Orthoptist

Job Overview

Aneurin Bevan University Health Board is seeking a Band 5 Orthoptist to join their dedicated and dynamic team. This role offers an exciting opportunity for a conscientious and adaptable individual with strong interpersonal and communication skills. A Preceptorship Programme is available for newly qualified Orthoptists. The department is recognized as an accredited center for both undergraduate and postgraduate Orthoptic student training. The current team comprises 7 Orthoptists and 4 Orthoptic Clinical Assistants.

Main Duties

• Determine clinical diagnoses and formulate effective specialist treatment plans for referral to ophthalmologists.
• Engage in specialist multidisciplinary clinics, including pediatric ophthalmology, adult ocular motility, orthoptic, and refraction.
• Participate in the secondary vision screening program across all designated sites.
• Contribute to the education of orthoptic undergraduates on clinical placements and other healthcare professionals such as optometrists, school nurses, health visitors, junior doctors, and medical students.
• Undertake audit, research, and development activities.
• Function as an autonomous practitioner, taking legal and professional responsibility for managing new and review patients referred to the orthoptic service, prioritizing workload, and maintaining accurate records.
• Formulate specialized management, treatment, and discharge plans, and make appropriate onward referrals to other members of the ophthalmic team.
• Assess, diagnose, and treat patients referred from various specialties including pediatrics, maxillofacial, neurology, urgent referral, and A&E, as well as from ophthalmologists and optometrists; advise medical staff on diagnoses and recommend management strategies, including onward referrals.
• Assist in the secondary orthoptic vision screening program throughout Aneurin Bevan University Health Board and identify children requiring further referral.

Working for Aneurin Bevan University Health Board

Aneurin Bevan University Health Board is an award-winning NHS organization committed to providing exceptional care. We offer a supportive and valued workplace with opportunities for career growth at all stages. Serving a population of 650,000 and employing over 16,000 staff, we provide integrated acute, primary, and community care. Our benefits package is comprehensive, including paid mandatory training, extensive in-house development programs, opportunities for recognized qualifications, and professional career pathways. We promote flexible working and a healthy work-life balance, with occupational health support and plans for a Wellbeing Centre of Excellence. Our Clinical Futures strategy focuses on enhancing local care and delivering high-quality hospital services when needed, pioneering new ways of working for a world-class healthcare service.

Additional Information

We welcome applications from individuals with protected characteristics, including disabled and neurodiverse candidates, and those in the Armed Forces Community. Applications submitted in Welsh will receive the same consideration as English applications. Applicants are encouraged to discuss any necessary adjustments directly with the relevant manager. Disclosure of personal or medical information is not required; simply communicate support needs for full participation. Please inform us of any specific requirements for the application and selection process; we are happy to discuss reasonable adjustments. If documents are needed in larger print or a different format (e.g., braille), please contact the recruiting manager or the Aneurin Bevan University Health Board recruitment team at 01495 745805 (option 3) or email abb.vacancyrequests@wales.nhs.uk. Successful candidates will receive conditional offers and information packs via email. This vacancy may close at any time, so early applications are encouraged. Shortlisted candidates will be contacted via email; please check your inbox regularly for all recruitment correspondence. Aneurin Bevan University Health Board supports flexible working. All Health Board grounds are legally smoke-free; smoking is prohibited on all ABUHB sites for staff, contractors, patients, and visitors. Further details are available in the Smoke-Free Environment Policy. Assistance with quitting smoking is available through the Help Me Quit Team. This vacancy may be withdrawn if filled through internal redeployment.