Job summary
We are looking for a highly motivated orthoptist keen to be part of a team of 10 Orthoptists. You will work alongside Consultant Ophthalmologists, Orthoptic Clinical Assistant, Optometrists, Ophthalmic Nurses and Ophthalmic Technicians.

The post provides a varied and challenging case load including paediatric ophthalmology specialist clinics, ocular motility and botulinum toxin clinics, neuro-ophthalmology, stroke and trauma patients. Orthoptists in the team currently assist in theatre and carry out IVT injections in support of the medical retina team.

We are an accredited department for orthoptic under-graduates on placement and as a teaching hospital we are involved in the clinical teaching of medical students, junior doctors and pre-registration optometrists. The successful candidate will be required to work as part of an enthusiastic multi-disciplinary team.

A degree/diploma in Orthoptics and registration with the HCPC is essential (or working towards/return to practice.) Newly qualified orthoptists would be considered at a band 5.

Main duties of the job
The investigation, diagnosis and management of cases referred to the orthoptic department.

Formulate an ongoing plan of treatment for a wide range of conditions.

To liaise with or make onward referrals to ophthalmology and other professionals as appropriate.

Dispense medication according to patient group directives/medical exemptions.

Communicate complex, sensitive information which is condition specific to patients, relatives and carers.

Demonstrable commitment to Continuing Professional Development and Clinical Governance.

About us
We are one of the largest hospital trusts in England, with five hospitals and community clinics serving a local population of around 800,000 people. Our vision is 'great healthcare from great people'. Everything we do is guided by our values: 'People feel cared for, safe, respected and confident that we are making a difference'. We have a new way of working at East Kent Hospitals, called 'We care'. It's about empowering frontline staff to lead improvements day-to-day. We're looking for compassionate people to be part of our improvement journey for the patients, families and carers we care for every day.

Please note that if you require a Certificate of Sponsorship to work in the UK you must declare this on your application form, even if you currently have a certificate of sponsorship or a work permit for another role and are already working in the country. Please note we are only able to sponsor candidates for a Skilled Worker Visa for roles that are eligible at the time of application.

Details
Date posted: 24 September 2026
Pay scheme: Agenda for change
Band: Band 5
Salary: £32,073 to £48,117 a year
Newly Qualified Orthoptists will be employed at Band 5
Contract: Permanent
Working pattern: Full-time, Flexible working
Reference number: 344-7647SAC
Job locations: Orthoptic Department, Kent and Canterbury Hospital, Ethelbert Road, Canterbury, CT1 3NG, United Kingdom

Job responsibilities
Please scroll down to access the full Job Description and Person Specification located in Documents to download.

If you have further queries please dont hesitate to contact the line manager using the contact details below.

Person Specification
Qualifications & Training
Essential

• Current HCPC registration.
• Orthoptic Degree or equivalent
• Evidence of continuing professional development

Desirable

• BIOS teaching course Formal teaching or preceptorship, mentoring qualification
• BIOS membership or separate Medical and Professional Liability Insurance

Clinical Skills & Experience
Essential

• Completed preceptorship training.
• Experience assessing a broad range of Orthoptic patients including complex patients.
• Demonstrable knowledge and experience of delivering high quality clinical care using enhanced skills in a broad range of orthoptic patients including complex patients aligned with the four pillars of practice.
• Ability to analyse & interpret clinical findings in order to plan and deliver the best treatment possible.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills.
• Excellent time management and organisational skills.
• IT skills relevant to digital healthcare and role .

Desirable

• Teaching and facilitation Skills.
• Enhanced role competencies
• Experience undertaking research .

Governance
Essential

• Awareness of professional issues and current Healthcare relating to Quality Governance, NICE, CQC and GIRFT.
• Awareness of quality governance, clinical effectiveness patient safety and patient experience tools to support clinical practice and service improvement.

Desirable

• Clinical Audit skills and experience relevant to role.

Personal & Professional Attributes
Essential

• Ability to work within a team to achieving goals and motivate others.
• Ability to work under pressure to problem solve, plan and prioritise care.
• Demonstrate knowledge of change management and impact.

Other Requirements
Essential

• Flexibility in working patterns to meet the needs of the service.
• Ability to travel independently to all sites in a timely manner.
• Commitment to equity and diversity Self-motivated, positive, adaptable and flexible approach.
• Upholds and role models the Trust values.

Disclosure and Barring Service Check
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.

Certificate of Sponsorship
Applications from job seekers who require current Skilled worker sponsorship to work in the UK are welcome and will be considered alongside all other applications. For further information visit the UK Visas and Immigration website (Opens in a new tab).

From 6 April 2017, skilled worker applicants, applying for entry clearance into the UK, have had to present a criminal record certificate from each country they have resided continuously or cumulatively for 12 months or more in the past 10 years. Adult dependants (over 18 years old) are also subject to this requirement. Guidance can be found here Criminal records checks for overseas applicants (Opens in a new tab).

UK Registration
Applicants must have current UK professional registration. For further information please see NHS Careers website (opens in a new window).

Employer details
Employer name: East Kent Hospitals University NHS Foundation Trust
Address: Orthoptic Department, Kent and Canterbury Hospital, Ethelbert Road, Canterbury, CT1 3NG, United Kingdom
Employer's website: https://www.ekhuft.nhs.uk/patients-and-visitors/ (Opens in a new tab)

Employer contact details
For questions about the job, contact:
Head Orthoptist
Charlotte Swoffer
charlotte.swoffer@nhs.net
01227868615

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.
Applications from job seekers who require current Skilled worker sponsorship to work in the UK are welcome and will be considered alongside all other applications. For further information visit the UK Visas and Immigration website (Opens in a new tab).
From 6 April 2017, skilled worker applicants, applying for entry clearance into the UK, have had to present a criminal record certificate from each country they have resided continuously or cumulatively for 12 months or more in the past 10 years. Adult dependants (over 18 years old) are also subject to this requirement. Guidance can be found here Criminal records checks for overseas applicants (Opens in a new tab).
Applicants must have current UK professional registration. For further information please see NHS Careers website (opens in a new window).