Orthoptist

Job summary

We are looking for an enthusiastic Band 6 orthoptist to us at University Hospital of Wales. Cardiff Eye Unit is a large tertiary referral centre for all subspecialities of ophthalmology and has a diverse and varied patient group. The hospital has a dedicated Childrens Hospital for Wales on site and also a regional neuro surgery department, both of which are supported by the orthoptic team.

The successful applicant will work within the orthoptic team with orthoptists, optometrists and ophthalmologists to cover all aspects of core orthoptic work. They will have the opportunity to gain experience in speciality clinics such as thyroid eye clinic, stroke and paediatric ophthalmology. The department encourages participation in regular journal club and CPD sessions and there are opportunities for orthoptists to contribute to research projects within the wider eye department. The orthoptic department runs an outreach service to the nearby Vale of Glamorgan and the successful applicant will also form part of a staff rotation to that clinic.

The department encourages applications from 2026 graduate orthoptists, as consideration will be given to appointing to a band 5 post if a newly qualified orthoptist applies. Band 5 orthoptists are mentored within the existing team.

Main duties of the job

The role will be across 2 main clinics within the site, serving adult orthoptic patients and paediatric patients within the Children's Hospital of Wales.

The successful applicant will manage routine orthoptic referral cases across all age ranges and assist in the examination and management of patients being seen by the paediatric and neuro ophthalmology teams. In addition to this the postholder will work in a specialised thyroid eye clinic and also see referrals from the stroke service within the trust, as part of the orthoptic team as a whole.

The ability to speak Welsh is desirable for this role; Welsh and/or English speakers are equally welcome to apply.

About us

Cardiff and Vale University Health Board is one of the largest Integrated Health Boards in the UK, employing over 17,000 staff, providing over 100 specialist services. Working across 6 hospital sites, we have a diverse range of career opportunities to offer. Serving over 500,000 people living in Cardiff and the Vale, we are focussed on the health and care needs of our local population whilst working with our partners to develop regional services. Together we are committed to improving health outcomes for everyone, delivering excellent care and support.

Our mission is "Living Well, Caring Well, Working Together", and our vision is that every person's chance of leading a healthy life should be equal. Our 10-year transformation and improvement strategy, Shaping Our Future Wellbeing, is our chance to work collaboratively with the public and our workforce to make our health board more sustainable for the future.