Orthoptist - Preceptorship
Job summary
We are very 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. With access to Dartmoor, local beaches and woodlands, Torbay and South Devon is picturesque and tranquil. There are plenty of opportunities to enjoy South Devon life in leisure time, including peaceful walks or taking up a new sport, whilst also being part of a supportive multi-disciplinary 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 job is an excellent opportunity for an Orthoptist wanting to gain experience working with a busy but dynamic team.

As a department we recognise that individual job satisfaction and achieving a healthy work/life balance is vital to maintaining a successful Orthoptic and Optometry team for the future, so please do come and look round and discuss how this role would suit you best.
Main duties of the job

• To provide a comprehensive and high quality Orthoptic service for patients referred to the Ophthalmology department.
• To be able to practice independently to ensure that each patient is seen professionally, efficiently, effectively and with a high standard of care. To work as part of a multidisciplinary team to assess patients, as inpatients or outpatients, from other specialisms.
• To use advanced clinical reasoning to administer suitable tests and form diagnoses. Also make judgements involving complicated facts to create a unique, evidence based treatment plan and gain informed consent.
• To assess patients pre-operatively and provide measurements on which surgery for ocular motility problems may be based.
• To instil dilating and cycloplegic drops for ophthalmic investigation in accordance with the medical exemptions and/or patient group direction in line with Trust drug policy.
• To 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
• To be involved in, and contribute to, departmental clinical audit of issues.
• To attend an appraisal at least annually and to keep an updated professional personal development portfolio. To participate in mentorship programme and reflective practice.
• To contribute to the general running of the Orthoptic department.

About us
Why Work With Us

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

Glaucoma
Medical retina
Diabetic retina
Cornea and anterior segment
Paediatric Ophthalmology
Stroke
Adults and Children with Learning difficulties
Low vision
Contact lens
Marfan's screening
Keratoconus / ectasia virtual monitoring

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 which is surrounded by stunning coast and countryside. We are famous for our award-winning beaches and vast countryside waiting for you to explore. The cities of Exeter and Plymouth are also close by with access to all major cities via excellent rail links. Opportunities for outdoor activities both on and off the water abound, with easy access to the neighbouring centres of Plymouth and Exeter.

Details
Date posted: 16 July 2026
Pay scheme: Agenda for change
Band: Band 5
Salary: Depending on experience
Contract: Permanent
Working pattern: Full-time
Reference number: 388-8110480-PC&S
Job locations: Torbay Hospital, Newton Rd, Torquay, TQ2 7AA, United Kingdom

Job responsibilities
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.

Person Specification
Education & Qualifications
Essential

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

Experience
Essential

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

Skills
Essential

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

Desirable

• Research awareness

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: Torbay and South Devon NHS Foundation Trust
Address: Torbay Hospital, Newton Rd, Torquay, TQ2 7AA, United Kingdom
Employer's website: https://www.torbayandsouthdevon.nhs.uk (Opens in a new tab)

For questions about the job, contact:
Head of Orthoptics and Optometry
Katrina Farmer
tsdft.headorthopticsoptometry@nhs.net
01803656926