Job summary
Advanced Orthoptist (Medical Retina)
Department: Orthoptic
Band 7 £47,810 - £54,710 Per annum
Hours: 37.5 per week, all MKUH roles will be considered for flexible working
This is an exciting new role created to support and grow our medical retinal service as it faces the challenges of increasing demand. You will work alongside the medical retinal consultant team delivering comprehensive care to patients attending with a range of medical retinal conditions and includes the delivery of intravitreal injections. The post holder will also support the core Orthoptic service working as part of a friendly and supportive team of 6 Orthoptists.
About you: You are an experienced and skilled Orthoptist with advanced theoretical knowledge in Orthoptics. You can independently assess, diagnose and manage patients presenting to the Orthoptic department and you have clinical experience within medical retina and intravitrealInjecting.
'We care We communicate We collaborate We contribute'
Interview 19 August 2025
Main duties of the job
The Advanced Orthoptist (Medical Retina) will work alongside the medical retina team at MKUH delivering comprehensive care to patients attending with a range of medical retinal conditions such as: age related macular degeneration, retinal vein occlusion and diabetic eye disease. This will include delivery of intravitreal injections.
The post holder will provide comprehensive, high quality Orthoptic services as an autonomous practitioner and work as an effective member of the Orthoptic team in the assessment, diagnosis and management of patients with ocular motility disorders and amblyopia; to develop and monitor effective treatment plans using specialist skills based on clinical and analytical reasoning and using evidence based practice.
To act as a source of expertise on the management of ocular motility disorders to patients, other healthcare professionals, GPs and consultants.
Participate in departmental education programme, including the training of Orthoptic undergraduate students, pre-registration Optometrists, junior doctors, Medical students, health visitors, school nurses and others.
About us
Join #TeamSurgery at Milton Keynes University Hospital
The surgery division at MKUH, which covers specialties including theatres and the Intensive Care Unit, offers a variety of roles and opportunities, both clinical and non-clinical. The division are looking for passionate, enthusiastic and forward-thinking professionals to join the team.
MKUH is one of the leading hospitals in Europe for implementing robotics to assist in surgery, becoming the first in the continent to use the CMR Versius robot for gynaecological surgery. Since its introduction in 2019, the theatres team have completed over 500 surgical cases, the first hospital in the UK to reach this milestone, achieving this in March 2023.
As well as being an innovator in robotics, the Trust is proud to be part of the New Hospital Programme, with plans to expand and increase our surgical capacity to meet the health needs of our communities now and in the future.
With a leading benefits package, and a growing hospital estate to meet one of the fastest growing populations in the country, it is a great time to join MKUH.
Find out more about working in #TeamSurgery at MKUH from the people who work across the division in the video below.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-mYel-Y9nrU
Job description
Job responsibilities
Main duties and responsibilities
CLINICAL RESPONSIBILITIES - Orthoptic
1. 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.
2. Assess and diagnose paediatric and adult new and follow up patients. 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.
ADDITIONAL CLINICAL RESPONSIBILITIES
Duties include one or more of the following (depending on specific departmental requirements and training):
1. 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.
2. Undertake 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.
CLINICAL RESPONSIBILITIES Medical Retina
1. Work within the medical retina team alongside the consultant in charge of the retinal service.
2. To undertake ocular examinations independently and interpret Ocular Coherent Tomography (OCT) scans.
Communication
1. To have excellent and highly developed communication skills with all staff, patients, and parents/ carers of patients.
2. Utilise and demonstrate sensitive communication styles, to ensure patients are fully informed prior to consent for treatment.
Personal Development
1. Recognise and work within own competence and professional code of conduct as regulated by the HCPC
2. Understand own role and scope and identify how this may develop over time
Delivering a quality service
1. Deliver care according to NSF, CQC, NICE guidelines and evidence-based care.
2. Produce accurate, contemporaneous and complete records of patient consultation, consistent with legislation, policies and procedures.
Team working
1. Actively promote the workplace as a learning environment, encouraging everyone to learn from each other and from external good practice.
2. 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 further details
We believe success lies in the diversity of our employees and are committed to promoting equality, encouraging diversity and embracing inclusion. We welcome applications from everyone interested in working for us.
MKUH is committed to equal opportunities and improving the working lives of our staff and as such we offer a range of flexible working practices.
We reserve the right to expire vacancies prior to the advertised closing date once a sufficient number of applications have been received.
MKUH uses identification scanning technology to confirm the authenticity of documents; all prospective employees of MKUH will have their original documents verified using this technology.
By applying for this role, you accept if successful, that information from your application will be transferred into the national NHS Electronic Staff Record (ESR) system. Your personal data may be transferred from the Trust to another NHS organisation where your employment transfers within the NHS. This is in accordance with the streamlining programme which aims at saving you time and improving efficiencies within the NHS when your employment transfers.
Upon commencing employment with the Trust, all employees (except Medical & Dental Staff on national terms and conditions) are subject to a probationary period lasting a period of six months with an option to extend for a further six months to a total of 12 months.
Job description
Job responsibilities
Main duties and responsibilities
CLINICAL RESPONSIBILITIES - Orthoptic
1. 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.
2. Assess and diagnose paediatric and adult new and follow up patients. 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.
ADDITIONAL CLINICAL RESPONSIBILITIES
Duties include one or more of the following (depending on specific departmental requirements and training):
1. 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.
2. Undertake 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.
CLINICAL RESPONSIBILITIES Medical Retina
1. Work within the medical retina team alongside the consultant in charge of the retinal service.
2. To undertake ocular examinations independently and interpret Ocular Coherent Tomography (OCT) scans.
Communication
1. To have excellent and highly developed communication skills with all staff, patients, and parents/ carers of patients.
2. Utilise and demonstrate sensitive communication styles, to ensure patients are fully informed prior to consent for treatment.
Personal Development
1. Recognise and work within own competence and professional code of conduct as regulated by the HCPC
2. Understand own role and scope and identify how this may develop over time
Delivering a quality service
1. Deliver care according to NSF, CQC, NICE guidelines and evidence-based care.
2. Produce accurate, contemporaneous and complete records of patient consultation, consistent with legislation, policies and procedures.
Team working
1. Actively promote the workplace as a learning environment, encouraging everyone to learn from each other and from external good practice.
2. 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 further details
We believe success lies in the diversity of our employees and are committed to promoting equality, encouraging diversity and embracing inclusion. We welcome applications from everyone interested in working for us.
MKUH is committed to equal opportunities and improving the working lives of our staff and as such we offer a range of flexible working practices.
We reserve the right to expire vacancies prior to the advertised closing date once a sufficient number of applications have been received.
MKUH uses identification scanning technology to confirm the authenticity of documents; all prospective employees of MKUH will have their original documents verified using this technology.
By applying for this role, you accept if successful, that information from your application will be transferred into the national NHS Electronic Staff Record (ESR) system. Your personal data may be transferred from the Trust to another NHS organisation where your employment transfers within the NHS. This is in accordance with the streamlining programme which aims at saving you time and improving efficiencies within the NHS when your employment transfers.
Upon commencing employment with the Trust, all employees (except Medical & Dental Staff on national terms and conditions) are subject to a probationary period lasting a period of six months with an option to extend for a further six months to a total of 12 months.
Person Specification
Qualifications and knowledge
Essential
- BSc (Hons) Orthoptics or equivalent
- Registered with the HCPC
- Proven clinical competencies as an intravitreal injector
Desirable
- Masters degree or evidence of further postgraduate study (preferably associated with Medical Retina)
- Professional Certificate in Medical Retina
- Medical exemptions qualification
- Post-degree study / qualifications in leadership / management in healthcare
- Completion of BIOS Clinical Tutors Course
- Completion of GCP training
- Completion of consent training
Experience
Essential
- Significant post qualification experience as an Orthoptist
- Evidence of ongoing CPD
- Experience in audit
- Experience in research
- Experience in working in hospital medical retina clinics
- Experience of undertaking intravitreal injections
- Experience with use of OCT for image capture and interpretation
Desirable
- Trained in biometry and immersion as part of cataract service
- Experience of working with children with special educational needs
- Experience in stroke service
- Experience in teaching and supervision of medical / orthoptic students
- Experience as a lead in an orthoptic service
- Experience in formulating policies and guidelines
- Experience formulating EHCPs
Skills
Essential
- Significant computer literacy
- Excellent interpersonal skills with particular ability to liaise effectively with multidisciplinary team members
- Ability to make decisions, organise and prioritise
- Demonstrates excellent team working
- Ability to demonstrate motivation
- Excellent negotiating and influencing skills
- Experience of involvement in successful change within a service
Personal and people development
Essential
- To be approachable and maintain a good rapport with colleagues
- To be able to work independently
- Manually dextrous
- Receptive to change
- Adaptable
Communication
Essential
- Excellent communication skills - ability to provide and receive highly complex information
Person Specification
Qualifications and knowledge
Essential
- BSc (Hons) Orthoptics or equivalent
- Registered with the HCPC
- Proven clinical competencies as an intravitreal injector
Desirable
- Masters degree or evidence of further postgraduate study (preferably associated with Medical Retina)
- Professional Certificate in Medical Retina
- Medical exemptions qualification
- Post-degree study / qualifications in leadership / management in healthcare
- Completion of BIOS Clinical Tutors Course
- Completion of GCP training
- Completion of consent training
Experience
Essential
- Significant post qualification experience as an Orthoptist
- Evidence of ongoing CPD
- Experience in audit
- Experience in research
- Experience in working in hospital medical retina clinics
- Experience of undertaking intravitreal injections
- Experience with use of OCT for image capture and interpretation
Desirable
- Trained in biometry and immersion as part of cataract service
- Experience of working with children with special educational needs
- Experience in stroke service
- Experience in teaching and supervision of medical / orthoptic students
- Experience as a lead in an orthoptic service
- Experience in formulating policies and guidelines
- Experience formulating EHCPs
Skills
Essential
- Significant computer literacy
- Excellent interpersonal skills with particular ability to liaise effectively with multidisciplinary team members
- Ability to make decisions, organise and prioritise
- Demonstrates excellent team working
- Ability to demonstrate motivation
- Excellent negotiating and influencing skills
- Experience of involvement in successful change within a service
Personal and people development
Essential
- To be approachable and maintain a good rapport with colleagues
- To be able to work independently
- Manually dextrous
- Receptive to change
- Adaptable
Communication
Essential
- Excellent communication skills - ability to provide and receive highly complex 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).
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).
