Role Summary
An exciting opportunity has arisen for a Band 4 Orthoptic Assistant Practitioner to join the Orthoptic Service at North Devon District Hospital. The post supports both the glaucoma monitoring service and the orthoptic-led vision screening programme for Reception-aged children across North Devon. Initially fixed term for 12 months, the role is expected to be renewed annually and offers excellent development opportunities within a friendly and supportive team.
About the Role
For more information on the Job Description and Responsibilities please click the link below.
More detail about the role
Orthoptic Department – North Devon District Hospital
This fixed-term post has become available as our current Assistant Practitioner embarks on the Orthoptic Degree Apprenticeship programme. Initially offered for 12 months, the position is expected to be renewed annually throughout the three-year apprenticeship, with the potential for a substantive opportunity in the future as the service continues to develop.
The successful candidate will be an integral member of our Orthoptic team, supporting both:
- Glaucoma Monitoring Service
- You will undertake delegated clinical assessments and diagnostic testing within our established glaucoma monitoring pathway, helping to ensure timely monitoring and follow-up for patients at risk of sight loss.
- Vision Screening Service
- You will help deliver orthoptic-led vision screening to Reception-aged children across North Devon, helping to identify visual problems at an early stage and ensuring children are referred promptly for assessment and treatment where required.
- The role includes both patient-facing and administrative responsibilities and will involve working across community and outpatient settings.
What we are looking for
We are seeking an enthusiastic, motivated and reliable individual who:
- Enjoys working directly with patients of all ages
- Has excellent communication and interpersonal skills
- Can work independently whilst also contributing positively to a team
- Has good organisational and administrative skills
- Is committed to delivering high-quality patient care
- Is able to travel throughout North Devon to support vision screening activities
This post is suitable for an existing Band 4 Assistant Practitioner or an individual who holds a relevant Level 5 Foundation Degree and is eligible to work at Assistant Practitioner level.
Previous experience in an ophthalmic, healthcare support, assistant practitioner or allied health professional role would be advantageous, although full competency training for the role will be provided.
Why join us?
This is an excellent opportunity to gain specialist experience within ophthalmology and orthoptics while working alongside a supportive and experienced team.
The post offers:
- A varied role across both adult and paediatric services
- Opportunity to develop clinical assessment skills
- Experience working within innovative allied health professional-led services
- Supportive supervision and ongoing training
- The possibility of longer-term employment opportunities within the service
Working for Royal Devon
Our Orthoptic Service delivers specialist care across North Devon and is committed to providing high-quality, patient-centred services. We pride ourselves on being a welcoming, supportive team that values development, innovation and continuous improvement.
If you are looking for a rewarding role that makes a real difference to patients' lives, we would love to hear from you.
Working Pattern: 37.5 hours per week
Interview Date: To Be Confirmed
For further information please contact: Susan Thorne, Head Orthoptist on 01271 322469 susanthorne@nhs.net
This is an internal vacancy for Royal Devon employees
This is a fixed term contract until 31/08/2027. For current NHS employees this post could be a secondment opportunity.
As an inclusive employer, the Royal Devon values diversity and is committed to creating a culture of inclusivity where everyone can be themselves and reach their full potential. We believe in fostering a sense of belonging and actively encourage applications from individuals of all backgrounds, cultures, and abilities. We recognise the advantages of having a diverse workforce that reflects the communities we serve.
Preference will be given to staff with ‘Priority’ and 'At Risk' status including NHS At Risk staff throughout Devon.
The Royal Devon University Healthcare NHS Foundation Trust reserves the right to close vacancy when sufficient applications have been received.
The Royal Devon University Healthcare NHS Foundation Trust was established in April 2022, bringing together the expertise of both the Royal Devon and Exeter NHS Foundation Trust and Northern Devon Healthcare NHS Trust.
About Us
Stretching across Northern, Eastern and Mid Devon, we have a workforce of over 15,000 staff, making us the largest employer in Devon. Our core services, which we provide to more than 615,000 people, cover more than 2,000 square miles across Devon, while some of our specialist services cover the whole of the peninsula, extending our reach as far as Cornwall and the Isles of Scilly.
We deliver a wide range of emergency, specialist and general medical services through North Devon District Hospital and the Royal Devon and Exeter Hospital (Wonford). Alongside our two acute hospitals, we provide integrated health and social care services across a variety of settings, including community inpatient hospitals, outpatient clinics, and within people’s own homes. We also offer primary care services, a range of specialist community services, and Sexual Assault Referral Centres (SARC).
Our state-of-the-art equipment, leading technologies and strong links to local universities put us at the forefront of research and innovations, enabling us to provide world-class care to our local communities.
Our values are at the heart of everything we do, click here to find out more
It has never been a more exciting time to join the Royal Devon, as you will help to shape our services as we continue along our integration journey.
Benefits
Looking after you is important to us.
We strive to help our staff create a healthy work-life balance through flexible working schemes and our family friendly policies.
If you are starting out in the NHS, you’ll start with 27 days paid annual leave (plus bank holidays), rising to 33 days plus bank holidays.
You will benefit from access to our own comprehensive occupational health services, including counselling, onsite wellbeing activities and groups.
We will work together to maintain a culture that develops and supports you and your team.
This might include funding for a care certificate, a degree or leadership qualifications. Or it might include days off to study, engage in CPD or rotational placements to help you hone your skills. Wherever you are heading in the NHS, we will help you get there.
Salary is not the only financial benefit
You will have access to an extensive range of staff discounts on shopping, fitness and leisure options and you can spread the cost of technology and home appliance purchases from major retailers. You will also have access to other benefits including:
- National discount services such as the Blue Light Card and Health Service Discounts.
- Salary sacrifice options including our OFSTED rated outstanding nursery onsite at Exeter
- Car lease schemes.
- The NHS Pension scheme (one of the most generous and comprehensive in the UK).
- Cycle to work scheme
These are just a few of the benefits available – if the role is something you are interested in, we would love to hear from you.
