Specialist Orthoptist
| Posting date: | 12 January 2026 |
|---|---|
| Salary: | £38,682.00 to £46,580.00 per year |
| Additional salary information: | £38682.00 - £46580.00 a year |
| Hours: | Full time |
| Closing date: | 01 February 2026 |
| Location: | Milton Keynes, MK6 5LD |
| Company: | NHS Jobs |
| Job type: | Permanent |
| Job reference: | C9430-26-0021 |
Summary
Clinical responsibilities Work autonomously, within professional boundaries, taking sole responsibility for the orthoptic assessment, diagnosis and treatment of patients referred from ophthalmology including booked urgent service, vision screening, paediatrics, stroke, and maxillofacial services. This will include babies, children and adults with varied complexity of medical conditions and neurological disorders. Assess and diagnose paediatric and adult new and follow up patients. Develop and manage a specialised programme of care appropriate to the needs of the individual patient. This involves using clinical reasoning and a wide range of treatment skills, communicating effectively with patients and parents / carers. Assess understanding and gaining informed consent to the recommended treatment plan. Adhere to any national and local guidelines. Having a significantly high level of anatomical and neurological knowledge to enable diagnosis of acute onset ocular motility defects, including adults with varied complex medical conditions and neurological disorders and decide on the appropriate onward referral pathway. SPECIALIST CLINICAL RESPONSIBILITIES Duties include one or more of the following (depending on specific departmental requirements and training): Carry out A-scan biometry and contact / immersion measurements using specialised equipment. Perform IOP and keratometry measurements and instil eye drops as required. Liaise with the ophthalmologist regarding accurate power selection of intra-ocular lens implant. Take personal responsibility for correct machine calibration and follow guidelines to minimise possible infection risks. To assist the surgeon with specialised A-scan immersion biometry as part of the MDT team in theatre for patients under GA. This requires taking accurate measurements to assist the surgeon with complex patients with high-risk co-morbidities during cataract surgery. NON-CLINICAL RESPONSIBILITIES Work as an effective member of the orthoptic team, liaising with the Deputy Head Orthoptist regarding clinic management and staff deployment. Triage referrals into the Orthoptic department according to departmental policy. Log referral details onto orthoptic database. Communication To have excellent and highly developed communication skills with all staff, patients, and parents / carers of patients. Utilise and demonstrate sensitive communication styles, to ensure patients are fully informed prior to consent for treatment. To communicate the actual or potential diagnosis which may be of a distressing nature requiring sensitive, careful explanation of highly complex information, either to parents or carers of a child, or to an adult patient. Personal Development Recognise and work within own competence and professional code of conduct as regulated by the HCPC. Understand own role and scope and identify how this may develop over time. Prioritise own workload and ensure effective time-management strategies are embedded within work. Delivering a quality service Deliver care according to NSF, CQC, NICE guidelines and evidence-based care. Produce accurate, contemporaneous and complete records of patient consultation, consistent with legislation, policies and procedures. Take an active role in development of local policies and guidelines for the orthoptic services. Team working Actively promote the workplace as a learning environment, encouraging everyone to learn from each other and from external good practice. Support and encourage colleagues with development and training. Be able to challenge any complacency or actions that are not in the interest of the public and/or users of services. Please refer to the job description for further details.