Orthoptist - Preceptorship

Overview

Orthoptist - Preceptorship. The closing date is 29 July 2026.

We are pleased to offer an opportunity to combine a rewarding and exciting job in Orthoptics with an unrivalled lifestyle in the heart of one of the most beautiful areas of the country. Torbay and South Devon is picturesque and tranquil, with access to Dartmoor, local beaches and woodlands. There are opportunities to enjoy South Devon life in leisure time while being part of a supportive multidisciplinary team in the workplace.

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

We recognise that individual job satisfaction and a healthy work/life balance are vital to maintaining a successful Orthoptic and Optometry team for the future, so please feel free to discuss how this role would suit you best.

• Provide a comprehensive and high-quality Orthoptic service for patients referred to the Ophthalmology department.
• Practise independently to ensure each patient is seen professionally, efficiently, effectively and with a high standard of care. Work as part of a multidisciplinary team to assess patients, inpatients or outpatients, from other specialisms.
• Use advanced clinical reasoning to administer suitable tests and form diagnoses. Make judgements involving complicated facts to create an evidence-based treatment plan and gain informed consent.
• Assess patients pre-operatively and provide measurements on which surgery for ocular motility problems may be based.
• Instil dilating and cycloplegic drops for ophthalmic investigation in accordance with medical exemptions and/or patient group direction in line with Trust drug policy.
• Explain, demonstrate and offer teaching of Orthoptic principles and procedures to junior medical staff, medical students, optometrists, health visitors, student nurses and health care professionals.
• Be involved in, and contribute to, departmental clinical audit of issues.
• Attend an appraisal at least annually and maintain an updated professional development portfolio. Participate in mentorship programme and reflective practice.
• Contribute to the general running of the Orthoptic department.

Why Work With Us

We are a forward-thinking, ambitious and well-supported department with a successful team of orthoptists and optometrists working in extended roles including:

• Medical retina
• Diabetic retina
• Cornea and anterior segment
• Paediatric Ophthalmology
• Stroke
• Adults and Children with Learning difficulties
• Low vision
• Marfan's screening

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. The area is known for beaches and countryside, with Exeter and Plymouth nearby and good rail links. Opportunities for outdoor activities are plentiful with easy access to nearby centres of Plymouth and Exeter.

Full Vacancy details can be found on the attached Job Description/Person Specification. Please refer to your suitability to the post in your supporting information from the role requirements or person specification.

• Orthoptic degree or diploma
• To be registered with the HCPC

• Experience of paediatric orthoptics and experience assessing and managing children with additional needs

• Excellent verbal, written, and interpersonal communication skills.
• Effective time management skills and the ability to prioritise tasks.
• Research awareness

This post is subject to the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act (Exceptions Order) 1975 and as such it will be necessary for a submission for Disclosure to be made to the Disclosure and Barring Service (formerly known as CRB) to check for any previous criminal convictions.

Torbay and South Devon NHS Foundation Trust