Specialist Orthoptist

To take responsibility as an autonomous practitioner for the orthoptic assessment, diagnosis and treatment of all patients referred to the service from various specialities. This takes place mainly, though not solely, in an outpatient setting. To formulate and monitor individual management and treatment plans for patients of all ages using advanced clinical reasoning and to communicate these effectively with the patient, parent or carer to gain informed consent. This includes children and adults with communication and learning difficulties as well as ocular motility and visual defects. To initiate treatment and management of squint and amblyopia using individual treatment plans. This includes treating infants and children with significant sight problems and requires a considerable degree of empathy and family support. Communication may be difficult with many patients, either due to language or other comprehension barriers. To assess patients referred from other specialties and departments e.g., neurology, maxillo facial, paediatrics, eye casualty and using specialist knowledge formulate an accurate diagnosis and future programme of care, including advice to medical colleagues. This group of patients often have complex medical conditions, congenital or developmental abnormalities, as well as acute ocular motility defects. To instil Prescription Only Medicine eye drops according to departmental Patient Group Directions. This will include very young babies and young children as well as adults. To undertake orthoptic/optometry combined care clinics, taking direct referrals and then from the results of assessment make diagnoses and clinical management decisions, to include referral to consultant clinics or discharge. To undertake pre and post-operative measurements of ocular motility defects, on which to base the timing and type of operation, and to discuss surgical options with the ophthalmic surgeon. To carry out roles in the department of ophthalmology consistent with the extended role of the orthoptist, using specialist knowledge of refraction and binocular vision as well as ocular and neuro anatomy and physiology. To assist with visual field clinics as necessary using the Humphrey automated perimeter and manual Goldmann as required. To undertake biometry and assessment of patients in two stop cataract clinics or pre assessment clinics To maintain accurate, detailed clinical records, in either electronic form or hand written in accordance with departmental policy, of all patients seen.