Lead Orthoptist

Applications are invited for an experienced, enthusiastic and motivated Orthoptist who will join our team of 4 Orthoptists and 9 Ophthalmologists, including specialists in Paediatric and Strabismus, Oculoplastics, Glaucoma and Vitreo and Medical Retina. Applicants must have a degree/diploma in Orthoptics and current registration with the HCPC.

The post is based at the Royal Cornwall Hospital, Truro, but you will be expected to travel to single-handed outreach clinics around the county. You must therefore have a current full, clean driving licence and have access to your own car.

The Orthoptic caseload is extremely varied and provides an interesting mix of adult and paediatric cases including acute cases via the Eye Emergency Clinic. Due to the rural setting of the service you will most often be working singlehandedly. There may also be a requirement for occasional visual field sessions (Humphrey and Goldmann) and screening sessions in the hospital and school, including schools for children with special educational needs.

The post holder would be expected to work as a Specialist Orthoptist for Stroke and Children with Specific Educational Needs.

The post holder is responsible for the provision of Orthoptic services as an autonomous practitioner. To assess, diagnose and manage all patients referred to the Orthoptic service provided by the Royal Cornwall Hospitals NHS Trust.

The clinician will be based at Royal Cornwall Hospital, Truro, however most of the clinics will be undertaken at local Community Hospitals within Cornwall, therefore the post holder will be expected to be competent to work single handily.

To be the Orthoptic lead for Stroke and Children with Specific Educational Needs. The post holder would be responsible for the further development and refining of the Orthoptic Service input into these areas.

Assisting with the vision screening in schools including schools for children with specific educational needs may be required.

The role will also include the occasional visual field testing using Humphrey and Goldmann visual field analysers as well as training and supervision of other healthcare professionals and junior staff.

Royal Cornwall Hospitals NHS Trust is the biggest provider of healthcare services in Cornwall and the Isles of Scilly. Our three main sites are Royal Cornwall Hospital Truro, St Michael’s Hospital Hayle and West Cornwall Hospital Penzance, our staff and services are available across the region.

The Trust employs 5,000+ staff, has a budget of £380 million and 750 beds. We work with health and social care organisations -including NHS Kernow and NHS England
- to ensure local healthcare needs are met. We provide acute medical, surgical and specialist services to around 500,000- which can increase significantly during busy holiday periods.

The Trust has teaching hospitals status as part of the University of Exeter Medical School. Keeping at the forefront of medical advances, we continually develop clinical services and are committed to maximising the range of specialist care offered locally.

We can offer you a rewarding career in a supportive working environment. We have extensive educational links to help you realise your full potential and develop skills to provide outstanding healthcare to the local community.

Enjoy an outstanding quality of life in a place that offers surfing beaches and fishing harbours to beautiful countryside and historic towns. With clean air, plenty of opportunities for outdoor activities and excellent schools, colleges and universities (including adult education) it is the ideal place for families and for you to develop your own career.

**PLEASE NOTE**: To view the full Job Description and Person Specification, please click the supporting document on the right-hand side.

To be an employee of the NHS you need to successfully complete the following:
Identity Checks

Professional registration and qualification checks

Employment history and reference checks

Work health assessments

Criminal record check standards

Right to work checks

**For further information please visit**:
Many of our staff work flexibly in many different ways. Please talk to us at interview about any flexible working arrangements you would prefer or require. While we may not be able to fully accommodate all requests, such requests will not be referenced during the interview scoring process, and we will fully consider and try to accommodate them for successful applicants.