Orthoptist Band 5/ 6 inGuildford inGuildford PUBLISHED MON 4 NOV 2024

Band 5 or 6 Orthoptist - 37.5 hours

An opportunity has arisen for a new graduate or experienced Orthoptist to join our busy friendly department. This is a permanent full-time post. The expected start date is December 2024. If a new graduate is appointed, this will be a Band 5 to 6 development post.

The post is based at the Royal Surrey Hospital Guildford. There will also be some clinics at Cranleigh Village Hospital and Haslemere District Hospital, both of which are accessible by public transport.

There is a very varied caseload of adult and paediatric ocular motility cases, including assessment of trauma and neurology referrals. We are part of the multidisciplinary team for Stroke management, and participate in rehabilitation of stroke in-patients. In addition, training will be provided in OCT if needed.

The department offers clinical placements for undergraduate Orthoptists, and is involved in teaching of trainee Ophthalmologists and pre-reg Optometrists. CPD is fully supported.

To provide Orthoptic services within the trust.

To investigate, diagnose and treat own caseload.

Investigation and management of paediatric and adult Orthoptic cases at RSCH and outreach clinics.

OCT; management of stroke patients; participation in teaching of Orthoptic students on clinical placement.

About us

Please refer to the two attached job description and person specification.

Bande 5 & 6 OrthopistTo take clinical responsibility for own caseload of Orthoptic patients, including investigation, diagnosis and treatment. Planning and monitoring progress of treatment programmes using a range of treatment options and ensuring a high standard of clinical care.

To be professionally responsible for all aspects of own work.

Discharge patients when appropriate

Provide specialist advice to patient/parents and ophthalmologists.

Undertake pre and post-operative measurements of ocular motility and discuss surgical options with the surgeon. Identify post-operative risks and discuss these with the patient/parent and surgeon. It is the role of the Orthoptist to take the lead in the timing of surgery. This requires up to date knowledge of evidence based practice, and manual dexterity and speed to ensure accurate results, especially in infants. Surgery will be based on the Orthoptic measurements.

To assist the surgeon in post-operative adjustable suture technique.

Specialist assessment of complex ocular motility problems including thyroid eye disease, blow-out fractures and cranial nerve palsies. This requires intense concentration and highly developed clinical knowledge.

Orthoptic assessment of Ophthalmic casualty patients.

Investigation and management of stroke patients.

Participation in teaching of undergraduate Orthoptists on clinical placement.

Liaison with Low Vision Support team.

Instructing/teaching patients/parents when a course of home treatment is prescribed.

Communicate with patients/carers to ensure understanding of condition. Skills of persuasion and motivation required with a variety of patients. Barriers may exist making communication difficult, for example patient or carer with hearing loss, or children with special needs.

• To be responsible for the self-development of skills and competencies through participationin learning and development activities, and to maintain up to date technical and professional knowledge relevant to the post.
• Maintain own professional development by keeping up to date with current developments in orthoptics. Incorporate these developments into clinical practice as necessary.
• Follow BIOS and HCPC competency guidelines.

• Attend relevant external courses, and departmental meetings.

• Participate in Ophthalmology teaching presentations.

• Take part in staff appraisal scheme and personal development programme.

Participate in audit.

Please see full Job description