Job summary
An excellent opportunity has arisen for a clinical Orthoptist with extensive postgraduate experience to join our expanding Neuro-Ophthalmology and Emergency Eye Service.
This is a newly created post which will work closely together with existing consultants and non medical practitioners to provide management of our acute and stable neuro-ophthalmology patients as well as those accessing the emergency eye department and stroke services.
The post will include clinical work in both in Emergency eye care and outpatient setting, regular MDT meetings and a strong emphasis on the education and development of orthoptists, medical staff and the wider team within the department in the area of neuro-ophthalmology.
- Interview Date Wednesday 28 January 2026
- 37 Hours 30 Minutes/Week
- You will be redirected to Trac to apply for the vacancy. Please expand the job details section and read all of the information before applying for the vacancy.
NO AGENCIES PLEASE
Main duties of the job
Extensive post-graduate clinical experience within the specialty is essential, some of which would be at a senior level with experience in research methodology as well as presenting research findings locally and nationally.
This is a suitable post for an experienced orthoptist who has demonstrated a high level of clinical achievement and leadership and wishes to expand the sphere of practice and influence within their specialist area. They will ensure the delivery of evidence based care to patients in relation to this specialised area of practice, organising their own work and planning on-going specialist Orthoptic service provision, including education and training which will need formulating and adjusting.
The post holder will have a significant level of autonomy to negotiate care and treatment options and work in partnership with others to:
- Ensure highest standards of patient care and safety.
- Co-ordinate the care for patients in specialised area of practice.
- Participate/lead in the delivery of a planned specialised programme of care.
About us
As a flexible working friendly organisation, we want to be sure that you can work in a way that is best for us and for our patients, and for you. Speak to us about how we might be able to accommodate a flexible working arrangement. If it works for the service, we will do our best to make it work for you.
With around 2 million contacts with patients every year, we deliver care from:
- Royal Victoria Infirmary (RVI)
- Freeman Hospital
- Newcastle Dental Hospital
- Cramlington Manor Walks
- Urgent treatment centres
- Newcastle Fertility Centre
- Northern Centre for Cancer Care, North Cumbria
- Northern Genetics Service
These include a range of flagship services which deliver cutting-edge care (supported by state-of-the-art diagnostic services in both radiology and pathology) and are a catalyst for innovation to support pioneering clinical practice in the NHS.
We also have offices at Regent Point in Gosforth and community sites.
Please see attached information on what Staff Benefits we have to offer at our Trust under 'Documents to download' or 'Supporting documents'.
For further information on The Newcastle upon Tyne Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust please visit: Careers | Newcastle Hospitals | NHS | Newcastle Hospitals and Newcastle Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust
Job description
Job responsibilities
As one of the countrys leading Ophthalmology units, the Newcastle Eye Centre continually improves how it offers high quality services for patients, and excellent career satisfaction for its staff.
Our visionary approach includes working closely with our consultant colleagues and other eye professionals to ensure we can provide healthcare at its best with people at our heart and we would love to hear from those who share our vision of collaborative working.
Our Orthoptic Department is no exception and we are delighted to be in a position to seek an Orthoptist to join the large team at the Royal Victoria Infirmary. We have a diverse clinical workload including paediatrics, adult motility, neuro-ophthalmology, thyroid and oculo-plastics in both community and hospital settings as well as involvement in pre-school orthoptic assessment clinics.
Such a comprehensive range of services means we are in the enviable position of being able to offer opportunities for training and development in specific areas of interest, according to service need, plus exceptional opportunities for continuing professional development (CPD) as we seek to ensure every member of our staff is provided with the relevant training and support needed to liberate their potential.
Other duties include provision of post graduate training across a wide range of disciplines including Orthoptic under-graduates, pre-registration Optometrists, nursing staff, and junior medical staff preparing for Royal College of Ophthalmologists exams and participation in clinical and medical audit and research.
The post-holder will be involved in both the design of the service and the development and implementation of new patient pathways. They will be an independent thinker with the ability to act autonomously within a wide and complex caseload, able to take decisions as well as being able to work closely and effectively with all members of the ophthalmology team. Effective organisational, time management and IT skills are essential alongside excellent interpersonal and communication skills.
In addition to a degree or diploma in Orthoptics, and Health Professions Council registration, a recognised teaching qualification or significant experience in this area would be desirable. Experience of OCT and visual fields interpretation and slit lamp examination and fundoscopy skills would be desirable though training in these areas could be provided.
Job description
Job responsibilities
As one of the countrys leading Ophthalmology units, the Newcastle Eye Centre continually improves how it offers high quality services for patients, and excellent career satisfaction for its staff.
Our visionary approach includes working closely with our consultant colleagues and other eye professionals to ensure we can provide healthcare at its best with people at our heart and we would love to hear from those who share our vision of collaborative working.
Our Orthoptic Department is no exception and we are delighted to be in a position to seek an Orthoptist to join the large team at the Royal Victoria Infirmary. We have a diverse clinical workload including paediatrics, adult motility, neuro-ophthalmology, thyroid and oculo-plastics in both community and hospital settings as well as involvement in pre-school orthoptic assessment clinics.
Such a comprehensive range of services means we are in the enviable position of being able to offer opportunities for training and development in specific areas of interest, according to service need, plus exceptional opportunities for continuing professional development (CPD) as we seek to ensure every member of our staff is provided with the relevant training and support needed to liberate their potential.
Other duties include provision of post graduate training across a wide range of disciplines including Orthoptic under-graduates, pre-registration Optometrists, nursing staff, and junior medical staff preparing for Royal College of Ophthalmologists exams and participation in clinical and medical audit and research.
The post-holder will be involved in both the design of the service and the development and implementation of new patient pathways. They will be an independent thinker with the ability to act autonomously within a wide and complex caseload, able to take decisions as well as being able to work closely and effectively with all members of the ophthalmology team. Effective organisational, time management and IT skills are essential alongside excellent interpersonal and communication skills.
In addition to a degree or diploma in Orthoptics, and Health Professions Council registration, a recognised teaching qualification or significant experience in this area would be desirable. Experience of OCT and visual fields interpretation and slit lamp examination and fundoscopy skills would be desirable though training in these areas could be provided.
Person Specification
Qualifications & Education
Essential
- Degree in Orthoptics / Diploma of British Orthoptic Council (DBO)
- State registration with Health and Care Professions Council (HCPC)
- Extensive post graduate or equivalent specialist study/experience to Masters Level some of which will be at senior level within the required specialised area of practice
- Meets professional body requirements for mentorship if relevant to role
Desirable
- Master's degree
- Management experience/qualification
- Recognised teaching qualification or evidence of leading programme/programmes of education and/or training
- Holds current driving license
- Member of British and Irish Orthoptic Society
Knowledge & Experience
Essential
- Evidence of continuous professional development necessary for clinical assessment within orthoptic subspecialties (e.g. neuro-ophthalmology, thyroid, neonatal, genetics)
- Extended clinical practice underpinned by training supervision and assessment
- Experience of research methodology and clinical audit
- Knowledge and understanding of relevant NHS policy or project specific policy context
- Attended short courses and conferences to develop a body of knowledge to apply in specialist practice e.g. neuro-ophthalmology, thyroid, neonatal, genetics
Desirable
Skills & Abilities
Essential
- Effective organisational, time management and IT skills
- Ability to work independently and across disciplines as a member of a multi-disciplinary team
- Evidence of good interpersonal and communication skills
Person Specification
Qualifications & Education
Essential
- Degree in Orthoptics / Diploma of British Orthoptic Council (DBO)
- State registration with Health and Care Professions Council (HCPC)
- Extensive post graduate or equivalent specialist study/experience to Masters Level some of which will be at senior level within the required specialised area of practice
- Meets professional body requirements for mentorship if relevant to role
Desirable
- Master's degree
- Management experience/qualification
- Recognised teaching qualification or evidence of leading programme/programmes of education and/or training
- Holds current driving license
- Member of British and Irish Orthoptic Society
Knowledge & Experience
Essential
- Evidence of continuous professional development necessary for clinical assessment within orthoptic subspecialties (e.g. neuro-ophthalmology, thyroid, neonatal, genetics)
- Extended clinical practice underpinned by training supervision and assessment
- Experience of research methodology and clinical audit
- Knowledge and understanding of relevant NHS policy or project specific policy context
- Attended short courses and conferences to develop a body of knowledge to apply in specialist practice e.g. neuro-ophthalmology, thyroid, neonatal, genetics
Desirable
Skills & Abilities
Essential
- Effective organisational, time management and IT skills
- Ability to work independently and across disciplines as a member of a multi-disciplinary team
- Evidence of good interpersonal and communication skills
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).
.png){kind=logo}
