Deputy Head Orthoptist / Operational Lead Orthoptist

Job Summary
An exciting opportunity has arisen for an experienced, motivated Orthoptist to join our team as a Deputy Head Orthoptist . The Orthoptic team at UHDB is a team of Orthoptists, Diagnostic Ophthalmic technicians, Optometrists and Orthoptic administrators working across the Burton and Derbyshire sites who have recently been recognized in the UHDB Cultural Trail Blazer as one of the top 2 high performing teams for People Experience within the Surgery business unit. These results have been measured using the annual staff survey along with appraisal metrics, sickness rates and mandatory training compliance. The successful post holder will deputise and provide support for the Head Orthoptist and will be based at the Burton sites to include Queens hospital Burton, Sir Robert Peel Hospital Tamworth and Samuel Johnson community Hospital Lichfield.

Main duties of the job
Undertaking highly skilled clinical duties and direct patient care as an highly experienced Orthoptist. As part of your clinical role you will have a varied caseload of paediatric and adult motility and Orthoptic/Optometry led shared care clinics for amblyopia and strabismus. You will also provide Orthoptic support to Eye Casualty, Neurology and Maxillo-Facial departments. The Orthoptic service also provides paediatric low vision services, paediatric special needs services, visual processing clinics and adult stroke services. Providing professional support and guidance to clinical staff in all areas of Orthoptic clinical care and provision, including complex care. Day-to-day management and leadership of a clinical team of Orthoptists and Diagnostic Ophthalmic Technicians. Including tasks such as rota management, absence management, personal development, resolving daily problems in the service and all types of line management. Working with other leaders in Orthoptics, Optometry, Ophthalmology and other specialities within our organisation and partner organisations to help coordinate, lead and drive the Orthoptic and diagnostic service forward to meet the future needs of our local population and deliver service improvements. Closing date of applications: 30 July 2026
Date of interview: 14 August 2026

About us
As a trusted organisation at the heart of our communities, we recognise the important role we can play in supporting the public, patients, our own people and local partners in achieving the best of health for the local population and the communities in which they live by providing Exceptional Care Together. Our fundamental Values of Compassion, Openness and Excellence underpin how we intend to work as a Trust and the associated behaviours are becoming embedded in all aspects of how we work.

Job Responsibilities
This post combines highly specialist clinical skills with the day-to-day management of the service and is an ideal promotional opportunity for a motivated and aspiring Orthoptist currently undertaking leadership responsibilities who wishes to progress their leadership skills further whilst continuing to use embedded highly specialist clinical skills in both paediatric and adult Orthoptic assessment. The successful post holder will play a key part in the delivery and ongoing development of a highquality Orthoptic service providing both clinical and operational leadership to the Orthoptic and Ophthalmic Technician teams and work collaboratively with other Ophthalmology leaders and clinicians including the Deputy Head Orthoptist based at the Derbyshire sites to achieve shared goals for Orthoptics and Ophthalmology and to ensure safe, effective, and patientcentred care. They will be involved in the current service developments within Ophthalmology and the wider Trust, including the implementation of Nervecentre EPR and Medisight, and will also be a key contributor to the implementation of high-volume Ophthalmology diagnostic lanes for glaucoma and medical retina which are due to be implemented in the autumn. The successful candidate will bring current experience of supporting colleagues in their daytoday roles, demonstrate the Trust values of Compassion, Excellence and Openness, provide compassionate care, inclusive leadership, and support with professional development within the teams. Experience of Ophthalmic diagnostic testing is advantageous as the successful post holder will provide leadership support to the Lead Diagnostic Ophthalmic Technician and the Ophthalmic Technician team. We welcome applications from individuals who value inclusive leadership, teamwork, and continuous improvement.

Person Specification
Knowledge and Experience

• Significant clinical experience
• Experience of leading a team at a senior clinical level
• Current Leadership, organisational and negotiating skills.

Desirable

• Teaching qualification recognised by the Health Professions Council

Education and Training

• Degree or diploma in Orthoptics
• Registration with Health and Care Professions Council,

Leadership

• Masters qualification in Healthcare Leadership or equivalent training/experience

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.

UK Registration
Applicants must have current UK professional registration. For further information please see NHS Careers website (opens in a new window).

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.