Head Orthoptist
| Posting date: | 01 April 2026 |
|---|---|
| Salary: | £66,582.00 to £77,368.00 per year |
| Additional salary information: | £66582.00 - £77368.00 a year |
| Hours: | Full time |
| Closing date: | 30 April 2026 |
| Location: | Barnstaple, EX314JB |
| Company: | NHS Jobs |
| Job type: | Permanent |
| Job reference: | C0023-26-0435 |
Summary
For more information on the Job Description and Responsibilities please click the link below. More detail about the role The Head Orthoptist will lead and coordinate the development, delivery and implementation of Orthoptic Services across the Trust, supporting both the professional and personal development of the orthoptic workforce. The post holder is responsible and accountable to the Trust for the delivery, management and governance of all orthoptic clinical services and glaucoma monitoring services for the population of North Devon, delivered across both acute hospital and community settings. The role includes full oversight of the North Devon primary school vision screening service for receptionage children (45 years), ensuring safe, effective and highquality delivery in line with national and local standards. The post holder will act as a professional role model, providing strong clinical and professional leadership to the orthoptic team and delivering expert orthoptic advice to colleagues and the wider multidisciplinary team. The successful candidate will have extensive clinical experience, alongside a proactive approach, using initiative to drive service development and improvement. Strong communication and organisational skills are essential to manage complex services and competing priorities effectively. The Head Orthoptist will hold line management responsibility for a multidisciplinary team of approximately 18 staff, including administrative staff, clinical nurse specialists, orthoptists, orthoptic assistants and an optometrist. This includes responsibility for workforce planning, financial and physical resource management, governance and quality assurance. Alongside leadership responsibilities, the post holder will personally deliver specialist clinical services as an autonomous practitioner. The service includes extended roles in the monitoring and management of patients with wet macular degeneration, glaucoma, and juvenile idiopathic arthritis, as well as the delivery of Botox injections for blepharospasm. The Orthoptic Service also works closely with Neurology, Maxillofacial and the Stroke teams, contributing to integrated, multidisciplinary patient care pathways. Experience as a clinical tutor would be an advantage, particularly to support the development of future apprenticeship and training opportunities within the Trust. As a senior member of the Ophthalmology management team, the Head Orthoptist will work collaboratively as a team player, contributing to both the operational management and strategic development of ophthalmology services, with a clear patientfocused approach at the centre of service delivery. Working Pattern: 37.5 hours per week. Full Time over 4 days (x3 days 08:00 - 18:00 and x1 day 08:00 - 17:30) Interview Date: To be confirmed For further information please contact: Sue Thorne, Head OrthoptistTel: 01271 322469Email: susanthorne@nhs.net or Sam Flynn, Senior Operations ManagerEmail: sam.flynn1@nhs.net As an inclusive employer, the Royal Devon values diversity and is committed to creating a culture of inclusivity where everyone can be themselves and reach their full potential. We believe in fostering a sense of belonging and actively encourage applications from individuals of all backgrounds, cultures, and abilities. We recognise the advantages of having a diverse workforce that reflects the communities we serve. Preference will be given to staff with Priority and 'At Risk' status including NHS At Risk staff throughout Devon. The Royal Devon University Healthcare NHS Foundation Trust reserves the right to close vacancy when sufficient applications have been received. The Royal Devon University Healthcare NHS Foundation Trust was established in April 2022, bringing together the expertise of both the Royal Devon and Exeter NHS Foundation Trust and Northern Devon Healthcare NHS Trust. Benefits We will work together to maintain a culture that develops and supports you and your team. This might include funding for a care certificate, a degree or leadership qualifications. Or it might include days off to study, engage in CPD or rotational placements to help you hone your skills. Wherever you are heading in the NHS, we'll help you get there. Looking after you is important to us. We strive to help our staff create a healthy work-life balance through flexible working schemes and our family friendly policies. If you're starting out in the NHS, you'll start with 27 days paid annual leave (plus bank holidays), rising to 33 days plus bank holidays. You'll benefit from access to our own comprehensive occupational health services, including counselling, onsite wellbeing activities and groups. Salary is not the only financial benefit You'll have access to an extensive range of staff discounts on shopping, fitness and leisure options and you can spread the cost of technology and home appliance purchases from major retailers. You will also have access to other benefits including: National discount services such as the Blue Light Card and Health Service Discounts. Salary sacrifice options including our OFSTED rated outstanding nursery onsite at Exeter Car lease schemes. The NHS Pension scheme (one of the most generous and comprehensive in the UK). Cycle to work scheme These are just a few of the benefits available if the role is something you are interested in, we'd love to hear from you.