Orthoptist

The Royal Eye Infirmary at Dorset County Hospital is looking to recruit an experienced and highly motivated Band 5 Orthoptist to join our friendly department. This is a fixed term post. The department is based at Dorset County Hospital, but we run single handed clinics in the community.

A diploma/degree in Orthoptics and HCPC registration is essential. The post holder will be expected to travel between the hospital site and various locations in the community to carry out peripheral clinics; therefore, a car driver is preferable.

The department currently runs paediatric and ocular motility clinics. Currently, orthoptists in our department have extended roles in stroke. We are also a placement site for Orthoptic students. Staff regularly participate in department audit, clinical governance and clinical teaching sessions. The post-holder will be supported by the Head Orthoptist.

Right to Work in the UK : This role is not available for Skilled Worker visa sponsorship. Applicants must already have the legal right to work in the UK at the time of application. Unfortunately, we are unable to support visa applications for this post in line with UKVI regulations.

To assist in the provision of the Orthoptist services as an autonomous practitioner,

Expected to work clinically to deliver a range of core Orthoptic services

To provide Orthoptic assessment, diagnosis and management of patients of all ages and abilities, planning, implementing, and monitoring individual Orthoptic treatment plans/care pathways using clinical reasoning and evidence based practice.

To support the Ophthalmology service as required.

At DCHFT, we pride ourselves on the care we provide for our patients, and on the culture, we are creating for our staff. We work hard to create a fair, inclusive environment for our staff.

Our Mission is to provide outstanding care for people in ways which matter to them, and our vision is Dorset County Hospital, working with our health and social care partners, will be at the heart of improving the well-being of our communities.

We are a Trust that celebrates diversity, and we are committed to creating an inclusive environment for all employees. We welcome applications from people in all under-represented groups.

We understand that AI can be a useful tool when completing your application. However, we are seeing an increasing over-reliance of AI tools, which can negatively affect your application as it reduces a candidate’s individuality, and makes it difficult for us to gain a clear and authentic understanding of your experience, skills, and in turn your suitability for the role.

All submissions must be truthful and if you do use AI, it should only be used to enhance your application and not create your supporting statement in its entirety. Your supporting statement should be in your own words and must accurately reflect your personal experience and achievements. Where we have concerns that AI has been used to generate content that misrepresents your experience and suitability for the role, we may withdraw your application.

You will need to plan and prioritise your own workload

Work as part of a multi-disciplinary team of Ophthalmologists, Orthotists, Optometrists, Ophthalmic technicians, nurses, clerical staff and secretarial staff.

Undertake correspondence with GPs and other colleagues.

Deal with queries regarding appointments, internal referrals etc, that arise during the working day and to liaise with the senior Orthoptists to take the appropriate action.

Check clinical area is safe for patients and staff and report any hazards to the manager in a timely manner.

Participate in regular Orthoptic departmental meetings giving feedback from courses and conferences attended.

To participate departmental audit and research where possible.

To cover, as appropriate, for colleagues during periods of sick and annual leave.

To report damage or functioning problems with equipment to manager in a timely manner.