Job Description

Please be advised that the start date for the successful candidate will be into the new financial year (April 2026 onwards). The exact timing will be confirmed at offer stage.
To provide diagnosis, management and treatment of patients referred to the Orthoptic Department for various clinics including, General Paediatrics, Special Needs Paediatrics, Ocular Motility Clinics. To be responsible as an autonomous practitioner and to be professionally and legally accountable and responsible for all aspects of own work in the evaluation of patients, responsible for planning, implementing and monitoring individual orthoptic treatment plans/care pathways for patients of all ages using advanced clinical reasoning and evidence based practice. This includes infants with strabismus (squint) and amblyopia, congenital or developmental abnormalities, genetic referrals and children and adults with significant learning difficulties as well as ocular motility defects in both children and adults.
To effectively communicate complex clinical information in a clear manner to the patient/carer and other professionals to ensure an understanding of the condition and its treatment.To contribute to the efficient running of outpatient clinics.
We have a great working relationship with the wider Ophthalmology team and we are involved in several extended roles including shared care glaucoma, stroke and visual processing.
Main duties of the job
To assess and diagnose new patients and formulate a programme of treatment with support from a more senior orthoptist
To provide condition related information to patients/carers. This may be of a sensitive nature and will need to be phrased so there is a full understanding of the condition
To demonstrate the appropriate level of Standard of Competency to Practice at all times
To manage and review patients as appropriate and to record all investigations, treatment and treatment plans in electronic notes.
To discharge patients appropriately with relevant correspondence.
To instruct patients (or carers) on a continuous course of home treatment if appropriate.
To deal with telephone , face to face and email enquiries from patient, carers and others.
Undertake in house training in order to carry out duties requiring special skills as required to support the Orthoptic and Ophthalmology Department, OCT, VFs, Visual processing.
To liaise with Orthoptic staff, consultants, medical and nursing staff and others as required.
Other general duties to aid the smooth running of the department.
Adhere to Trust, Directorate and Departmental policies with regard to Health and Safety, Fire, Risk assessment
Adhere to Departmental and Professional Quality Standards and Guidelines
About us
Pilgrim Hospital, Boston is situated in beautiful countryside and serves the communities in the South Lincolnshire area. It provides specialty care and a 24-hour major accident and emergency service.
United Lincolnshire Hospitals NHS Trust has been granted teaching hospital status, after demonstrating evidence to significant teaching commitment. From now on it will be known as United Lincolnshire Teaching Hospitals NHS Trust.
Lincolnshire Community Health Services NHS Trust (LCHS) and United Lincolnshire Hospitals NHS Trust (ULHT) have come together in a Group arrangement, with the goal of improving the care provided to patients across the county.
This will not constitute a formal merger of the two organisations, but will bring the Trusts together under a single Board and Executive Leadership Team, with the goal of improving the care that is provided to patients both in the community and in hospitals across Lincolnshire. Both Trusts will retain their separate statutory names and legal obligations.
The Group will be known as Lincolnshire Community and Hospitals NHS Group (LCHG).
Details
Date posted
05 January 2026
Pay scheme
Agenda for change
Band
Band 5
Salary
31,049 to 37,796 a year pro rata
Contract
Permanent
Working pattern
Full-time
Reference number
357-PR-858-25-QIA1529
Job locations
Pilgrim Hospital
Sibsey Road
Boston
PE21 9QS
Job description
Job responsibilities
To work as an autonomous practitioner, legally and professionally responsible and accountable for the investigation, diagnosis and management of Orthoptic patients
To prioritise own clinical workload and keep accurate contemporaneous records
Support the development of Orthoptic service
Use all equipment safely and without risk to patients / others
To liaise with other health care professionals and others when required
Directly involved in the teaching of other health professionals in aspects of orthoptic investigation practical and theory
Continued Professional Development
To work within Professional Guidelines
Maintain registration with the Health Professions Council and abide by their rules and regulations
Knowledge of departmental and Trust policies and procedures
To be involved in Orthoptic service development and promoting the profession
To actively participate in regular departmental meetings and audit
To undergo further training as required.
United Lincolnshire Hospitals Trust is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children, young people and adults, both as service users and visitors to Trust premises. All staff have a responsibility to safeguard and promote the welfare of children and adults. The post holder, in conjunction with their line manager, will be responsible for ensuring they undertake the appropriate level of training relevant to their individual role and responsibilities and that they are aware of and work within the safeguarding policies of the Trust.
Job description
Job responsibilities
To work as an autonomous practitioner, legally and professionally responsible and accountable for the investigation, diagnosis and management of Orthoptic patients
To prioritise own clinical workload and keep accurate contemporaneous records
Support the development of Orthoptic service
Use all equipment safely and without risk to patients / others
To liaise with other health care professionals and others when required
Directly involved in the teaching of other health professionals in aspects of orthoptic investigation practical and theory
Continued Professional Development
To work within Professional Guidelines
Maintain registration with the Health Professions Council and abide by their rules and regulations
Knowledge of departmental and Trust policies and procedures
To be involved in Orthoptic service development and promoting the profession
To actively participate in regular departmental meetings and audit
To undergo further training as required.
United Lincolnshire Hospitals Trust is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children, young people and adults, both as service users and visitors to Trust premises. All staff have a responsibility to safeguard and promote the welfare of children and adults. The post holder, in conjunction with their line manager, will be responsible for ensuring they undertake the appropriate level of training relevant to their individual role and responsibilities and that they are aware of and work within the safeguarding policies of the Trust.
Person Specification
Qualifications (Academic, Professional & Vocational)
Essential

• Degree/Diploma in Orthoptics
• Registration with Health Professions Council

Desirable

• Clinical Tutors Qualification

Previous Experience (Nature & Level)
Desirable

• Experience as an orthoptist
• Evidence of CPD
• Glaucoma, VF, OCT experience

Evidence of Particular: - Knowledge - Skills - Aptitudes
Essential

• Demonstrate flexible approach to care.
• Effective Communication
• Ability to work in a multi-skilled environment
• Computer literate
• Prioritise workload
• Reflective practice

Desirable

• Identifies training needs for own development and service development
• Reflective practice
• Teaching skills/presentation skills

Specific Requirements
Essential

• Ability to work on own initiative and as part of a team
• Ability to seek advice when needed
• Contributes to journal club and audit etc

Desirable

• Undertakes self directed study to expand own knowledge base

Person Specification
Qualifications (Academic, Professional & Vocational)
Essential

• Degree/Diploma in Orthoptics
• Registration with Health Professions Council

Desirable

• Clinical Tutors Qualification

Previous Experience (Nature & Level)
Desirable

• Experience as an orthoptist
• Evidence of CPD
• Glaucoma, VF, OCT experience

Evidence of Particular: - Knowledge - Skills - Aptitudes
Essential

• Demonstrate flexible approach to care.
• Effective Communication
• Ability to work in a multi-skilled environment
• Computer literate
• Prioritise workload
• Reflective practice

Desirable

• Identifies training needs for own development and service development
• Reflective practice
• Teaching skills/presentation skills

Specific Requirements
Essential

• Ability to work on own initiative and as part of a team
• Ability to seek advice when needed
• Contributes to journal club and audit etc

Desirable

• Undertakes self directed study to expand own knowledge base

Skills Required