Here at Portsmouth Hospitals University NHS Trust, we are proud to provide expert, compassionate care for our local population. We are ranked as the third in the country for research, embedding education and training across the organisation. Our main hub is the Queen Alexandra Hospital, which is one of the largest hospitals on the south coast employing over 8,700 staff.

Our patients come from all walks of life and so do we. We hire great people from a wide variety of backgrounds because it makes our hospital stronger. If you share our values and our enthusiasm for getting it right for patients, colleagues, and our community, you will find a home at Portsmouth Hospitals University NHS Trust.

Band 4 - £15,918 - £17,468 pro rata'd

Permanent, part-time role - 22.5 hours per week

This post is only open for applications for individuals employed within the Hampshire and Isle of Wight NHS Care System

Organisations within scope are as follows:

• Hampshire and Isle of Wight Integrated Care Board
• Southern Health Foundation Trust
• Portsmouth Hospitals University NHS Trust
• University Hospital Southampton
• Solent NHS Trust
• South Central Ambulance Service
• Isle of Wight NHS Trust
• Hampshire Hospitals

Are you looking to enhance or change your career? Are you a self-motivated, dynamic individual? Do you enjoy working with children and members of the public? 

If so, become an orthoptic assistant and join us in the orthoptic and ophthalmology department at Queen Alexandra Hospital, Portsmouth.

You will be providing clinical assessments in vision testing for both adult and paediatric patients, colour vision, ophthalmic imaging, virtual neuro-ophthalmic clinics, working within specific clinic protocols and guided by the Orthoptic team. You will be supporting the Orthoptic team with some administrative duties including the monitoring and ordering of stock. 

You must be able to work both independently and as part of a team. Some Saturday working may be required.

Full training will be provided and there maybe future opportunities for further professional development due to the ongoing development of a national Orthoptic Apprenticeship programme.

Job Summary

• The Orthoptic Assistant will form an integral part of the multidisciplinary team approach in the assessment and management of children’s and adults eye care.  They will support the orthoptic team in the testing of children and adult visual acuities.  Training will be provided to the successful candidate.

• The Orthoptic Assistant will work closely with the Orthoptists, Ophthalmologists and Optometrists to ensure accurate visual acuities are obtained and to aid the smooth running of the ophthalmology clinics and patient treatment pathways.

• The post holder will work independently within the remit of the role but under the guidance and supervision of the orthoptists and ophthalmology team.

Essential

• GCSE level education grade C and above or equivalent.
• Evidence of further study, courses related to healthcare e.g. NVQ 3 level or equivalent plus knowledge of specific patient conditions, forms of therapy, acquired through training, experience.

Desirable

• Experience of working in an Eye department
• Healthcare experience.
• Further education qualifications.
• NVQ level 4.

Skills and Knowledge

Essential

• Ability to gain children’s confidence and a good rapport within a clinical setting.
• Ability to discuss and assess patients concerns and needs.
• Awareness of boundaries when working and the need to seek advice and discuss as appropriate.
• Ability to plan and organise.
• Ability to work as part of a multidisciplinary team.
• Ability to work in a demanding environment and adapt to change in working practices to meet the needs of the service.
• Effective communication skills – both written and verbal/nonverbal.
• Ability to put patients at ease.
• Ability to demonstrate initiative and prioritise work efficiently within scope of practice.
• Attention to detail in aiding completion of audit and data collection.
• Standard keyboard skills

Desirable

• Familiar with Trust electronic patient record system, Openeyes.
• Willingness to attend courses or workshops relevant to the post.
• Participation in clinical supervision or self-reflection.

Experience

Essential

• Relevant health or social care experience at AFC Band 3 or equivalent.
• Minimum of 2 years working within a healthcare/social care setting.
• Experience of working with the public.
• Experience of working with children.
• Good inter-personal skills.
• Ability to work effectively in a team.
• Ability to work flexibly, including evening and weekends.
• Experience of multi-professional working.

Desirable

• Experience of discussing patient concerns and needs.
• Knowledge of relevant eye terminology.
• Experience in coordinating a patient workload.

The health and wellbeing of our staff is at the forefront of everything we do. We are proud to be able to offer our staff some fantastic benefits including our on-site Nursery, access to our free Beach Hut for those long summer days, our on-site Wellness Centre including a gym and a swimming pool, access to our fantastic staff networks including LGBTQ, Race Equality and DisAbility, and awards ceremonies to recognise your achievements. We believe we can offer support to all of our staff when they need it the most.

Onsite gym and swimming pool

Access to Trust Beach Hut

We welcome the unique contributions that you can bring in terms of your education, opinions, culture, ethnicity, race, sex, gender identity and expression, nation of origin, age, languages spoken, veteran’s status, colour, religion, disability, sexual orientation, and beliefs.