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.