Specialist Orthoptist - SEN and VPD Support
| Posting date: | 20 April 2026 |
|---|---|
| Salary: | £39,959.00 to £48,117.00 per year |
| Additional salary information: | £39959.00 - £48117.00 a year |
| Hours: | Full time |
| Closing date: | 01 May 2026 |
| Location: | Preston, PR2 9HT |
| Company: | NHS Jobs |
| Job type: | Contract |
| Job reference: | C9438-26-0146 |
Summary
To support a combination of the SEN and VPD caseload to provide clinical assessment, management and multidisciplinary working in the hospital outpatient, community and school setting for individuals with various orthoptic diagnosis and SEN and VPD diagnosis. Responsible for providing specialised Orthoptic services as an autonomous practitioner within the hospital setting and community outreach clinics, accepting direct referral of patients of all ages who have a wide spectrum of ocular motility disorders and visual problems. To assess, diagnose, manage and treat patients of all ages referred to the Orthoptist, being responsible for the instigation of follow-up care and/or onward referral to the sub-speciality Orthoptists/Optometrists/Ophthalmologists as appropriate. To be involved in the clinical teaching of undergraduate Orthoptists, pre-registration Optometrists, medical students and other health care professionals as required. Duties will include, but not be limited to: To support the Orthoptic Subspeciality Lead within the area of SEN and VPD in the assessment and management of patients within this speciality. Responsible for providing specialised Orthoptic services as an autonomous practitioner within the hospital setting and community outreach clinics, accepting direct referral of patients of all ages who have a wide spectrum of ocular motility disorders and visual problems. To assess, diagnose, manage and treat patients of all ages referred to the Orthoptist, being responsible for the instigation of follow-up care and/or onward referral to the sub-speciality Orthoptists/Optometrists/Ophthalmologists as appropriate. To be involved in the clinical teaching of undergraduate Orthoptists, pre-registration Optometrists, medical students and other health care professionals as required. To act at all times in a manner that upholds the Trusts values and Health Care Professionals Council standards and goals, working as part of a team to ensure that patients and relatives receive excellent care with compassion. Assess, plan, implement and review care to meet patients orthoptic needs in accordance with agreed local and national standards and evidence based guidelines. Demonstrate competency in the use of all orthoptic equipment and techniques. Support and provide patient education and health promotion. Be responsible for the delivery and co-ordination of orthoptic care, through appropriate professional practice. Proactively manage risk and maintain patient safety, conforming to health, safety and security legislation, policies, procedures and guidelines. Assist in setting, monitoring and maintaining standards of care to improve the patient experience and outcome of care. Communicate all relevant information to the multidisciplinary team internally and with external organisations as required, to ensure seamless care. Maintain accurate and complete records of all care activities, in a timely manner, adhering to local and professional standards for documentation. Act as a role model, presenting a positive image of self, team and organisation. Promote equality in care and practice by recognising, respecting and meeting the needs and choices of individuals. Ensures environment of care is safe, well equipped and compliant with standards for hygiene and cleanliness. Maintain and develop own professional competence and seek to extend the scope of personal knowledge and skills within the scope of role and professional practice. Proactively engage with Trust wide or local changes and developments in service provision. Actively try to resolve issues and complaints at local level and then report the outcome to the line manager.