Job summary

Band 5 Orthoptist / Band 6 Specialist Orthoptist

Department: Orthoptics

Band: 5 or 6 (depending on experience) Pro rata if part-time

Hours: 30 per week. All MKUH roles will be considered for flexible working

An exciting opportunity has arisen for a motivated and enthusiastic orthoptist to join our friendly and supportive team of 7 orthoptists and 6 consultants, based in the Eye Clinic at Milton Keynes University Hospital.

Ophthalmology consultant specialisations include Ocular Motility, Paediatric Ophthalmology, Glaucoma, Medical Retina and Oculoplastics which provides us with an interesting and varied paediatric and adult caseload.

Orthoptists with relevant previous clinical experience will be recruited to band 6, with the opportunity to undertake and develop skills in extended roles (depending on departmental requirements). These specialist areas may include SEN clinics, biometry, intravitreal injections, paediatric ECLO and stroke ward work.

Newly qualified orthoptists are also welcome to apply and will be appointed at band 5 level. The department has supported and mentored new graduates who benefit from our preceptorship scheme which has enabled them to develop to a band 6 role. We have a recognised BIOS mentor and are actively involved in both CPD and clinical audit.

Informal enquiries are welcome.

Please contact: Claire Mo, Acting Head Orthoptist on 01908 995532 or e-mail claire.mo@mkuh.nhs.uk

Interview Date: 13th June 2023

Main duties of the job

• To provide orthoptic services as an autonomous practitioner, working within professional guidelines and policies, to provide a comprehensive and competent orthoptic service to both paediatric and adult patients within the hospital and other locations as required.
• To provide assessment, diagnosis, management and treatment of patients presenting with a wide range of ophthalmic and ocular motility disorders.
• Undertake one or more specialised orthoptic clinic roles such as stroke, orthoptic screening, intravitreal injections, ECLO, biometry clinics and assessment of children with additional needs (special educational needs / visual impairment / specific learning difficulties).
• To independently assess and manage complex neurological patients, referring on to the consultant ophthalmologist as required.
• Participate in departmental education programme, including the training of orthoptic undergraduate students, pre-registration optometrists, junior doctors, health visitors, school nurses and others.
• To act as a source of expertise on the management of ocular motility disorders to patients, other healthcare professionals, GPs and consultants.

A flexible attitude with excellent communication and organisational skills are necessary. A diploma / degree in Orthoptics and HCPC registration are essential.

About us

You can expect a warm welcome at Milton Keynes University Hospital, our staff are friendly and welcoming. We listen to each other and work together to embed our Trusts values and behaviours. At MKUH we appreciate our staff and reward them with an outstanding benefits package including:

• Free on-site parking
• Free tea and coffee
• Great flexible workingopportunities
• Discounted gym membership
• Lease car scheme
• Generous annual leave and pension scheme
• On site nursery (chargeable)
• Extensive staff health and well-being programme

Milton Keynes University Hospital NHS Foundation Trust, in partnership with the University of Buckingham, is a University Teaching Hospital; we conduct research and teaching on site to improve the care of our patients. The hospital is undergoing significant investment, and we are proud to be rated good by the CQC. Visit our website to catch up on our latest news.

Job description

Job 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.
• 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.
• Undertake specialised assessment of children with special educational needs (SEN). Liaise with hospital and educational staff to ensure appropriate follow up is arranged and provide information to parents / carers / education / other agencies to enable successful multi-disciplinary working. Develop working relationships with the multi-sensory impairment (MSI) teachers and participate in MDT meetings as applicable, writing EHCP reports when requested.

Please refer to the Job Description attached for full details

Person Specification

Qualifications and knowledge

Essential

• Degree/Diploma in Orthoptics
• HCPC Registration

Desirable

• BIOS membership

Experience

Essential

• Evidence of participation in a variety of paediatric orthoptic clinic scenarios
• Experience of adult orthoptic assessment

Desirable

• Previous experience in SEN clinics
• Previous experience in biometry clinics
• Use of ophthalmic equipment (eg Goldmann, IOL master, auto refractor, focimeter)
• Experience in teaching other health care professionals
• Audit / presentation experience
• CPD evidence
• Knowledge of safeguarding

Skills

Essential

• Ability to work autonomously and take responsibility for own caseload, working on own initiative
• Ability to seek advice and guidance where necessary from senior colleagues
• oEffective time management and prioritisation skills

Personal and people development

Essential

• To be approachable, enthusiastic and able to work under pressure
• To show a willingness and ability to learn and develop new skills in line with departmental requirements
• Willingness to teach/train new staff members, students, other staff when appropriate

Communication

Essential

• Excellent communication skills with all patients and staff, both verbal and written
• Ability to communicate with all age groups of patients
• Ability to communicate with various staff at different levels

Specific Requirements

Essential

• Able to perform the duties of the post with reasonable aids and adaptations
• Able to work as part of a team

Any attachments will be accessible after you click to apply.

430-SUR869A-A