Orthoptist

Job Summary

Are you a dynamic, self‑motivated orthoptist looking for a post in a district general hospital in a beautiful part of the country? Do you have an ability to work alone and as part of a team? If so, we have a great opportunity for someone who wants to combine working in a busy outpatient clinic with effective work life balance.

UKVI Sponsorship:
This role is eligible for sponsorship under the Skilled Worker route, as defined by UK Visas and Immigration (UKVI). We welcome applications from individuals who require sponsorship to work in the UK. Sponsorship will be offered subject to meeting UKVI eligibility criteria.

• Provide a high standard of orthoptics to patients of all ages and with a wide variety of orthoptic conditions.
• Be 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.
• Make decisions and offer advice about the orthoptic care of a child as part of a multi-disciplinary team of ophthalmologists, orthoptists, optometrists, medical photographers, ophthalmic technicians, nurses, clerical staff and secretarial staff.
• Undertake an orthoptic extended role in line with departmental requirements.
• Diploma or Degree (BSc Hons or BMedSci in Orthoptics) & registration with the Health and Care Professions Council (HCPC).
• Previous orthoptic experience (applications welcome from newly qualified graduates and appointment will be to band 5 if no previous experience).
• Sound clinical experience and judgement underpinned by specialist theoretical knowledge base.
• Enthusiasm and motivation.

At DCHFT, we pride ourselves on the care we provide for our patients, and on the culture we are creating for our staff. We work hard to create a fair, inclusive environment for our staff.

Our Mission is to work in partnership to provide high quality, compassionate services and to nurture an environment where people can be at their best. Our vision is healthier lives, empowered citizens, thriving communities.

We are a Trust that celebrates diversity, and we are committed to creating an inclusive environment for all employees. We welcome applications from people in all under‑represented groups.

We understand that some applicants may choose to use artificial intelligence (AI) tools to assist in preparing their application materials. While this is not discouraged, we kindly remind candidates that all submissions must be truthful and accurately reflect your own experiences and suitability for this role. Personal integrity and authenticity are central to our recruitment process. We value honesty and appreciate applications that are genuine and representative of the individual behind them.

• Date posted: 19 February 2026
• Pay scheme:
  Agenda for change
• Band: 5
• Salary: £31,049 to £46,580 a year (Dependent on experience)
• Contract:
  
  Fixed term
• Duration: 12 months
• Working pattern:
  Full‑time
• Reference number: 405‑26‑AHP
  106OR
  TH
• Job location:
  
  Dorset County Hospital, Williams Avenue, Dorchester, DT1 2JY

Our DCHFT Job Description and Person Specification (attached) tells you all about this role, what to expect and what is needed to succeed. When completing your application please make sure to tell us how your experience and skills fit the person specification.

For all our roles, we are looking for staff who hold our Trust Values of Integrity, Respect, Teamwork and Excellence, and who are passionate about providing the best patient care. To read more about our Trust and our Values search Dorset County Hospital online.

• Essential:
  Degree in Orthoptics or Diploma if trained before existence of degree qualification
• Essential:
  To be registered with the HCPC
• Desirable:
  Member of the British and Irish Orthoptic Society

• Essential:
  Ability to assess, diagnose and treat a full range of Orthoptic cases

• Ability to demonstrate empathy and professionalism throughout patient consultations and achieve sound clinical outcome, even when receiving/delivering complex or distressing…