Band 7 Orthoptist- With Extended Role

+ Advanced level of knowledge with experience as an Orthoptist, working as an autonomous practitioner.
+ To be the Lead Orthoptist specialising and leading in an Extended Scope Ophthalmic Role.
+ To work in Face to face and Virtual clinics within Extended Role.
+ This is a Multidisciplinary team
+ To undertake single handed clinics at peripheral clinics as required across the trust

Working for our organisation
Why Work With Us
We are a forward thinking, ambitious and well supported department with a successful team of highly trained orthoptists and optometrists working in extended roles including:
Glaucoma
Medical retina
Diabetic retina
Cornea and anterior segment
Paediatric Ophthalmology
Stroke
Adults and Children with Learning difficulties
Low vision
Contact lens
Marfan's screening
Keratoconus / ectasia virtual monitoring
Torbay and South Devon NHS Foundation Trust (Torbay Hospital) is a busy, successful and progressive hospital located on the English Riviera, South Devon's beautiful bay which is surrounded by stunning coast and countryside. We are famous for our award-winning beaches and vast countryside waiting for you to explore. The cities of Exeter and Plymouth are also close by with access to all major cities via excellent rail links. Opportunities for outdoor activities both on and off the water abound, with easy access to the neighbouring centres of Plymouth and Exeter., + To work as part of a multi-disciplinary team demonstrating effective communication, and working collaboratively receiving and giving sensitive information to colleagues inside and out of the department, including e.g. GP`S and Paediatricians, plus non-medical staff such as ROVICS.(Rehabilitation Officers for Visually Impaired Children ) Managing a caseload of patients ,at times taking on the role of care co-ordinator e.g. referring to other professionals such as teachers for the visually impaired.
+ To communicate effectively with patients and or parents to assess capacity and gain informed consent for those assessments and Individualised treatment plans
+ To communicate the initial diagnosis which may be of a distressing feature, tactfully explaining the details of the medical condition which may be highly complex. This requires a holistic and sensitive approach where patients have no knowledge of the ocular defects associated with particular medical conditions and /or who may have difficulties accepting the diagnosis.
+ Accurately communicate condition related information to senior clinicians who may not personally see the patient but be required to make a management decision based on relayed information.
+ The Lead Orthoptist for Retinal Disease will be expected to demonstrate knowledge, skills, training, competence and clinical experience above degree level, providing efficient clinical patient care at Master's Degree level or equivalent. The individual will possess relevant post-graduate professional qualifications eg Certificate in Medical Retina, and be able to demonstrate accreditation from in-house training in WAMD.
+ Evidence of extended and substantial self-study equating to a master's level. To attend advanced training and specialist courses, eg on Nystagmus, recording learning outcomes in a portfolio
+ Knowledge of and ability to apply relevant legislative frameworks and policies relating to care eg NICE Guidelines, mental capacity act, safeguarding, consent to treatment (including different forms of drug treatment eg Instillation of dilating eye drops via PGD (Patient Group Directive) through specialist training, continued professional development (CPD) to masters level. Have the ability to reflect and critically appraise own performance so as to maintain own CPD, participating in internal and external development opportunities
+ To liaise with relevant manager for profession regarding any problems arising from core or extended role
+ To exercise judgment in the case of adverse events and implications of treatment/ non-treatment to ensure best patient management on an individual basis
+ To be an autonomous practitioner in own profession of Orthoptics, assess and diagnose complex Orthoptic patients with conditions, such as Myasthenia Gravis, and Thyroid eye disease, making autonomous clinical decisions using advanced clinical reasoning skills and interpretation of results to determine individualised evidence-based treatment plans
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To review patients in joint clinics with medical colleagues, for patients with acquired WAMD, Diabetic maculopathy and retinal vein occlusions who would otherwise need to see a more senior Ophthalmologist, making independent clinical decisions using advanced clinical reasoning skills and interpretation of multi-stranded diagnostic testing for continuation of treatment consented for and prescribed by consultant Ophthalmologist, within sphere of clinical competency. Working alongside a consultant ophthalmologist, and liaising if outside of area of clinical competency.
+ To assist the surgeon in post-operative adjustable surgery techniques, whilst patient is under local anaesthetic. This requires accurate measurements to assist the surgeon with ocular alignment.
+ To apply a high level of understanding of the effect of visual defects and provide advice on lifestyle changes and adaptions to the patients social and physical environment. "Making every Contact Count" such as stopping smoking in patients with a diagnosis of Thyroid eye disease.
+ To be Lead for the extended role into the WAMD service for the Orthoptic and Optometry Department. Developing, and reviewing alongside the consultant Ophthalmologist WAMD protocols, competencies and pathways for the AHP`S and other non-medical practitioners, implementing those changes e.g. WAMD pathways. Being mindful that these policies and protocols will affect different staff groups.
+ The job holder will have the responsibility of delivering Orthoptic training, and assessing, any allied health professionals involved in patient care where required such as Orthoptic and Optometry students. This may involve group teaching sessions or single teaching sessions during patient assessments.
+ To teach other allied health professionals who may wish to extend into a WAMD role.
+ To work as an autonomous Orthoptic practitioner
Works and complies with codes of practice of relevant Governing bodies eg HCPC AND British and Irish Orthoptic Society, TSDFT, Provide input to in the relevant care pathways at a local level. Working within NICE guidelines and local guidelines for WAMD
To be professionally and legally responsible and accountable for all aspects of your own work, including the management of patients in your care and support more junior staff to do likewise
To work single handed on any of the Trust sites as requested
You will be joining the organisation at an exciting time. As the first fully integrated care organisation in England, we are working to improve the way we deliver safe, high-quality health and social care. We have a positive and vibrant working atmosphere, we are proud of our investment in our staff both in terms of developing potential career skills and valuing people.
If you provide support to a family member or friend with health or care needs, we aim to be a Carer-friendly employer. We have a 'Staff Carers' policy which includes flexible working where possible and a Carer's Passport scheme that links you into support and discounts.
IMPORTANT INFORMATION
+ We reserve the right to close vacancies early if we receive a high volume of applications. Please apply promptly
+ Please read the job description and tailor your application to reflect the role
+ Correspondence will be via Trac, text and email. Please check your email and Trac account regularly.
+ Applicants with no previous NHS experience will ordinarily be appointed to the minimum of the band
+ If you have not received an invitation to interview within 28 days of the closing date, please assume that your application has been unsuccessful on this occasion
+ It is your responsibility to assist us in the timely receipt of appropriate references
The Trust is committed to preventing discrimination, valuing diversity and achieving equality of opportunity. No person (staff, patient or public) will receive less favourable treatment on the grounds of the nine protected characteristics as governed by the Equality Act 2010. If you require support you can obtain this from our Equality Business Forum which has representatives from all protected groups.

We are looking for an ambitious and motivated individual to join our newly revised and evolving service at Torbay Hospital. This job is an excellent opportunity for an Orthoptist wanting to gain experience leading and working with a busy but dynamic team.

As a department we recognize that individual job satisfaction and achieving a healthy work/life balance is vital to maintaining a successful Orthoptic and Optometry team for the future, so please do come and look round and discuss how this role would suit you best.