Job Summary
Applications are invited for an enthusiastic Orthoptist to join our dynamic team of 11 Ophthalmic technicians, 7 Orthoptists and an Optometrist. The Orthoptic department works closely with the Eye Department which currently has 11 Consultants including specialist in Paediatric Ophthalmology and Ocular Motility.
The role provides technical support to Ophthalmologyto assist diagnosis and assessment of variouseyeconditions. Diagnostic tests are performed at 2 hospital sites, so being able to commute for the needs of the service is essential.
Main duties of the job
You will provide technical support, following relevant training and competency assessment if required, to the Ophthalmology service and other hospital departments. This includes undertaking Ocular Coherence Tomography, Visual fields, Biometry, Fundus Photography, Corneal Topography and other diagnostic tests as requested by the Clinicians, in a timely and accurate manner.
You will also assist with administrative and clerical tasks relating to provision of Orthoptic and Ophthalmic services.
Person Specification
Qualifications & Education
Essential
- Qualifications at least to foundation degree level or equivalent
- GCSE Maths and English at least Level 5/ grade C or equivalent
Desirable
- Evidence of prior technical experience obtained in a similar role
Knowledge and Training
Essential
- Standard keyboard skills
- Commitment to learning new skills as required
- Willingness to attend training courses (internal and external) and complete all mandatory training as required by the role
Desirable
- Previous experience using related ophthalmic technology eg Humphrey Visual fields, OCT, Corneal Topography and Biometry
- Innovative in patient care and service delivery, evidence of initiating service improvements, research and CPD
Experience
Essential
- Previous experience of working with the general public
Desirable
- Previous experience working with patients in a hospital/ healthcare setting
- Previous experience working in a clinical ophthalmic setting
- Previous responsibility for the care and calibration of clinical equipment and the reporting of faults
Communication & Relationship Skills
Essential
- Good communication skills both verbal and written with the ability to communicate effectively. Using sensitivity with patients and carers, including those with learning and communication difficulties
- Ability to confidently convey and prioritise information to a range of people including Medical and nursing staff, Patients, and carers, some of whom may have communication difficulties or language barriers, or may be anxious or distressed about their eye condition.
- Counselling skills to deal with sensitive, unpleasant, or distressing issues
- Reliable, flexible, adaptable and a team player
- Maintain professional manner at all times
- Able to work autonomously, and as part of a multi-disciplinary team
- Able to work effectively in a busy and demanding environment with some interruptions
Analytical & Judgement Skills
Essential
- Ability to work with accuracy and attention to detail
- Ability to make appropriate judgements about what can be dealt with by self, and what needs to be passed onto a more senior member of staff
- Evidence of the understanding and ability to maintain patient and staff confidentiality
- Ability to deal with interruptions and act on new information/process change
- Committed to delivering high quality service and developing clinical practice based on reflection and evidence-based practice
Planning & Organisational Skills
Essential
- Ability to work under instruction as well as to work on own initiative as required
- Ability to work at speed and under pressure
- Able to organise and prioritise own workload
Physical Skills
Essential
- Ability to move patients and equipment as required and after relevant training
- Ability to work in clinic rooms where lighting may be reduced at times for testing purposes
- Able to commute to meet the needs of the service
Equality, Diversity, Inclusion and Trust Values
Essential
- Able to provide safe, caring, and effective services
- Values and behaviours that reflect the Trust values of Care, Respect and Responsibility
- Commitment to creating a diverse and inclusive workplace that is free from discrimination and where people feel they belong, and their contribution is valued
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.
Applications from job seekers who require current Skilled worker sponsorship to work in the UK are welcome and will be considered alongside all other applications. For further information visit the UK Visas and Immigration website (Opens in a new tab).
From 6 April 2017, skilled worker applicants, applying for entry clearance into the UK, have had to present a criminal record certificate from each country they have resided continuously or cumulatively for 12 months or more in the past 10 years. Adult dependants (over 18 years old) are also subject to this requirement. Guidance can be found here Criminal records checks for overseas applicants (Opens in a new tab).
Closing Date: 11 December 2025