Role Summary
Are you qualifying as an Orthoptist this year and looking for a supportive team where you can increase your skills and experience? Or an experienced Orthoptist ready for a new challenge working at an innovative trust? Join our nurturing and dynamic team based at the West of England Eye Unit in Exeter where you’ll find everything you need to thrive in your career.
You’ll enjoy a varied caseload working in core and specialist orthoptic clinics at an acute hospital and across community sites. We offer the BIOS and our Trust preceptorship programmes, clinical supervision, mentoring, specialist skill development and funded training.
Be part of an NHS trust that truly values and cares for its team. Plus, enjoy a great work-life balance surrounded by Devon's stunning coastlines, breath taking National Parks, and lively cities.
About the Role
For more information on the Job Description and Responsibilities please click the link below.
More detail about the role
As an Orthoptist at the West of England Eye Centre you will have a varied caseload, working in our core orthoptic clinics and have opportunities to work in wide range of specialist consultant services. These include Paediatric ophthalmology, Neuro ophthalmology, Thyroid clinic, and Ocular motility. We are also the regional centre for paediatric cataract surgery.
With diverse specialties and hands-on involvement in emergency cases, this role provides an exceptional foundation to expand your skills, experience, and knowledge - empowering you to build a rewarding Orthoptic career where you make a difference.
Requirements of the role.
You will be:
- registered with the HCPC or
- previously registered with the HCPC and happy to complete our Return to Practice Programme
- be able to travel to community clinics as required
About the team
We are a forward-thinking, supportive team providing excellent care for our patients. We consist of 8 Orthoptists (including advanced orthoptists in neuro ophthalmology, Paediatrics, special educational needs and macular) 1 orthoptic assistant, 17 Ophthalmologists and 6 Optometrists.
Why join us?
Preceptorship and Support It’s important to us for you to enjoy your first Orthoptist role. We know that it can feel a little daunting starting your career. That’s why we offer both BIOS and Trust Preceptorship programmes, supervision, mentoring, development and opportunities.
Return to Practice applications are also welcome from professionals who have been previously registered as an Orthoptist with the HCPC. With team members who have recently gained their re-registration, we’re experienced at guiding you through the process and supporting you to build your clinical hours.
Training and development opportunities are in high supply here. Whether you are interested in clinical or leadership development courses, we'll support you in finding the best way to grow. We actively encourage CPD and you will have an opportunity to spend time with our range of specialists as part of your CPD.
Innovation is central at the Royal Devon, we were the first trust in the UK to use our electronic record in the community. The team are leading the way with new advancements in technology and training – in fact one of the team is among the first five Orthoptists in the country to gain an Advanced Clinical Practice Masters Degree in Paediatric Ophthalmology.
A healthy work-life balance is essential and Devon is a great place to enjoy it. The working hours for this role are condensed over four days, providing patients with a greater range of clinic times and you with free time.
We have a flexible working policy that we are happy to discuss to establish suitable options for you and the department.
A great place to live and work - Exeter is a vibrant university city with lots of recreational opportunities and direct train links to London and the north.
We are near to two National Parks – Dartmoor and Exmoor, and beautiful world-class beaches enabling a fantastic lifestyle. Don’t just take our word for it, the Telegraph continues to rank Devon as the best county in England, scoring highly for natural wonders, history and culture in their readers poll.
Working Pattern: 37.5 hours per week condensed over 4 days. This equates to 3 days of 9.5 hours and one day of 9 hours. Part-time hours will be considered.
Interview Date: Provisionally 20th June 2025- subject to change. It may be possible to reimburse reasonable travel expenses for interview - to be confirmed.
For Further Information Please Contact: Laura Doucas, Head Orthoptist on 01392 406031 or laura.doucas@nhs.net
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.
