Orthoptist with certificate of sponsorship to the UK
Important Visa Information
This position includes a certificate of sponsorship for eligible international applicants. However, all candidates must verify their visa eligibility requirements directly with the employer before applying. The certificate of sponsorship does not guarantee visa approval, and applicants may need to meet additional requirements set by UK Visas and Immigration.
Job Details
Company: West Suffolk NHS Foundation Trust
Location: West Suffolk Hospital, Hardwick lane, Bury St Edmunds, IP33 2QZ
Job Title: Orthoptist
Employment Type: Permanent
Work Schedule: Full-time with flexible working arrangements
Salary: Depending on experience (Band 5-7 on Agenda for Change pay scale)
Application Deadline: 18 March 2026
Reference Number: 179-7599665-S-B
Language: English
About the Role
We are seeking an ambitious, self-motivated Orthoptist to join our friendly orthoptic department at West Suffolk NHS Foundation Trust. This is an excellent opportunity for newly qualified orthoptists as well as individuals with limited experience, as we offer structured training and development to support progression and achievement of the full extended role.
Key Responsibilities
The caseload is varied and will include core orthoptic services, adult ocular motility clinics, and paediatric clinics linked with ophthalmologists. You’ll also be involved in refraction clinics linked to optometrists and orthoptic-led sessions. There will be support and encouragement to develop skills in an extended role as you progress.
Band Expectations
Depending on experience and demonstrated competence, candidates may be appointed at Band 5, Band 6, or Band 7, with increasing expectations as skills and autonomy develop:
Band 5 Orthoptist
As a competent practitioner with structured support, you’ll deliver safe, effective orthoptic assessment and treatment for the core caseload, working to SOPs/protocols and recognising your limits. You can work autonomously day-to-day, including lone working at times, but should seek senior advice when needed for complex cases.
Band 6 Orthoptist
>As an autonomous clinician managing complexity and risk, you’ll run clinics independently and take clear accountability for clinical decision-making across a broader case mix. This includes assessing/diagnosing/managing patients with various binocular vision and VA abnormalities, organising your workload, and acting as an advice resource within your specialty area.
Band 7 Orthoptist
At Band 7 level, you’ll combine highly specialist clinical practice with leadership responsibilities that shape quality, safety, education, and service development. This includes advanced autonomy, complex decision-making, contributing to guideline development/audit/service improvement, and providing senior supervision across the team and wider MDT.
About Our Organisation
#BeKnown at West Suffolk NHS Foundation Trust. We are a busy, friendly, rural NHS Trust providing high-quality care and compassion to more than a quarter of a million people across west Suffolk. We care for, treat and support people in hospital, at home and in various community settings.
Our Facilities
The West Suffolk Hospital in Bury St Edmunds provides acute and secondary care services including emergency department, maternity and neonatal services, day surgery unit, eye treatment centre, Macmillan unit and children’s ward. With 500+ beds, it’s a partner teaching hospital of the University of Cambridge.
Community Services
Adult and paediatric community services, provided in collaboration with West Suffolk Alliance partners, include a range of nursing, therapy, specialist, and ongoing temporary care and rehabilitation services, some at our Newmarket Community Hospital.
Our Values
We achieve outstanding clinical outcomes for patients guided by our values of fairness, inclusivity, respect, safety and teamwork. With nearly 5,000 staff from all over the world, we strive to make our organisation a great place to work and help everyone be the best they can be.
Diversity and Inclusion
We promote a diverse and inclusive community where everyone’s voice counts and you can #BeKnown for whoever you are. Join us and discover what you’ll be known for in our organisation.
Essential Qualifications
DBO in Orthoptics
Degree in Orthoptics
HCPC Registration (required for Band 7 only)
This role is particularly suitable for newly qualified orthoptists, making it an ideal entry point into the NHS.
Desirable Qualifications
Understanding of CPD (Continuing Professional Development)
Understanding of Visual field testing
Experience of inter-professional teaching
Experience in clinic and patient management/throughput
Essential Experience
DBO in Orthoptics
Role suitable for newly qualified Orthoptists
Practices/supports evidence-based practice
Previous experience in a hospital setting
Knowledge of NHS waiting times, regulations, and access targets
Good understanding of current performance targets and their impact on patient safety/care
IT literate with experience working with PAS (Patient Administration System)
Data handling and use of databases (e.g., MS Excel)
Essential Skills and Abilities
Proven ability in clinical skills
Good communication skills
Excellent organisation and time management
Ability to work under pressure and maintain high standards
Maintain/update knowledge of current clinical best practice, clinical audit, research and IT skills
Knowledge of a hospital administration system (desirable)
Personal Qualities
Team worker who can prioritise effectively and work autonomously when required
Flexible and adaptable, motivated with the ability to motivate others
Awareness of own limitations
Ability to use initiative, referring key decisions appropriately
Flexible approach to working duties
Attention to detail
Polite, respectful, and professional attitude toward staff, patients, and relatives
Able to influence others and lead as a role model
Awareness of the need to maintain confidentiality and comply with data protection
Ability to travel to carry out duties of the role
Disclosure and Barring Service
This post is subject to the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act (Exceptions Order) 1975, requiring a submission to the Disclosure and Barring Service (formerly CRB) to check for any previous criminal convictions.
Certificate of Sponsorship
Applications from job seekers requiring current Skilled Worker sponsorship to work in the UK are welcome and will be considered alongside all other applications. For further information, visit the UK Visas and Immigration website. From 6 April 2017, skilled worker applicants must present criminal record certificates from each country they have resided in continuously or cumulatively for 12 months or more in the past 10 years.
UK Registration Requirements
Applicants must have current UK professional registration. For further information, please see the NHS Careers website for overseas health professionals.
How to Apply
Please apply via the NHS Jobs website. International applicants should:
- Verify visa eligibility with the employer before applying
- Prepare all required documentation including qualifications and proof of English language proficiency
- Ensure you have or can obtain HCPC registration if required for your band level
- Contact Stuart McGill (Head Orthoptist) with any specific questions about the role or sponsorship process
- Submit your application well before the closing date of 18 March 2026
Contact Information
For questions about the job:
Stuart McGill (Head Orthoptist)
Email: Stuart.McGill@wsh.nhs.uk
Phone: 01284713817
Supporting Documents
Three job description documents are available for download:
- Job Description – Band 5 (PDF, 257 KB)
- Job Description – Band 6 (PDF, 250 KB)
- Job Description – Band 7 (PDF, 321 KB)
Privacy Notice
Please review West Suffolk NHS Foundation Trust’s privacy notice for information on how your data will be handled during the application process.
Employer Website
For more information about West Suffolk NHS Foundation Trust, please visit: https://www.wsh.nhs.uk