Job summary
An exciting opportunity has arisen for an experienced Orthoptist who wishes to take on a Neuro-ophthalmic extended role. In addition to your own Neuro-orthoptic caseload, you will work as an autonomous Practitioner seeing both routine and complex paediatric and adult orthoptic patients.
You will be well supported by the Neuro-ophthalmology Consultants and a Neuro-ophthalmic Orthoptist colleague. Patient groups include paediatric and adult idiopathic intracranial hypertension, pituitary tumours, neurosurgical patients and stroke patients. Experience with these patient groups would be advantageous.
The role includes virtual reviewing of Technician-led Clinics, single-handed Clinics and Ward visits. You will contribute to audit, research and departmental / regional teaching.
Main duties of the job
- The post holder is legally and professionally responsible for delivering highly skilled, patient focused care in the management of ocular motility disorders.
- They will provide specialist neuro-ophthalmic care as an autonomous practitioner in an extended role as well as supporting the neuro fast track clinics.
- Assist with the management of the orthoptic service when required including line management and service development.
- Provide timely Orthoptic and visual field services at Addenbrooke's NHS Trust and off site community services including participating in other specialist Orthoptic services
- Contribute to departmental teaching, research and audit, including the formulation and development of clinical and departmental guidelines in conjunction with senior staff.
About us
Our Trust
Cambridge University Hospitals (CUH) NHS Foundation Trust comprises Addenbrooke's Hospital and the Rosie Hospital in Cambridge. With over 11000 staff and over 1100 beds the priorities of the Trust focus on a quality service which is all about people - patients, staff and partners. Recognised as providing 'outstanding' care to our patients and rated 'Good' overall by the Care Quality Commissioner, is testament to the skill and dedication of the people who work here. CUH's values - Together - Safe, Kind, Excellent - are at the heart of patient care, defining the way all staff work and behave. The Trust provides accessible high-quality healthcare for the local people of Cambridge, together with specialist services, dealing with rare or complex conditions for a regional, national and international population.
CUH is committed to promoting a diverse and inclusive community - a place where we can all be ourselves. We value our differences and fully advocate and support an inclusive working environment where every individual can fulfil their potential. We want to ensure our people are truly representative of all the communities that we serve. We welcome applications for all positions in the organisation irrespective of people's age, disability, ethnicity, race, nationality, gender identity, sex, sexual orientation, religion or belief, marriage and civil partnership status, or pregnancy and maternity status or social economic background.
Job description
Job responsibilities
Within the Neuro-ophthalmic role, following the required training and supported Clinics, you will monitor patients with idiopathic intracranial hypertension, pituitary abnormalities and multiple sclerosis. You will provide baseline Neuro-ophthalmic assessments and post-operative monitoring for neurosurgical patients and review patients with visual symptoms following stroke. You will have the opportunity to work closely with the Neuro-ophthalmologists, attending MDTs meetings and providing neuro-teaching.
Addenbrookes was the first hospital in the country to have a completely electronic patient record system. We are an internationally renowned teaching hospital and an accredited centre for Orthoptic students. We promote professional development and encourage staff to take part in clinical audit, research and departmental teaching.
A degree or diploma in Orthoptics and HCPC registration are essential for this post with on-going commitment to continuous professional development.
A visit prior to interview is strongly recommended and can be arranged by calling the Orthoptics Department on 01223 216528.
Please see the attached Applicant Information Pack (combined Job Description and Person Specification) for key duties and responsibilities.
The advert will close at midnight on 12 September 2023.
Benefits to you
We offer development opportunities and a wide range of benefits including on-site leisure facilities, shopping concourse, day nurseries and access to a great transport system with easy access to airports and rail travel.
Please note if you would like to discuss the required hours of this role further, you should approach the contact given. In some cases alternative working hours will be considered.
We welcome applications from the Armed Forces.
Job description
Job responsibilities
Within the Neuro-ophthalmic role, following the required training and supported Clinics, you will monitor patients with idiopathic intracranial hypertension, pituitary abnormalities and multiple sclerosis. You will provide baseline Neuro-ophthalmic assessments and post-operative monitoring for neurosurgical patients and review patients with visual symptoms following stroke. You will have the opportunity to work closely with the Neuro-ophthalmologists, attending MDTs meetings and providing neuro-teaching.
Addenbrookes was the first hospital in the country to have a completely electronic patient record system. We are an internationally renowned teaching hospital and an accredited centre for Orthoptic students. We promote professional development and encourage staff to take part in clinical audit, research and departmental teaching.
A degree or diploma in Orthoptics and HCPC registration are essential for this post with on-going commitment to continuous professional development.
A visit prior to interview is strongly recommended and can be arranged by calling the Orthoptics Department on 01223 216528.
Please see the attached Applicant Information Pack (combined Job Description and Person Specification) for key duties and responsibilities.
The advert will close at midnight on 12 September 2023.
Benefits to you
We offer development opportunities and a wide range of benefits including on-site leisure facilities, shopping concourse, day nurseries and access to a great transport system with easy access to airports and rail travel.
Please note if you would like to discuss the required hours of this role further, you should approach the contact given. In some cases alternative working hours will be considered.
We welcome applications from the Armed Forces.
Person Specification
Additional Requirements
Essential
- The ability to understand and behave at all times, towards patients, visitors and colleagues according to the Trust values of Safe, Kind, Excellent.
- Advanced counselling skills to deal with sensitive, unpleasant or distressing issues
- Ability to gain co-operation in a wide range of age groups, ability and comprehension and with an ability to empathise and encourage in a long-term relationship with patient
- Evidence of the understanding and ability to maintain patient confidentiality
- Ability to develop good working relationships with hospital staff at all levels
- Demonstrates a good awareness of own role and responsibilities within a team.
- Awareness of personal strengths and weaknesses
- Work to requirements of the Code of Practice and Professional Standards of the British and Irish Orthoptic Society (BIOS)
- Advanced counselling skills to deal with sensitive, unpleasant or distressing issues
- Ability to gain co-operation in a wide range of age groups, ability and comprehension and with an ability to empathise and encourage in a long-term relationship with patient
- Evidence of the understanding and ability to maintain patient confidentiality
- Ability to develop good working relationships with hospital staff at all levels
Skills
Essential
- Committed to delivering high quality service and developing clinical practice based on evidence based practice
- Autonomous practitioner, making own clinical decisions, diagnostic and therapeutic
- Self-directing
- Ability to work autonomously and as part of a team
- Ability to maintain clear and accurate patient records
- Excellent verbal, non-verbal and written communication skills with ability to communicate effectively with a broad range of patients including those with learning/communication difficulties, as well as medical professionals
- Excellent time management
- Self-motivating and can motivate others
- Demonstrate initiative and ability to work under pressure
Desirable
- Excellent administrative skills
- Excellent computer / IT skills
- Presentation skills
- Knowledge of patient booking service
Knowledge
Essential
- Evidence of expert orthoptic knowledge relating to management of complex ocular motility and assessment of adults and children with special needs and genetic anomalies.
- Evidence of evidence based practice and extended learning.
- Knowledge of neuro-ophthalmology
- Understanding of imaging techniques and application e.g. OCT
- Evidence of using own initiative and working under pressure
Desirable
- Knowledge of NHS procedures
- Knowledge of neurological disorders
- Understanding of clinical governance
Experience
Essential
- Experience of complex cases
- Visual field examination and interpretation.
- Previous experience working as an orthoptist
- Experience of working with stroke patients
- Experience of performing Goldmann visual fields
- Experience of working with children with special needs
- Experience of clinical audit
- Management of staff and leading teams
- Providing specialist teaching
Desirable
- Participated in an extended role
- Experience in managing and/or developing a service
- Experience in neurology clinics
- Financial responsibilities, e.g. managing a budget
- Experience in imaging techniques, e.g. OCT
Qualifications
Essential
- Degree in Orthoptics (BSC Hons/Med Sci) or equivalent
- HCPC Registration
- Evidence of on-going commitment to CPD following BIOS / HCPC guidelines
Desirable
- Recognised clinical teaching qualification, e.g. PTLLS, CTLLS
- Masters Level qualification in a related area.
- Neuro-ophthalmic related course / qualification
Person Specification
Additional Requirements
Essential
- The ability to understand and behave at all times, towards patients, visitors and colleagues according to the Trust values of Safe, Kind, Excellent.
- Advanced counselling skills to deal with sensitive, unpleasant or distressing issues
- Ability to gain co-operation in a wide range of age groups, ability and comprehension and with an ability to empathise and encourage in a long-term relationship with patient
- Evidence of the understanding and ability to maintain patient confidentiality
- Ability to develop good working relationships with hospital staff at all levels
- Demonstrates a good awareness of own role and responsibilities within a team.
- Awareness of personal strengths and weaknesses
- Work to requirements of the Code of Practice and Professional Standards of the British and Irish Orthoptic Society (BIOS)
- Advanced counselling skills to deal with sensitive, unpleasant or distressing issues
- Ability to gain co-operation in a wide range of age groups, ability and comprehension and with an ability to empathise and encourage in a long-term relationship with patient
- Evidence of the understanding and ability to maintain patient confidentiality
- Ability to develop good working relationships with hospital staff at all levels
Skills
Essential
- Committed to delivering high quality service and developing clinical practice based on evidence based practice
- Autonomous practitioner, making own clinical decisions, diagnostic and therapeutic
- Self-directing
- Ability to work autonomously and as part of a team
- Ability to maintain clear and accurate patient records
- Excellent verbal, non-verbal and written communication skills with ability to communicate effectively with a broad range of patients including those with learning/communication difficulties, as well as medical professionals
- Excellent time management
- Self-motivating and can motivate others
- Demonstrate initiative and ability to work under pressure
Desirable
- Excellent administrative skills
- Excellent computer / IT skills
- Presentation skills
- Knowledge of patient booking service
Knowledge
Essential
- Evidence of expert orthoptic knowledge relating to management of complex ocular motility and assessment of adults and children with special needs and genetic anomalies.
- Evidence of evidence based practice and extended learning.
- Knowledge of neuro-ophthalmology
- Understanding of imaging techniques and application e.g. OCT
- Evidence of using own initiative and working under pressure
Desirable
- Knowledge of NHS procedures
- Knowledge of neurological disorders
- Understanding of clinical governance
Experience
Essential
- Experience of complex cases
- Visual field examination and interpretation.
- Previous experience working as an orthoptist
- Experience of working with stroke patients
- Experience of performing Goldmann visual fields
- Experience of working with children with special needs
- Experience of clinical audit
- Management of staff and leading teams
- Providing specialist teaching
Desirable
- Participated in an extended role
- Experience in managing and/or developing a service
- Experience in neurology clinics
- Financial responsibilities, e.g. managing a budget
- Experience in imaging techniques, e.g. OCT
Qualifications
Essential
- Degree in Orthoptics (BSC Hons/Med Sci) or equivalent
- HCPC Registration
- Evidence of on-going commitment to CPD following BIOS / HCPC guidelines
Desirable
- Recognised clinical teaching qualification, e.g. PTLLS, CTLLS
- Masters Level qualification in a related area.
- Neuro-ophthalmic related course / qualification
Disclosure and Barring Service Check
This post is subject to the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act (Exceptions Order) 1975 and as such it will be necessary for a submission for Disclosure to be made to the Disclosure and Barring Service (formerly known as CRB) to check for any previous criminal convictions.
Applications from job seekers who require current Skilled worker sponsorship to work in the UK are welcome and will be considered alongside all other applications. For further information visit the UK Visas and Immigration website (Opens in a new tab).
From 6 April 2017, skilled worker applicants, applying for entry clearance into the UK, have had to present a criminal record certificate from each country they have resided continuously or cumulatively for 12 months or more in the past 10 years. Adult dependants (over 18 years old) are also subject to this requirement. Guidance can be found here Criminal records checks for overseas applicants (Opens in a new tab).
UK Registration
Applicants must have current UK professional registration. For further information please see
NHS Careers website (opens in a new window).
Additional information
Disclosure and Barring Service Check
This post is subject to the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act (Exceptions Order) 1975 and as such it will be necessary for a submission for Disclosure to be made to the Disclosure and Barring Service (formerly known as CRB) to check for any previous criminal convictions.
Applications from job seekers who require current Skilled worker sponsorship to work in the UK are welcome and will be considered alongside all other applications. For further information visit the UK Visas and Immigration website (Opens in a new tab).
From 6 April 2017, skilled worker applicants, applying for entry clearance into the UK, have had to present a criminal record certificate from each country they have resided continuously or cumulatively for 12 months or more in the past 10 years. Adult dependants (over 18 years old) are also subject to this requirement. Guidance can be found here Criminal records checks for overseas applicants (Opens in a new tab).
UK Registration
Applicants must have current UK professional registration. For further information please see
NHS Careers website (opens in a new window).