Job Summary
We are excited to offer the opportunity for a motivated, reliable and compassionate individual to join our team as an Apprentice Orthoptist. This paid degree apprenticeship has been designed to give you a deep understanding of vision, binocularity and a broad range of eye conditions, through a combination of online live teaching, work-based learning, clinical placement activities and “on the job” learning .
Upon completion you will become a qualified orthoptist with HCPC registration, specialising in the diagnosis and management of a wide range of conditions relating to vision, strabismus (eye misalignment) and binocular function, as well as in supporting patients with reduced vision.
You’ll spend 40% of your time learning on-line from passionate clinicians and researchers at the University of Sheffield, or on placements in alternative settings. The rest of your time you will be putting your learning into practice on the job with the enthusiastic and support orthoptic team at Plymouth Royal Eye Infirmary.
Main duties of the job
To conduct a range of orthoptic/ophthalmic procedures under the supervision of an Orthoptist and within agreed departmental protocols and guidelines, whilst developing skills and following a University Programme in Orthoptics.
The postholder will be expected to work independently and make decisions following defined algorithms and with access to support and advice, recognising the limits of their own responsibility in those areas for which they have trained and have been proved to be competent.
Person Specification
Qualifications
Essential
- GCSE grades 6-9 in English and Maths or equivalent
- 3 A levels grade C or above OR RQF level 4 /SCQF Level 7 in Scotland in Health and Social Care or equivalent e.g. RQF Level 3 plus demonstrable experience and training in a clinical setting PLUS
- Commitment to complete in-house training in e.g. Measurement of intraocular pressure, supporting patients undergoing orthoptic therapy, Optical Coherence Tomography
Desirable
- Previous demonstrable training in relevant orthoptic and/or ophthalmic procedures
Aptitude & Abilities
Essential
- Good communication skills and telephone manner
- Able to manage own workload
- Basic office skills
- Good IT skills
Desirable
- Proven Knowledge of common eye conditions
- Ability to communicate with people sensory or learning disabilities
Knowledge and Experience
Essential
- No previous proven knowledge or demonstrable experience required
Desirable
- Demonstrable working experience in an Eye Service or an Optical Practice
- Demonstrable experience with Electronic patient record
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: 09 April 2026
