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Job summary

Main area
Orthoptics
Grade
Band 7
Contract
Permanent
Hours
Full time - 37.5 hours per week (Condensed hours over 4 days)
Job ref
216-GT-DD7818950
Employer
University Hospitals Plymouth NHS Trust
Employer type
NHS
Site
Royal Eye Infirmary
Town
Plymouth
Salary
£47,810 - £54,710 £47,810 - £54,710 per annum
Salary period
Yearly
Closing
18/03/2026 23:59

Employer heading

University Hospitals Plymouth NHS Trust logo

Advanced Orthoptist: Lead Clinical Tutor

Band 7

Job overview

We are looking for an enthusiastic and motivated Orthoptist to join our friendly and professional team, to work within our multi-disciplinary eye unit. The post will be based at the Royal Eye Infirmary (University Hospitals Plymouth NHS Trust). Our new unit was opened in October 2023 and boasts fully equipped orthoptic rooms, outpatients with dedicated paediatric suite, theatres, urgent care and in-house dispensing opticians.

***Preference will be given to internal Trust staff, as well as Priority and 'At Risk' status including NHS At Risk staff throughout Devon who are able to display recent relevant experience as dictated by the Person Specification.***

Main duties of the job

This is a permanent full-time post (37.5 hours per week). 

The department is an accredited clinical undergraduate orthoptic training centre; the post holder will be required to undertake a significant amount of clinical teaching and develop student timetables, conduct inductions, deliver formative and summative student feedback as required. the post holder will also be responsible for taking the lead for the orthoptic apprenticeship training within the department. A commitment to attaining a recognised teaching qualification will be expected of the post holder.

The post holder will directly provide orthoptic services, some of which will require particular expertise and ability, and all other tasks mutually agreed with the Head Orthoptist. The orthoptist will have substantial clinical experience and be able to practice independently.

Working for our organisation

We are a people business – where every member of staff matters and can make a difference. Patients are at the heart of everything we do. Joining University Hospitals Plymouth NHS Trust means becoming part of a team of dedicated staff, who are committed to leading the way through innovation, clinical excellence and great customer care. The Trust has great opportunities for career development in a highly progressive working environment. We offer all of this in a vibrant, modern city with a historic reputation for adventure. PLEASE NOTE THAT ALL COMMUNICATION WILL BE ELECTRONIC, PLEASE CHECK YOUR EMAIL ACCOUNT REGULARLY. If you have any issues with applying online and need additional support including reasonable adjustments with the application process please contact the recruitment manager for this post who will put you in touch with the recruitment team. We recognise that work life balance is important for our colleagues and so we invite requests from applicants around less than full time/flexible working for our advertised roles. Please contact the recruiting manager to discuss this prior to your application submission. We commit to giving this full consideration in each case. We encourage people from diverse backgrounds to apply for our roles, as diversity strengthens our teams. It is sometimes necessary to close vacancies before the closing date. If you have not heard from us within 4 weeks of the closing date, please assume that you have not been shortlisted.

Detailed job description and main responsibilities

To be the lead clinical tutor, specialising and leading in providing high quality clinical placement for orthoptic students undertaking undergraduate and postgraduate degrees in orthoptics and orthoptic apprentices working within the department.

Please see attached JD & PS for full details.

Person specification

Knowledge and experience

Essential criteria
  • To have demonstrable experience in all aspects of clinical Orthoptics involving specialist services, paediatrics, neuro-ophthalmology etc.
  • Applicants must demonstrate proven documented evidence of continuing professional development and reflective practice obtained through formal or informal study and demonstrable clinical experience
Desirable criteria
  • Demonstrable experience in tertiary referral or specialist departments.

Qualifications

Essential criteria
  • Professional qualification in orthoptics recognised by the Health Care Professions Council
  • Registration with HCPC To possess a Batchelor of Science in Orthoptics BSc(Orth), BmedSci(Orth), Masters in Orthoptics, and/ or a diploma from the British Orthoptic Council (DBO)
Desirable criteria
  • Formal teaching qualification

Aptitude and abilities

Essential criteria
  • Good written and verbal communication skills with patients, peers and colleagues.

Employer certification / accreditation badges

Disability confident leaderArmed Forces Covenant Gold AwardMindful employer.  Being positive about mental health.Defence Employer Recognition Scheme (ERS) - Gold

Applicant requirements

You must have appropriate UK professional registration.

This post is subject to the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act 1974 (Exceptions) Order 1975 (Amendment) (England and Wales) Order 2020 and it will be necessary for a submission for Disclosure to be made to the Disclosure and Barring Service.

Documents to download

Apply online now

Further details / informal visits contact

Name
Lizzy Padgett
Job title
Head Orthoptist
Email address
[email protected]
Telephone number
01752 439319
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