Specialist Orthoptist
Job Description
Job summary
Maternity Cover | 7 Months | Part Time | The role may be based at Sheffield Children's Hospital or another Trust site | Proposed interview date 26th August 2026
We are seeking a Specialist Orthoptist to support our orthoptic and optometry triage clinics, delivering high-quality orthoptic assessment and treatment, including intraocular pressure measurements (iCare/Tonopen training provided).
You will bring paediatric experience, excellent communication skills, and a strong commitment to child- and family-centred care.
This is an exciting opportunity to join our supportive, forward-thinking Ophthalmology Team, providing paediatric eye care across Sheffield and the wider region. We are looking for a compassionate, accountable professional who upholds our Trust values and champions equality, diversity and inclusion.
About You
- Registered as an Orthoptist with HCPC and have had a period of post qualification experience to be able to meet the standards expected at Band 6 as a Specialist Orthoptist.
- This is not suited to a newly qualified orthoptist with less than 12 months experience.
- You will be a compassionate, accountable individual who treats all colleagues, patients and service users with respect and seeks to deliver excellence in their role.
Main duties of the job
Reporting into the Head Orthoptist, your responsibilities will include:
- Deliver orthoptic assessment and treatment in triage and specialist clinics
- Perform intraocular pressure measurements (iCare or Tonopen) Conduct ward-based patient assessments
- Perform school entry vision screening after a suitable period of induction and peer support
- Support undergraduate orthoptic student placements
- Work with other paediatric specialities within the Trust
- Contribute to ongoing service development and patient-centred care
- We're a fantastic, supportive team that values collaboration, innovation, and kindness.
About us
At Sheffield Children's, our purpose is clear: to provide healthier futures for children and young people. Our three strategic aims are Outstanding Patient Care, Brilliant Place to Work, and Leaders in Children's Health.
We work with partners across local, regional, and national levels to deliver physical and mental healthcare in both acute and community settings. Many of our clinicians are nationally and internationally recognised for their expertise.
We're proud that 73% of colleagues would recommend Sheffield Children's as a place to work, placing us among the top five NHS trusts in England -- and the top-ranked trust in the North East and Yorkshire -- in the latest NHS Staff Survey.
Our nearly 4,000 colleagues bring our CARE values -- Compassion, Accountability, Respect, and Excellence -- to life every day, creating a kind, welcoming environment where patients and families feel safe and supported.
As we approach our 150th anniversary in 2026, we're excited to keep building our leadership in children's health, improve experiences for patients and staff, and focus on our communities and population health.
We also offer excellent benefits to support your wellbeing, with generous annual leave and pension schemes, health and wellbeing programmes, and exclusive discounts -- helping you thrive at work and beyond.
Job responsibilities
For more information on the main responsibilities for this post, please refer to the job description and person specification.
** This role has been assigned the occupation code 2229 using the CASCOT coding tool. To check the eligibility of this code for sponsorship and right to work please visit - UKVI web address https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/skilled-worker-visa-eligible-occupations/skilled-worker-visa-eligible-occupations-and-codes
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Diversity Statement
At Sheffield Childrens, we are committed to creating an inclusive environment that celebrates diversity and supports everyones success. We prioritise Equality, Diversity, and Inclusion in our recruitment practices, creating a welcoming space for people of all backgrounds, including ethnic minorities, individuals with disabilities, and LGBTQ+ members.
Recognising that inclusivity is an ongoing effort, we review our processes and welcome feedback to enhance our practices. A diverse team strengthens our organisation and the quality of care we deliver. For ideas on how we can improve, please contact our Recruitment Manager at [email protected]. Together, were building a workplace where everyone belongs.
Person Specification
Qualifications
Essential
- BMedSci /BSc in Orthoptics or DBO in Orthoptics and Registration with HCPC as an Orthoptist
- Evidence of continuing professional development
Desirable
- BIOS membership
- Teaching qualification or willingness to undertake clinical supervision of Orthoptic undergraduates on placement
Experience
Essential
- Greater than 1 year's full time clinical experience in paediatric assessment and treatment
Desirable
- Special needs - developmental, visually impaired, hearing impaired, other medical conditions
- Research or audit experience or willing to pursue if opportunity available
- Vision screening or extended roles experience
Knowledeg and skills
Essential
- Assessment of young children
- Good communication skills - verbal and written - with parents, staff and medical colleagues
Desirable
- Ability to take responsibility for designated tasks
- Admin skills - dealing with glasses prescription queries/arranging eye drops at home/atropine prescriptions
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
Sheffield Children's NHS Foundation Trust
Address
Sheffield Children's Hospital Eye Department
Western Bank
Sheffield
S10 2TH
United Kingdom
