Freeman Hospital
Advanced Orthoptist – Freeman Hospital
Band 7 – Newcastle Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust is one of the busiest and largest NHS hospital trusts in the country. With approximately 16,000 staff and an annual budget of £1.7 billion, the Trust provides high‑quality care, clinical excellence, research and innovation across a wide range of services which include neuro‑ophthalmology and emergency eye care.
Job Overview An excellent opportunity has arisen for a clinical Orthoptist with extensive postgraduate experience to join our expanding Neuro‑Ophthalmology and Emergency Eye Service. The role will work closely with existing consultants and non‑medical practitioners to manage acute and stable neuro‑ophthalmology patients as well as those accessing the emergency eye department and stroke services. Clinical work will be undertaken in both the emergency eye care and outpatient settings, with regular multi‑disciplinary team meetings and a strong emphasis on the education and development of orthoptists, medical staff and the wider team within the department.
Main Responsibilities
Provide evidence‑based care to patients in the specialised area of neuro‑ophthalmology.
Coordinate patient care and negotiate treatment options in partnership with other health‑care professionals.
Lead the delivery of a planned specialised programme of care, ensuring the highest standards of patient safety.
Oversee and contribute to the design and implementation of new patient pathways within the service.
Develop and deliver postgraduate training for Orthoptic undergrads, pre‑registration optometrists, nursing staff and junior medical staff preparing for the Royal College of Ophthalmologists exams.
Participate in clinical audits, research projects and the presentation of research findings locally and nationally.
Act autonomously within a wide and complex caseload and work effectively with all members of the ophthalmology team.
Qualifications & Education
Degree in Orthoptics or Diploma of the British Orthoptic Council (DBO).
State registration with the Health and Care Professions Council (HCPC).
Extensive postgraduate or equivalent specialist study/experience at Masters level, including senior‑level experience in neuro‑ophthalmology or related specialities.
Meets professional body requirements for mentorship, if relevant to the role.
Recognised teaching qualification or evidence of leading education or training programmes (desirable).
Driving licence (desirable).
Membership of the British and Irish Orthoptic Society (desirable).
Experience in OCT and visual fields interpretation, slit‑lamp examination and fundoscopy (desirable).
Management experience or qualification (desirable).
Knowledge & Experience
Evidence of continuous professional development in orthoptic subspecialties such as neuro‑ophthalmology, thyroid, neonatal, genetics.
Experience of research methodology and clinical audit.
Knowledge of relevant NHS policy and project‑specific policy context.
Attended short courses and conferences to develop a body of knowledge in specialist practice.
Independent practitioner (desired).
Skills & Abilities
Effective organisational, time‑management and IT skills.
Ability to work independently and across disciplines as part of a multi‑disciplinary team.
Good interpersonal and communication skills.
Commitment to Equality, Diversity & Inclusion The Trust is committed to promoting equality and diversity and recognises the benefits of an inclusive environment. The workforce should reflect the communities served, with a particular focus on recruiting people from under‑represented groups.
Flexibility Flexible working arrangements may be considered where it is appropriate for the service and the employee, subject to the needs of the Trust.
Employment Details
Seniority level: Mid‑Senior level
Employment type: Full‑time
Job function: Health Care Provider
Industries: Hospitals and Health Care
Hours: 37 hrs 30 mins per week
Application deadline: 4 weeks following closing date
Interview & Application Process Interview date: Wednesday 28 January 2026. Applicants should read the full job details before applying. Please expand the job details section and read all of the information before applying for the vacancy.
Applications must be completed online. When completing the reference section, provide the address, telephone number and work email of each of your current or previous line managers covering the past three years. Failure to do so may result in the application not being processed.
Contact Name: Kate Taylor Job title: Deputy Head Orthoptist Email: Kate.taylor5@nhs.net Telephone: 0191 282 4929
Documents to Download
JD & PS (PDF, 157.8 KB)
Newcastle Staff Benefits (PDF, 274.4 KB)
Behaviour and Civility Charter (PDF, 93.8 KB)
Legal & Compliance Applicants who are shortlisted for interview will be contacted by e‑mail. If you have not been contacted within 4 weeks of the closing date, assume your application has been unsuccessful. The role is subject to the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act 1974 (Exceptions) Order 1975 (Amendment) (England and Wales) Order 2020 and requires Disclosure to the Disclosure and Barring Service. Database security and DBS certification costs will be deducted from the first month’s salary for successful candidates.
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Job Overview An excellent opportunity has arisen for a clinical Orthoptist with extensive postgraduate experience to join our expanding Neuro‑Ophthalmology and Emergency Eye Service. The role will work closely with existing consultants and non‑medical practitioners to manage acute and stable neuro‑ophthalmology patients as well as those accessing the emergency eye department and stroke services. Clinical work will be undertaken in both the emergency eye care and outpatient settings, with regular multi‑disciplinary team meetings and a strong emphasis on the education and development of orthoptists, medical staff and the wider team within the department.
Main Responsibilities
Provide evidence‑based care to patients in the specialised area of neuro‑ophthalmology.
Coordinate patient care and negotiate treatment options in partnership with other health‑care professionals.
Lead the delivery of a planned specialised programme of care, ensuring the highest standards of patient safety.
Oversee and contribute to the design and implementation of new patient pathways within the service.
Develop and deliver postgraduate training for Orthoptic undergrads, pre‑registration optometrists, nursing staff and junior medical staff preparing for the Royal College of Ophthalmologists exams.
Participate in clinical audits, research projects and the presentation of research findings locally and nationally.
Act autonomously within a wide and complex caseload and work effectively with all members of the ophthalmology team.
Qualifications & Education
Degree in Orthoptics or Diploma of the British Orthoptic Council (DBO).
State registration with the Health and Care Professions Council (HCPC).
Extensive postgraduate or equivalent specialist study/experience at Masters level, including senior‑level experience in neuro‑ophthalmology or related specialities.
Meets professional body requirements for mentorship, if relevant to the role.
Recognised teaching qualification or evidence of leading education or training programmes (desirable).
Driving licence (desirable).
Membership of the British and Irish Orthoptic Society (desirable).
Experience in OCT and visual fields interpretation, slit‑lamp examination and fundoscopy (desirable).
Management experience or qualification (desirable).
Knowledge & Experience
Evidence of continuous professional development in orthoptic subspecialties such as neuro‑ophthalmology, thyroid, neonatal, genetics.
Experience of research methodology and clinical audit.
Knowledge of relevant NHS policy and project‑specific policy context.
Attended short courses and conferences to develop a body of knowledge in specialist practice.
Independent practitioner (desired).
Skills & Abilities
Effective organisational, time‑management and IT skills.
Ability to work independently and across disciplines as part of a multi‑disciplinary team.
Good interpersonal and communication skills.
Commitment to Equality, Diversity & Inclusion The Trust is committed to promoting equality and diversity and recognises the benefits of an inclusive environment. The workforce should reflect the communities served, with a particular focus on recruiting people from under‑represented groups.
Flexibility Flexible working arrangements may be considered where it is appropriate for the service and the employee, subject to the needs of the Trust.
Employment Details
Seniority level: Mid‑Senior level
Employment type: Full‑time
Job function: Health Care Provider
Industries: Hospitals and Health Care
Hours: 37 hrs 30 mins per week
Application deadline: 4 weeks following closing date
Interview & Application Process Interview date: Wednesday 28 January 2026. Applicants should read the full job details before applying. Please expand the job details section and read all of the information before applying for the vacancy.
Applications must be completed online. When completing the reference section, provide the address, telephone number and work email of each of your current or previous line managers covering the past three years. Failure to do so may result in the application not being processed.
Contact Name: Kate Taylor Job title: Deputy Head Orthoptist Email: Kate.taylor5@nhs.net Telephone: 0191 282 4929
Documents to Download
JD & PS (PDF, 157.8 KB)
Newcastle Staff Benefits (PDF, 274.4 KB)
Behaviour and Civility Charter (PDF, 93.8 KB)
Legal & Compliance Applicants who are shortlisted for interview will be contacted by e‑mail. If you have not been contacted within 4 weeks of the closing date, assume your application has been unsuccessful. The role is subject to the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act 1974 (Exceptions) Order 1975 (Amendment) (England and Wales) Order 2020 and requires Disclosure to the Disclosure and Barring Service. Database security and DBS certification costs will be deducted from the first month’s salary for successful candidates.
#J-18808-Ljbffr