Orthoptist

Band 6 Orthoptist
An exciting opportunity has arisen for a highly motivated Band 6 Orthoptist to join our friendly team of 4 Orthoptists, 10 Ophthalmologists and 4 Ophthalmic technicians. This is a permanent part time post. The department is based at Northampton General Hospital, but we do run some single handed clinics at Danetre Hospital.
The successful applicant must have experience of working in Orthoptics and be able to work well in a high pressure environment delivering all aspects of orthoptic care.
The department regularly participates in the training of various health professionals to include: undergraduate orthoptists, pre-reg Optometrists, junior doctors and nurses so an interest in, or experience of, work as a clinical trainer would be an advantage.
The successful applicant must hold a degree or diploma in Orthoptics and be registered with HCPC.
This post would be most suitable for experienced Orthoptists already working in a Band 5 or Band 6 role.
To assess, diagnose and manage all patients referred to the Orthoptic department
To work autonomously but within Trust and HCPC policies, protocols and guidelines, demonstrating safe, clinical decision-making, high levels of critical thinking and holistic practice.
To work as an active member of the eye care and multi-disciplinary team by contributing to a comprehensive quality Orthoptic service for all patients referred to the Orthoptic department
Provide effective input into the work of the Trust, to support the achievement of our vision and values.
Instillation of appropriate eye drops in patients across the age range as agreed by the Ophthalmologist in accordance with the local PGD or utilising Medical Exemptions.
Northampton General Hospital is one of the largest employers in the area and we are on an exciting journey. All of our divisions are committed to doing things better, with more efficiency as we update, modernise, and advance. We have also entered into a Group Model with neighbouring Kettering General Hospital NHS Foundation Trust and become University Hospitals of Northamptonshire.
Our Excellence Values
Compassion
Accountability
Respect
Integrity
Courage
We want to recruit the best people to deliver our services across the University Hospitals of Northamptonshire and help to unleash everyone’s full potential. As an organisation, we value how we communicate and promote our vacancies to all communities.
We are a Defence positive trust, supporting our reservists, veterans, spouses and partners.
We understand that we need to work with colleagues from diverse backgrounds and make sure the environment they work in is inclusive and collaborative.
We have active Networks that promote and support colleagues from all backgrounds. This ensures everyone feels supported and has a sense of belonging working for Kettering and Northampton General Hospitals.
Main

**Responsibilities**:
To work autonomously, but within professional boundaries, taking sole responsibility for the orthoptic assessment, diagnosis and treatment of all patients referred to the orthoptic department including eye casualty, child development centre, paediatrics, neurology, stroke, rehabilitation and maxillofacial services. This will include babies’, children and adults varied medical conditions and neurological disorders some with severe visual defects as both inpatients and outpatients.
Formulate individualised management and treatment plans using clinical reasoning and a wide range of treatment skills, which integrate scientific, medical and social aspects of patient care
Prioritise health problems and intervene appropriately to assist the patient in complex, urgent or emergency situations, including initiation of effective emergency care.
Undertake pre and post-operative measurements of ocular motility defects; discuss surgical options with the ophthalmologist; identify post-operative risks and discuss this with patients, parents or carer.
To assist surgeon in post-operative adjustable suture techniques. This requires accurate measurement to assist the surgeon with ocular alignment whilst the patient is under local anaesthesia.
To assess patients’ post-operative outcome and modify treatment accordingly.
Assess and interpret visual fields using the Humphrey visual field analyser and Goldman perimeter providing feedback and where required a summary of the results obtained to the referrer and other professionals.
As an autonomous practitioner, the post-holder will be responsible for the decision to instil drops for diagnostic and refraction purposes, the appropriate strength required and to advise patients of the side effects.
To administer medication in accordance with PGD, or under medical exemptions registration.
To instruct and negotiate the implementation of the care package with individual patients and their carers to ensure compliance, in such as to overcome ant barriers to understanding.
Provide motivational support for patients and parents undergoing prolonged and difficu