Lead Glaucoma Orthoptist inBarnstaple inBarnstaple PUBLISHED THU 7 NOV 2024

We would like to recruit an Advanced Orthoptist to join our team. The post holder will support the core Orthoptic service, lead the Glaucoma Monitoring service and will be responsible for service development, training and supervision of the junior staff within the Glaucoma Monitoring team.

For more detail about the main duties of this role, please see the job description section below. As a key member of the Royal Devon University Healthcare NHS Foundation Trust, you will be joining an exceptional team working together to help our patients to stay healthy, when they need it most.

About us

For more information on the Job Description and Responsibilities please click the link below.

More detail about the role

We would like to recruit an Advanced Orthoptist to join our Orthoptic team. The post holder will lead the Glaucoma Monitoring Service working alongside Clinical Nurse Specialists and Orthoptic Assistants.

We are a small, friendly, dynamic forward-thinking department who encourage extended roles and innovative automatous working practices. There will therefore be an opportunity for the successful candidate to build on and gain excellent experience.

If you desire a good work-life balance in an area of outstanding natural beauty, this area encompasses two National Parks Dartmoor and Exmoor, and beautiful world-class beaches enabling a fantastic lifestyle.

The successful candidate:

• Can expect to be part of a team that is at the forefront of innovation and development in both our services and our people.
• Will work in both the acute Trust and at community locations seeing both adult and paediatric orthoptic patients
• Will work alongside a dedicated team of Ophthalmologists, Orthoptists, Orthoptic assistants, Optometrists and Nurses in a busy supportive department.
• Will support the core orthoptic adult and paediatric service as an autonomous practitioner.
• Will be responsible for service development as well as training and supervision of junior staff within the glaucoma monitoring service.
• Will take part in regular glaucoma led multi-disciplinary team meetings
• The Orthoptic department currently provides general adult and paediatric clinics including patients from eye casualty, neurology, stroke rehabilitation team, primary vision screening and special school screening. In an extended role capacity, we currently support/work in the following clinics: Glaucoma Monitoring, Dystonia/Botox, JIA, AMD.
• The Orthoptic service is provided at the acute hospital base and several community hospital locations therefore the post holder must be able to travel.
• This post can be developmental and we will consider applications from those with less relevant experience and provide appropriate development, training and mentoring opportunities. Those who do not have relevant experience will be paid at Band 6 rate and progress to Band 7 on completion of the relevant competencies.
• Professional development is encouraged and full participation is required in clinical audit, clinical governance sessions, dedicated journal clubs, departmental meetings and courses/ seminars relevant to the role.
• Applicants must be registered with the HCPC.

Working Pattern: 37.5 hours over 4 days. 3 days of 9.5 hours and one day of 9 hours

Interview Date: To be confirmed.

For further information please contact: Susan Thorne, Head Orthoptist on or

As an inclusive employer, the Royal Devon values diversity and is committed to creating a culture of inclusivity where everyone can be themselves and reach their full potential. We believe in fostering a sense of belonging and actively encourage applications from individuals of all backgrounds, cultures, and abilities. We recognise the advantages of having a diverse workforce that reflects the communities we serve.

Preference will be given to staff with Priority and 'At Risk' status including NHS At Risk staff throughout Devon.

The Royal Devon University Healthcare NHS Foundation Trust reserves the right to close vacancy when sufficient applications have been received.

The Royal Devon University Healthcare NHS Foundation Trust was established in April 2022, bringing together the expertise of both the Royal Devon and Exeter NHS Foundation Trust and Northern Devon Healthcare NHS Trust.

Benefits

We will work together to maintain a culture that develops and supports you and your team.

This might include funding for a care certificate, a degree or leadership qualifications. Or it might include days off to study, engage in CPD or rotational placements to help you hone your skills. Wherever you are heading in the NHS, we'll help you get there.

Looking after you is important to us.

We strive to help our staff create a healthy work-life balance through flexible working schemes and our family friendly policies.

If you're starting out in the NHS, you'll start with 27 days paid annual leave (plus bank holidays), rising to 33 days plus bank holidays.

You'll benefit from access to our own comprehensive occupational health services, including counselling, onsite wellbeing activities and groups.

Salary is not the only financial benefit

You'll have access to an extensive range of staff discounts on shopping, fitness and leisure options and you can spread the cost of technology and home appliance purchases from major retailers.

You will also have access to other benefits including:

National discount services such as the Blue Light Card and Health Service Discounts.

Salary sacrifice options including our OFSTED rated outstanding nursery onsite at Exeter

Car lease schemes.

The NHS Pension scheme (one of the most generous and comprehensive in the UK).

Cycle to work scheme

These are just a few of the benefits available if the role is something you are interested in, we'd love to hear from you.