Job summary
Band 5 Orthoptist / Band 6 Specialist Orthoptist
Department: Orthoptics
Band: 5 or 6 (depending on experience) Pro rata if part-time
Hours: 37.5 per week. All MKUH roles will be considered for flexible working
An exciting opportunity has arisen for a motivated and enthusiastic orthoptist to join our friendly and supportive team of 7 orthoptists and 6 consultants, currently based in the Eye Clinic at MKUH. However, we are shortly due to relocate to a purpose built Community Diagnostic Centre comprising orthoptic clinical rooms, consulting rooms, optometry rooms and theatres. The new site is within the city centre, and this is currently in development.
Orthoptists with relevant previous clinical experience will be recruited to band 6, with the opportunity to undertake and develop skills in extended roles (depending on departmental requirements). These specialist areas may include SEN clinics, biometry, intravitreal injections, paediatric ECLO and stroke ward work.
New graduate orthoptists are also welcome to apply and will be appointed at band 5 level and work through a clinical skills toolkit to help their career development. The department has supported and mentored new graduates who benefit from our preceptorship scheme which has enabled them to develop to a band 6 role. We have a recognised BIOS mentor and are actively involved in both CPD and clinical audit.
Interview date: 21.11.2023
Main duties of the job
Ophthalmology consultant specialisations include Ocular Motility, Paediatric Ophthalmology, Glaucoma, Medical Retina and Oculoplastics which provides us with an interesting and varied paediatric and adult caseload. We work alongside the Consultants in the paediatric ophthalmology, adult ocular motility, thyroid, emergency and cataract clinics. We also operate joint clinics with the Hospital Optometry team and have standalone Orthoptic clinics for Orthoptic paediatric and adult patients, SEN, Paed & Stroke ECLO.
A flexible attitude with excellent communication and organisational skills are necessary. A diploma / degree in Orthoptics and HCPC registration are essential.
Informal enquiries are welcome.
Please contact: Claire Mo, Acting Head Orthoptist on 01908 995532 or e-mail claire.mo@mkuh.nhs.uk
About us
You can expect a warm welcome at Milton Keynes University Hospital, our staff are friendly and welcoming. We listen to each other and work together to embed our Trusts values and behaviours. At MKUH we appreciate our staff and reward them with an outstanding benefits package including:
- Free on-site parking
- Free tea and coffee
- Great flexible workingopportunities
- Discounted gym membership
- Lease car scheme
- Generous annual leave and pension scheme
- On site nursery (chargeable)
- Extensive staff health and well-being programme
Milton Keynes University Hospital NHS Foundation Trust, in partnership with the University of Buckingham, is a University Teaching Hospital; we conduct research and teaching on site to improve the care of our patients. The hospital is undergoing significant investment, and we are proud to be rated good by the CQC. Visit our website to catch up on our latest news.
Job description
Job responsibilities
CLINICAL RESPONSIBILITIES (Band 5 & 6)
- Work autonomously, within professional boundaries, taking sole responsibility for the orthoptic assessment, diagnosis and treatment of patients referred from ophthalmology including booked urgent service, vision screening, paediatrics, stroke, and maxillofacial services. This will include babies, children and adults with varied complexity of medical conditions and neurological disorders.
- Assess and diagnose paediatric and adult new and follow up patients, including children with additional needs (SEN). Develop and manage a specialised programme of care appropriate to the needs of the individual patient. This involves using clinical reasoning and a wide range of treatment skills, communicating effectively with patients and parents / carers. Assess understanding and gaining informed consent to the recommended treatment plan. Adhere to any national and local guidelines.
SPECIALIST CLINICAL RESPONSIBILITIES (Band 6)
- Carry out A-scan biometry and contact / immersion measurements using specialised equipment. Perform IOP and keratometry measurements and instil eye drops as required. Liaise with the ophthalmologist regarding accurate power selection of intra-ocular lens implant. Take personal responsibility for correct machine calibration and follow guidelines to minimise possible infection risks
- Along with undertaking specialised assessment of children with special educational needs (SEN), liaise with hospital and educational staff to ensure appropriate follow up is arranged and provide information to parents / carers / education / other agencies to enable successful multi-disciplinary working. Develop working relationships with the multi-sensory impairment (MSI) teachers and participate in MDT meetings as applicable, writing EHCP reports when requested.
NON-CLINICAL RESPONSIBILITIES
- Work as an effective member of the orthoptic team, liaising with the deputy head orthoptist regarding clinic management and staff deployment
- Triage referrals into the orthoptic department according to departmental policy. Log referral details onto orthoptic database.
Communication
- To have excellent and highly developed communication skills with all staff, patients, and parents / carers of patients.
- Utilise and demonstrate sensitive communication styles, to ensure patients are fully informed prior to consent for treatment.
Personal Development
- Recognise and work within own competence and professional code of conduct as regulated by the HCPC.
- Understand own role and scope and identify how this may develop over time
Delivering a quality service
- Deliver care according to NSF, CQC, NICE guidelines and evidence-based care.
- Produce accurate, contemporaneous and complete records of patient consultation, consistent with legislation, policies and procedures.
Team working
- Actively promote the workplace as a learning environment, encouraging everyone to learn from each other and from external good practice.
- Support and encourage colleagues with development and training. Be able to challenge any complacency or actions that are not in the interest of the public and/or users of services.
Please refer to the Job Description for more details.
Job description
Job responsibilities
CLINICAL RESPONSIBILITIES (Band 5 & 6)
- Work autonomously, within professional boundaries, taking sole responsibility for the orthoptic assessment, diagnosis and treatment of patients referred from ophthalmology including booked urgent service, vision screening, paediatrics, stroke, and maxillofacial services. This will include babies, children and adults with varied complexity of medical conditions and neurological disorders.
- Assess and diagnose paediatric and adult new and follow up patients, including children with additional needs (SEN). Develop and manage a specialised programme of care appropriate to the needs of the individual patient. This involves using clinical reasoning and a wide range of treatment skills, communicating effectively with patients and parents / carers. Assess understanding and gaining informed consent to the recommended treatment plan. Adhere to any national and local guidelines.
SPECIALIST CLINICAL RESPONSIBILITIES (Band 6)
- Carry out A-scan biometry and contact / immersion measurements using specialised equipment. Perform IOP and keratometry measurements and instil eye drops as required. Liaise with the ophthalmologist regarding accurate power selection of intra-ocular lens implant. Take personal responsibility for correct machine calibration and follow guidelines to minimise possible infection risks
- Along with undertaking specialised assessment of children with special educational needs (SEN), liaise with hospital and educational staff to ensure appropriate follow up is arranged and provide information to parents / carers / education / other agencies to enable successful multi-disciplinary working. Develop working relationships with the multi-sensory impairment (MSI) teachers and participate in MDT meetings as applicable, writing EHCP reports when requested.
NON-CLINICAL RESPONSIBILITIES
- Work as an effective member of the orthoptic team, liaising with the deputy head orthoptist regarding clinic management and staff deployment
- Triage referrals into the orthoptic department according to departmental policy. Log referral details onto orthoptic database.
Communication
- To have excellent and highly developed communication skills with all staff, patients, and parents / carers of patients.
- Utilise and demonstrate sensitive communication styles, to ensure patients are fully informed prior to consent for treatment.
Personal Development
- Recognise and work within own competence and professional code of conduct as regulated by the HCPC.
- Understand own role and scope and identify how this may develop over time
Delivering a quality service
- Deliver care according to NSF, CQC, NICE guidelines and evidence-based care.
- Produce accurate, contemporaneous and complete records of patient consultation, consistent with legislation, policies and procedures.
Team working
- Actively promote the workplace as a learning environment, encouraging everyone to learn from each other and from external good practice.
- Support and encourage colleagues with development and training. Be able to challenge any complacency or actions that are not in the interest of the public and/or users of services.
Please refer to the Job Description for more details.
Person Specification
Qualifications and knowledge
Essential
- Degree/Diploma in Orthoptics
- HCPC Registration
Desirable
Experience
Essential
- Evidence of participation in a variety of paediatric orthoptic clinic scenarios
- Experience of adult orthoptic assessment
Desirable
- Previous experience in SEN clinics
- Previous experience in biometry clinics
- Use of ophthalmic equipment (eg Goldmann, IOL master, auto refractor, focimeter)
- Experience in teaching other health care professionals
- Audit / presentation experience
- CPD evidence
- Knowledge of safeguarding
Skills
Essential
- Ability to work autonomously and take responsibility for own caseload, working on own initiative
- Ability to seek advice and guidance where necessary from senior colleagues
- Effective time management and prioritisation skills
Personal and people development
Essential
- To be approachable, enthusiastic and able to work under pressure
- To show a willingness and ability to learn and develop new skills in line with departmental requirements
- Willingness to teach/train new staff members, students, other staff when appropriate
Communication
Essential
- Excellent communication skills with all patients and staff, both verbal and written
- Ability to communicate with all age groups of patients
- Ability to communicate with various staff at different levels
Specific requirements
Essential
- Able to perform the duties of the post with reasonable aids and adaptations
- Able to work as part of a team
Person Specification
Qualifications and knowledge
Essential
- Degree/Diploma in Orthoptics
- HCPC Registration
Desirable
Experience
Essential
- Evidence of participation in a variety of paediatric orthoptic clinic scenarios
- Experience of adult orthoptic assessment
Desirable
- Previous experience in SEN clinics
- Previous experience in biometry clinics
- Use of ophthalmic equipment (eg Goldmann, IOL master, auto refractor, focimeter)
- Experience in teaching other health care professionals
- Audit / presentation experience
- CPD evidence
- Knowledge of safeguarding
Skills
Essential
- Ability to work autonomously and take responsibility for own caseload, working on own initiative
- Ability to seek advice and guidance where necessary from senior colleagues
- Effective time management and prioritisation skills
Personal and people development
Essential
- To be approachable, enthusiastic and able to work under pressure
- To show a willingness and ability to learn and develop new skills in line with departmental requirements
- Willingness to teach/train new staff members, students, other staff when appropriate
Communication
Essential
- Excellent communication skills with all patients and staff, both verbal and written
- Ability to communicate with all age groups of patients
- Ability to communicate with various staff at different levels
Specific requirements
Essential
- Able to perform the duties of the post with reasonable aids and adaptations
- Able to work as part of a team
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.
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.
UK Registration
Applicants must have current UK professional registration. For further information please see
NHS Careers website (opens in a new window).
