Job summary
An exciting opportunity has arisen for an experienced Band 7 Orthoptist to lead the inpatient and outpatient Orthoptic Stroke Service at Kingston and Richmond NHS Foundation Trust.

The Royal Eye Unit at Kingston Hospital is a large, modern ophthalmology department providing a comprehensive range of specialist services. The department comprises 16 Consultant Ophthalmologists, an Acute Referral Clinic and a dedicated imaging team, offering a varied and rewarding caseload.

The successful candidate will join a supportive multidisciplinary team of Orthoptists, Optometrists and Consultant Ophthalmologists. You will play a key role in the delivery, development and continual improvement of the Orthoptic Stroke Service, working closely with the wider stroke multidisciplinary team across both inpatient and outpatient settings.

In addition to providing highly specialised clinical care, you will contribute to service development, quality improvement initiatives, clinical audit, teaching and training.

You will act as Clinical Tutor for Orthoptic students, supporting their clinical education and development, and will share responsibility for deputising for the Head Orthoptist when required.

Main duties of the job

• To assess, diagnose and develop treatment plans for children and adults presenting to the Orthoptic Department, in accordance with the professional standards and guidelines of the British and Irish Orthoptic Society (BIOS).
• To work autonomously while also contributing as an integral member of the multidisciplinary team.
• To support Consultant Ophthalmologists by undertaking comprehensive orthoptic assessments of patients before and after squint surgery and Botulinum Toxin treatment.
• To lead the Orthoptic Stroke Service across inpatient and outpatient settings, providing specialist expertise and supporting colleagues in the assessment and management of patients with visual difficulties following stroke.
• To support the education, training and development of undergraduate Orthoptic students in the role of Clinical Tutor, and to contribute to the teaching and development of other healthcare professionals and students.
• To act as a mentor and role model for junior members of staff, providing professional support, supervision and guidance as required.
• To contribute to service development, clinical audit, quality improvement and governance activities within the department.
• To deputise for the Head Orthoptist when required, supporting the operational leadership and management of the Orthoptic Service.
• To prioritise and triage electronic referrals to the paediatric and adult motility services, including referrals from the Acute Referral Clinic.

About us
Development and staff wellbeing
Your growth and happiness matters to us. After all, we can't expect the best from you if we don't invest in your development and nurture your wellbeing. From the moment you join us, we're committed to fostering your professional and personal development within a supportive, empowering environment. Whether you're just starting your career or looking to advance further, we provide you with the tools and opportunities you need to succeed. We actively support colleagues to take part in research, quality improvement and innovation, whatever their role or level in the organisation.

To support your wellbeing, we offer an extensive range of resources, including an on-site staff nursery at Kingston Hospital, wellbeing practitioners, wellbeing classes, dedicated staff physiotherapist, comprehensive occupational health services, 24/7 employee assistance programme, and a range of other support and activities.

We also take every opportunity to thank and recognise the work our teams do, through weekly 'shoutouts' and patient feedback, monthly and annual awards.

Wherever you work across our organisation, we look forward to welcoming you.

Details
Date posted: 16 September 2026
Pay scheme: Agenda for change
Band: Band 7
Salary: £55,524 to £62,652 a year
Pro rata, pa, incl. HCAS
Contract: Permanent
Working pattern: Full-time,
Compressed hours
Reference number: 396-8190014-DE-GV
Job locations: Kingston Hospital
Galsworthy Road
Kingston upon Thames
KT2 7QB
United Kingdom

Job description
Job responsibilities
***Please see the attached supporting document/s (JD) which contains more information about the role in the job description and person specification***

NB: ensure any supporting statements align with the job description and person specification, as your application will be assessed against these criteria.

Person Specification
Education/Qualifications
Essential

• Degree or Diploma of the British and Irish Orthoptic Society
• State registration with the HCPC
• Clinical tutor qualification
• Competencies in Stroke (STARS)

Desirable

• Leadership/managerial qualification
• Member of the British and Irish Orthoptic Society

Experience
Essential

• To have significant post graduate Orthoptic experience
• Clinical teaching experience
• Previous experience of working with stroke patients
• Experience of working in single handed clinics
• Experience of working with patients with additional needs
• Experience of working in specialist ocular motility clinics using adjustable sutures and botulinum toxin procedures, paediatric clinics and neurology clinics
• Experience in research and audit

Desirable

• Managerial/leadership experience
• Experience of prioritising referrals

Skills
Essential

• Excellent organisational and time management skills, with the ability to prioritise workload
• Excellent communication skills both verbal and written
• Enthusiastic, friendly and flexible approach to work
• Ability to communicate with tact, sensitivity and empathy when caring for patients with a wide range of needs, including elderly, anxious and vulnerable individuals.
• Good IT skills
• Able to work efficiently under pressure for long periods in a busy environment with interruptions
• Active involvement in teaching
• Available to work on or off site as requested by the trust during designated clinic times
• Ability to work as a team and show initiative

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.

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: Kingston and Richmond NHS Foundation Trust
Address: Kingston Hospital
Galsworthy Road
Kingston upon Thames
KT2 7QB
United Kingdom
Employer's website: https://www.kingstonandrichmond.nhs.uk/ (Opens in a new tab)

Employer contact details
For questions about the job, contact:
Head Orthoptist
Laura Copeland
laura.copeland2@nhs.net
02089346404

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.
Applicants must have current UK professional registration.