Specialist Orthoptist
At a glance
- Band
- Band 6
- Contract
- Permanent
- Pattern
- Part-time
- Posted
- 18/09/2026
- Closes
- 05/10/2026
Sponsorship verdict
This contract type is not eligible for Skilled Worker sponsorship.
NHS Trusts cannot issue a Certificate of Sponsorship for part-time, bank, locum, zero-hours, job-share or short fixed-term (under 12 months) contracts under current Home Office rules. This applies even when the wider Trust holds a Skilled Worker licence.
Role summary
This role is for a Specialist Orthoptist to provide comprehensive orthoptic services as an autonomous practitioner. The successful candidate will assess, diagnose, and manage patients referred to the Orthoptic Department, liaising with other professionals as needed. They will also be responsible for planning, implementing, and reviewing treatments for a mixed caseload, using advanced clinical knowledge and evidence-based practice. New graduates are encouraged to apply and would be offered a Band 5 to Band 6 run-through post with preceptorship and mentorship.
Essential criteria
- Orthoptic qualification recognised for State Registration (Diploma or Degree
- State registration with the HCPC
- Evidence of CPD
Desirable criteria
- Recognised clinical teaching qualification
- Previous Experience
- Able to demonstrate post qualification experience
- Experience of assessment of patients with special educational needs
- Clinical audit experience
- Post graduate experience at a Junior level (Band 5 Orthoptist)
- Experience of clinical supervision of students
- Experience in working single-handed
- Ability to assess patients and develop a comprehensive care plan
- Well-developed interpersonal skills; ability to communicate with a wide range of staff, patients and the public
- Ability to maintain clear & accurate patient records
- Well developed skills in working with children
- Well-developed organisational and administrative skills
- Team working skills and being able to work independently
- IT skills
- Evidence of extensive orthoptic knowledge
- Ability to work under pressure and self-motivated.
- Ability to assess, prioritise and manage time and resources
- Awareness of own strengths and weaknesses
- Experience and evidence of engagement around equality, diversity and inclusion issues in relation to policy, service development and service delivery in respect of both services to users and the management of staff
- Role model our Trust values every day
- Qualifications / Training
- Orthoptic qualification recognised for State Registration (Diploma or Degree
- State registration with the HCPC
- Evidence of CPD
- Recognised clinical teaching qualification
- Previous Experience
- Able to demonstrate post qualification experience
- Experience of assessment of patients with special educational needs
- Clinical audit experience
- Post graduate experience at a Junior level (Band 5 Orthoptist)
- Experience of clinical supervision of students
- Experience in working single-handed
- Ability to assess patients and develop a comprehensive care plan
- Well-developed interpersonal skills; ability to communicate with a wide range of staff, patients and the public
- Ability to maintain clear & accurate patient records
- Well developed skills in working with children
- Well-developed organisational and administrative skills
- Team working skills and being able to work independently
- IT skills
- Evidence of extensive orthoptic knowledge
- Ability to work under pressure and self-motivated.
- Ability to assess, prioritise and manage time and resources
- Awareness of own strengths and weaknesses
- Experience and evidence of engagement around equality, diversity and inclusion issues in relation to policy, service development and service delivery in respect of both services to users and the management of staff
- Role model our Trust values every day
Useful to know
Agenda for Change 2024/25 pays Band 6 at £37,338 – £44,962 a year, across England.
This advert: £39,959 – £48,117 — outside the standard scale; check for HCAS/London weighting.
Posted 1d ago · Closes in 17d
Plenty of time to prepare a strong application.
Full advert · preview
East and North Hertfordshire Teaching NHS Trust
Specialist Orthoptist
The closing date is 05 October 2026
Job summary
We are recruiting for a Specialist Orthoptist who share our vision to be trusted to provide consistently outstanding care and exemplary service to our patients.
We would encourage new graduates to apply for the post also. Should they be successful at interview the post would be offered as a Band 5 to Band 6 run through post. Preceptorship and mentorship would be provided to support this professional development.
The Ophthalmology service is currently provided by 7 consultant ophthalmologists, specialising in the areas of Paediatric Ophthalmology, Medical retina, Glaucoma, Oculoplastic and Vitreoretinal surgery.
The consultants are supported by a comprehensive team of associate specialists, including junior training posts which are part of the Cambridge deanery.
The Trust is actively supporting the development of extended role working for Allied Health Professionals in line with the Royal College of Ophthalmology's Common Core Clinical Competencies Framework; the successful candidate would be instrumental in aiding the development of these roles within the orthoptic service.
In addition, you will receive a High Cost Area Supplement of 5% of your basic salary, subject to a minimum payment of £1,258 and a maximum payment of £2,121 per annum pro rata.
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