Specialist Orthoptist

Orthoptists wishing to become a clinical tutor or to study postgraduate orthoptic modules at Sheffield and Liverpool University including the medicine exemptions course will be supported. The orthoptic department is also committed to teaching undergraduate orthoptic students. You will need to work in some of our clinics single-handed so the role is most suited to an experienced orthoptist. You must have a degree or diploma in orthoptics, be registered with the HCPC and be a member of the British and Irish Orthoptic Society.

To be professionally responsible and accountable for the management of Orthoptic patients in Bedfordshire as an autonomous practitioner. To assess, diagnose, treat and manage (including discharge when clinically appropriate) the patients referred to the Community Eye Service. These include Paediatric visual disorders (squint, amblyopia, and reduced visual responses), ocular motility disorders, other ophthalmic conditions and congenital developmental abnormalities. To formulate specialist individualised management and treatment plans using advanced clinical reasoning and a wide range of treatment skills.

To assess patients pre
- and post-operatively and discuss surgery options with the Consultant Ophthalmologist. To identify the opportune timing of surgery and discuss post-operative risks with the patients, carers, and surgeon. The degree of surgery will be based on the Orthoptic measurements. To assist the surgeon in postoperative adjustable suture techniques.

This requires accurate measurement to assist the surgeon with ocular alignment while the patient is under local anesthetic. To diagnose and treat children with special needs in community and multidisciplinary clinics and special schools. The caseload will include children with complex neurological disorders, high level medical needs, autistic spectrum disorders and sensory impairment. Close liaison with other members of multidisciplinary team/early years contributes to the management of the whole child.

When patients are wheelchair-bound and with young children it is necessary to adapt tests, be mobile and work at awkward angles at times. To take responsibility for advising patients, relatives, and carers of the prognosis regarding their eye condition, including visual outcomes, squint surgery and any possible complications. Informing relevant clinicians and members of the multidisciplinary team where needed. Patients may have very complex medical problems requiring a high level of neurological and medical understanding to manage the case effectively prioritising ophthalmic care as required.

To support/advise the Orthoptic Support Workers (OSW) providing the 4-5 year school vision screening service. To promote the need for early intervention and treatment of childhood eye problems. To offer advice and support in the clinic and over the telephone, and deal with queries from patients, carers and other health professionals. Assess, diagnose and manage children presenting with visually related reading difficulties seeking advice from the Orthoptic Team Leader where necessary.

Undertake specialised assessment of patients admitted to the Stroke ward. Determine the presence of any ophthalmological conditions and manage as required, liaising with ward staff and Ophthalmologists as appropriate. Organise patient referral and follow up as needed. Provide the patient and other health professionals with information to maximise rehabilitation potential and adapt to visual symptoms.

To contribute to Education Health and Care Plan (EHCP) for patients with Special Educational needs when required. To triage new referrals prioritising their urgency. To direct referrals appropriately to the Consultant Ophthalmologist, Specialist Optometrist or the Orthoptist Team Leader. To analyse, diagnose, and formulate treatment plans for patients with complex ocular movement disorders referred by Consultant Ophthalmologists and Acute referrals at Moorfields at Bedford and Luton and Dunstable Hospital trusts.

To analyse patients referred from other medical specialists, to make an Orthoptic diagnosis and contribute to the multidisciplinary care plan. To assess and interpret visual fields using Goldmann Field Perimeter using knowledge of the visual pathway and to forward the results to the appropriate medical and surgical teams e.g., Neurology teams at local acute trusts, tertiary centres and DVLA. To maintain and check current and discharged clinical records on SystmOne. To work independently in busy community children's clinics within professional guidelines and Orthoptic competencies, referring selected patients for ophthalmic/optometric care.

**To provide support for the Orthoptist Team Leaders and**: Act as a deputy in her absence