriate records ensuring that all paperwork is filed promptly into EPR/case-notes. Maintain and utilise Department and Trust information systems currently in use and ensure the accuracy of information held on the Patient Administration Systems. Responsibility for Supervision, Leadership & Management To provide training for staff in all areas specifically related to the specialist services and ensure competency standards are met. Information Resources & Administrative Duties. To liaise with other departments within the hospital (e.g. the wards, other specialities, the waiting list office, medical records, outpatients and information systems) and ensure that the department interfaces efficiently with them. To comply with departmental quality procedures and participate in quality management monitoring. This will include planning of audits for hospital orthoptic service, and participation in local, regional and national audits. To attend appropriate training events, courses and lectures thereby maintaining up-to-date knowledge and skills. To attend and contribute to Orthoptic departmental meetings (e.g. research and present new ideas). To always keep and maintain appropriate records ensuring that all paperwork is filed promptly into case-notes/EPR. To deal with enquiries arising during the working day and take appropriate action. Job description Job responsibilities Duties and Responsibilities Communication and Key Working Relationships To liaise with the Consultant Ophthalmologists, Optometrists, Health Visitors/School nurses, parents, patients and teachers of visual impairment using verbal and written correspondence. To be aware of barriers to communication and be able to overcome them effectively for example: with children, people with learning disabilities, where English is not the first language, with patients with expressive language difficulties (stroke). To participate in an annual appraisal (Developmental Review). To participate in the teaching of undergraduate orthoptists on placement from universities as well as medical students, junior doctors and pre-registration optometrists. Planning and Organisation To be responsible for planning, implementing and monitoring individual Orthoptic treatment plans / care pathways for patients of all ages, using advanced clinical reasoning and evidence based practice to decide the most appropriate treatment from a range of available options. To take the lead in the decision and timing of surgery using an up-to-date knowledge of evidence based practice. To discuss surgical options with the surgeon and make recommendations regarding surgical procedures. To attend and contribute to Orthoptic departmental meetings. Responsibility for Patient / Client Care, Treatment & Therapy To be responsible as an autonomous practitioner for the evaluation of visual acuity and visual behaviour in referrals from the specialist services. This includes infants with strabismus (squint) and amblyopia, congenital or developmental abnormalities, genetic referral, adult illiterates, children and adults with significant learning difficulties as well as acute ocular motility defects in both children and adults. To be responsible for the Orthoptic assessment, diagnosis and management of patients referred to the Orthoptic Department from various departments, including paediatrics, accident and emergency, maxillo-facial department and the child development centre. To take sole responsibility to formulate relevant discharge plans and onward referral. This patient group comprises all cases of ocular motility defects and amblyopia, complex congenital and acquired cases, including neurological abnormalities, genetic disorders and associated ocular abnormalities. To assess, diagnose and treat patients with special needs in specialist children's clinics. This group of patients can often include assessment of non-seeing babies, specialist communication skills will be needed when conveying this information to the parents/guardians. To decide, plan and organise patient's investigations before seeing consultant ophthalmologist to ensure efficient running of clinic and best patient experience. To assess eye movement disorders in patients from specialist clinics including Neurology, Maxillo-facial, Endocrine, and Eye casualty etc and to develop specialist treatment plans based on the individual signs and symptoms. To assist surgeon in post-operative adjustable suture techniques. This requires accurate measurement to aid and allow ocular re-alignment whilst the patient is under local anaesthesia. To perform auto refraction and to be responsible for the maintenance and safe use of the auto refractor. Policy, Service, Research & Development Responsibility To undertake regular audit of the services within the area of responsibility. To contribute to the planning and the development of the Orthoptic service, e.g. developing guidelines and policies for the Orthoptic team and those accessing the service such as nursing medical or therapy staff. Responsibility for Finance, Equipment & Other Resources To be responsible for maintaining adequate levels of medical/surgical supplies and security of medication used in clinical situations. To be responsible for the care of clinical equipment and reporting of faults. To always keep and maintain appropriate records ensuring that all paperwork is filed promptly into EPR/case-notes. Maintain and utilise Department and Trust information systems currently in use and ensure the accuracy of information held on the Patient Administration Systems. Responsibility for Supervision, Leadership & Management To provide training for staff in all areas specifically related to the specialist services and ensure competency standards are met. Information Resources & Administrative Duties. To liaise with other departments within the hospital (e.g. the wards, other specialities, the waiting list office, medical records, outpatients and information systems) and ensure that the department interfaces efficiently with them. To comply with departmental quality procedures and participate in quality management monitoring. This will include planning of audits for hospital orthoptic service, and participation in local, regional and national audits. To attend appropriate training events, courses and lectures thereby maintaining up-to-date knowledge and skills. To attend and contribute to Orthoptic departmental meetings (e.g. research and present new ideas). To always keep and maintain appropriate records ensuring that all paperwork is filed promptly into case-notes/EPR. To deal with enquiries arising during the working day and take appropriate action. Person Specification Qualifications Essential Bachelor of Science in Orthoptics BSc(Orth), BMedSci (Orthoptics) or a diploma from the British Orthoptic Council (DBO). Registered with the Health Professions Council Current full UK driving licence. Desirable Teaching qualification or BIOS teaching course. Experience Essential Minimum 1 years experience as a qualified orthoptist. Evidence of active participation in the departmental teaching programmes. Desirable Orthoptic stroke experience. Person Specification Qualifications Essential Bachelor of Science in Orthoptics BSc(Orth), BMedSci (Orthoptics) or a diploma from the British Orthoptic Council (DBO). Registered with the Health Professions Council Current full UK driving licence. Desirable Teaching qualification or BIOS teaching course. Experience Essential Minimum 1 years experience as a qualified orthoptist. Evidence of active participation in the departmental teaching programmes. Desirable Orthoptic stroke experience. 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 Somerset NHS Foundation Trust Address Yeovil District Hospital Higher Kingston Yeovil Somerset BA21 4AT Employer's website https://www.somersetft.nhs.uk/ (Opens in a new tab)