Advanced Orthoptist

Advanced Orthoptist – Freeman Hospital

Band 7 – Newcastle Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust is one of the busiest and largest NHS hospital trusts in the country. With approximately 16,000 staff and an annual budget of £1.7 billion, the Trust provides high‑quality care, clinical excellence, research and innovation across a wide range of services which include neuro‑ophthalmology and emergency eye care.

An excellent opportunity has arisen for a clinical Orthoptist with extensive postgraduate experience to join our expanding Neuro‑Ophthalmology and Emergency Eye Service. The role will work closely with existing consultants and non‑medical practitioners to manage acute and stable neuro‑ophthalmology patients as well as those accessing the emergency eye department and stroke services. Clinical work will be undertaken in both the emergency eye care and outpatient settings, with regular multi‑disciplinary team meetings and a strong emphasis on the education and development of orthoptists, medical staff and the wider team within the department.

• Provide evidence‑based care to patients in the specialised area of neuro‑ophthalmology.
• Coordinate patient care and negotiate treatment options in partnership with other health‑care professionals.
• Lead the delivery of a planned specialised programme of care, ensuring the highest standards of patient safety.
• Oversee and contribute to the design and implementation of new patient pathways within the service.
• Develop and deliver postgraduate training for Orthoptic undergrads, pre‑registration optometrists, nursing staff and junior medical staff preparing for the Royal College of Ophthalmologists exams.
• Participate in clinical audits, research projects and the presentation of research findings locally and nationally.
• Act autonomously within a wide and complex caseload and work effectively with all members of the ophthalmology team.

• Degree in Orthoptics or Diploma of the British Orthoptic Council (DBO).
• State registration with the Health and Care Professions Council (HCPC).
• Extensive postgraduate or equivalent specialist study/experience at Masters level, including senior‑level experience in neuro‑ophthalmology or related specialities.
• Meets professional body requirements for mentorship, if relevant to the role.
• Recognised teaching qualification or evidence of leading education or training programmes (desirable).
• Driving licence (desirable).
• Membership of the British and Irish Orthoptic Society (desirable).
• Experience in OCT and visual fields interpretation, slit‑lamp examination and fundoscopy (desirable).
• Management experience or qualification (desirable).

• Evidence of continuous professional development in orthoptic subspecialties such as neuro‑ophthalmology, thyroid, neonatal, genetics.
• Experience of research methodology and clinical audit.
• Knowledge of relevant NHS policy and project‑specific policy context.
• Attended short courses and conferences to develop a body of knowledge in specialist practice.
• Independent practitioner (desired).

• Effective organisational, time‑management and IT skills.
• Ability to work independently and across disciplines as part of a multi‑disciplinary team.
• Good interpersonal and communication skills.

The Trust is committed to promoting equality and diversity and recognises the benefits of an inclusive environment. The workforce should reflect the communities served, with a particular focus on recruiting people from under‑represented groups.

Flexible working arrangements may be considered where it is appropriate for the service and the employee, subject to the needs of the Trust.

• Seniority level:
  Mid‑Senior level
• Employment type:
  
  Full‑time
• Job function:
  Health Care Provider
• Industries:
  Hospitals and Health Care
• Hours:
  
  37 hrs 30 mins per week
• Final date to receive applications: 4 weeks following closing date

Interview date:
Wednesday 28 January 2026. Applicants should read the full job details before applying. Please expand the job details section and read all of the…