Detailed job description and main responsibilities

Clinical:

1. To manage own Orthoptic case load being independently responsible for assessing, planning, and monitoring treatment in a wide range of complex conditions, using evidence-based practice.
2. To provide the orthoptic service as part of a multi-disciplinary team with consultants, optometrists, health visitors and other health professionals. To provide expertise for clinical colleagues from other specialities, such as, maxillo-facial, accident and emergency, neurology, and endocrinology. Use a high level of anatomical and neurological knowledge to formulate accurate diagnoses, prognoses, and multidisciplinary discharge plans as necessary.
3.  To perform a comprehensive range of relevant investigative and diagnostic orthoptic procedures including taking a detailed and complete history.
4. To produce individualised treatment plans as an autonomous practitioner using advanced clinical reasoning and clinical experience of a wide range of treatment, for patients of all ages, whether inpatients or outpatients.
5. Communicate effectively using a broad range of verbal and non-verbal communication mechanisms to overcome barriers of understanding with patients, parents, and carers to gain informed consent, and to assess if treatment e.g., amblyopia intervention, is being understood and adhered to.
6. To motivate patients to ensure continued treatment compliance, to modify treatment plans when necessary to achieve the best clinical outcome.

7.    To take the lead in arranging for individual patients to discuss the decision and timing of surgery.

8. To undertake pre-operative and post–operative measurements of motility defects and to discuss surgical options and treatment plans with the surgeon. Analyse and discuss post-operative risks with patients, parent/carer, and surgeon. Modify treatment plans post-operatively if required.
9. To assist the surgeon in post-operative adjustable sutures.
10. To have high levels of manual dexterity, speed, and concentration to ensure accurate orthoptic examination results, especially in infants who will be having eye surgery. To have good hand-eye co-ordination and be proficient when using Orthoptic/ophthalmic equipment.
11. Accurately assess patients’ glasses prescriptions using manual and automated focimeters.
12. To perform Visual Field tests on the Humphrey Visual Field Analyser and interpret the results when required to do so.
13. To be responsible as an autonomous practitioner for the decision to instil eye drops under patient group directions, for refraction test and diagnostic purposes, and to give advice of side effects.
14. To assess patients with learning disabilities, adapting communication skills and examination technique, where necessary.
15. To take part in the visual and vision screening service offered to children. Accurately diagnose vision problems and make appropriate referrals.
16. To be involved in the triage of new patient referrals prioritising urgent referrals as required and allocating appropriate appointments.
17. Maintain accurate patient records in the patient file or Medisight, recording diagnosis and management plans and provide summary letters to optometrists, G. P’s, or other relevant professionals in a timely manner.
18. To participate in teaching of other health professionals when required.

Managerial:

1. To be responsible for managing own clinical case load and appropriately deal with any administrative tasks arising from this in a timely manner.
2. To provide administrative and basic managerial duties associated with the day-to-day functioning of the Orthoptic service, particularly in the absence of the Head Orthoptist
3. To be responsible for managing designated community clinics, and to determine and action appropriate outcomes for every child seen, including appointment management and discharge plans.
4. To provide support for SEN Special School Screening as directed by the SEN Lead Orthoptist including associated administrative duties.
5. Ensure effective and efficient use of physical resources, making recommendations regarding equipment and supplies. To ensure clinical equipment and work areas are well maintained, cleaned regularly, and ensure all clinical equipment is stored appropriately.
6. To take part in the appraisal process, and action personal development plans.
7. To demonstrate own clinical practice to other professionals e.g., paediatric SHO’s GP trainees and pre –registered optometrists.
8. To regularly attend and actively participate in staff meetings, in-house training programmes, journal clubs and presentations at other clinical meetings when requested, recording continuing professional development.
9. To keep up to date with research and new developments in Orthoptics to enable best clinical practice.
10. Undertake reflective practice.
11. Regularly participate in clinical and non-clinical audit including the timely submission of monthly statistics related to capacity and demand.
12. Regularly communicate with medical, optometry, nursing, other health professionals and clerical staff to maintain a high level of patient care, especially in cases where the Orthoptic treatment plan requires adaptation.
13. To be involved in the development and instigation of new protocols within the department/directorate and contribute to the planning and development of Orthoptic services.
14. Develop and update relevant patient information including service user feedback.
15. To act as a role model for the department, exhibiting professional behaviour and treating all staff with dignity and respect.  Adhere to trust and departmental policies and procedures.
16. To help promote the Orthoptic profession both within the Trust and to external partners.
17. To Maintain own HCPC registration.