Visa Sponsorship Information
This position offers a Certificate of Sponsorship for qualified international candidates. Leeds Teaching Hospitals is licensed to sponsor skilled worker visas. Applicants must meet UK Visas and Immigration requirements including English language proficiency, financial maintenance, and necessary qualifications assessment. Criminal record certificates from all countries of residence (12+ months in past 10 years) are mandatory.
Job Overview
Leeds Teaching Hospitals invites applications for a Clinical Specialist Orthoptist (Band 8a, 0.5WTE/18.75hrs). This pivotal role combines clinical leadership with management responsibilities. You’ll provide specialized care to complex patient populations while supporting service development. The position requires advanced orthoptic skills and experience with learning disability populations.
About Leeds Teaching Hospitals
As one of the UK’s largest NHS teaching hospitals, we provide comprehensive healthcare services to Leeds and Yorkshire. Our commitment to excellence attracts international talent. Join our diverse team and access world-class facilities, research opportunities, and continuous professional development programs tailored to healthcare professionals.
Location and Working Environment
Based at St. James’s University Hospital, our modern campus offers purpose-built facilities including dedicated orthoptic clinics. You’ll work within a multispecialty environment with access to advanced diagnostic equipment. Leeds provides exceptional quality of life with affordable housing, cultural diversity, and excellent transport connections across the UK.
Key Dates
11 November 2025
14 November 2025
1 December 2025
Salary and Benefits
Band 8a salary: £55,690 – £62,682 per annum (pro-rata). Benefits include:
- NHS Pension with 14.8% employer contributions
- 30 days annual leave + 8 bank holidays (pro-rata)
- Clinic hours: Monday-Friday, 9am-5pm
- Comprehensive relocation support for international hires
- Professional development budget of £2,000 annually
Main Duties and Responsibilities
Clinical work will include:
- Complex motility assessments using Goldmann perimetry
- Joint clinics with ophthalmology consultants
- Learning disability specialist clinics
- Teaching and assessing pre-registration orthoptists
- Audit and service improvement projects
Clinical Leadership
You’ll develop clinical guidelines for orthoptics and ophthalmology services. Experience leading quality improvement initiatives is essential. You’ll mentor junior staff and foster a culture of clinical excellence through regular supervision and peer support.
Teaching and Development
Teaching responsibilities include lectures, clinical skills workshops, and student assessments. A clinical teaching qualification is mandatory. Previous experience with optometry students, medical staff, and nursing students is desirable.
Person Specification
Essential Qualifications
- HCPC registered Orthoptist
- Masters degree or equivalent specialist training
- Clinical teaching qualification
Desirable Qualifications
- Leadership/management qualification
- Research methods training
Essential Experience and Skills
- 5+ years post-qualification experience
- Specialist experience in learning disability orthoptics
- Goldmann perimetry certification
- Student assessment experience
- Audit and service improvement track record
- Strong leadership and team management abilities
Desirable Experience and Skills
- Octopus Goldmann perimetry skills
- Research publication experience
- Change management knowledge
- Complaint management experience
Certificate of Sponsorship Process
Successful candidates will receive sponsorship through our Skilled Worker License. The process involves:
- Issuing Certificate of Sponsorship (CoS)
- Applicant submitting visa application within 3 months
- Biometrics appointment at UK Visa Application Centre
- Decision typically within 3 weeks
We provide comprehensive relocation support including visa guidance and accommodation assistance.
Visa Requirements
Applicants must demonstrate:
- English language proficiency at B2 level (IELTS 6.5 overall)
- Minimum salary threshold met (£55,690)
- Qualifications equivalent to UK standards
- Clean criminal record from all countries of residence
How to Apply
To apply for this position, please visit NHS Jobs and reference C9298-HAN-123. The application process requires:
- Completing the online application form
- Uploading HCPC registration certificate
- Providing qualification verification documents
- Submitting a detailed CV with employment history
- Completing the equal opportunities monitoring form
Application Checklist for International Candidates
Before applying:
- Verify HCPC registration eligibility
- Prepare English language test results
- Obtain criminal record certificates
- Get qualification assessed by NARIC
- Prepare bank statements for financial maintenance
- Contact [email protected] with sponsorship queries
Repeat instructions: Complete online application via NHS Jobs, upload all required documents, and notify contact about international status.
About the Orthoptic Department
Our 16-orthoptist department operates across multiple hospital sites with 30 ophthalmology consultants. We provide specialist services in paediatrics, neuro-ophthalmology, and adult strabismus. The department supports 3 pre-registration orthoptic students annually through our accredited training program.
Multi-disciplinary Working
You’ll collaborate with optometrists, ophthalmologists, paediatricians, and psychologists. We operate integrated care pathways and joint clinics for complex cases. Excellent communication skills are essential to coordinate care across specialties and ensure seamless patient journeys through our services.
Professional Development
We offer:
- Annual clinical skills workshops
- Research methodology training
- Leadership development programs
- Conference attendance funding
- Protected study time (5 hours weekly)
Our teaching hospital status provides unique opportunities for academic advancement and research publication.
Contact Information
For sponsorship inquiries:
Janice Hoole
Head of Orthoptics
Email: [email protected]
Phone: +44 113 392 4221
Equal Opportunities
We are committed to equality of opportunity and welcome applications from all backgrounds. Reasonable adjustments are available throughout the recruitment process. All applicants will be assessed solely on merit and ability to perform the role.
Further Information
Visit https://www.leedsth.nhs.uk/careers/ for complete details about working with us. Leeds offers exceptional quality of life with affordable housing, world-class universities, vibrant cultural scene, and excellent transport links. Our dedicated international support team provides comprehensive relocation assistance.
Relocation Support
We offer:
- £3,000 relocation grant
- Temporary accommodation for first month
- Assistance with school applications
- Cultural orientation program
Join our award-winning team and make a difference in patient care while advancing your career in one of Europe’s most dynamic healthcare environments.
Research Opportunities
Our department collaborates with University of Leeds on multiple research projects. Opportunities exist for publications in peer-reviewed journals and presentations at international conferences. Dedicated research time and mentorship are provided for all staff pursuing academic interests.
Work-Life Balance
We promote flexible working arrangements with core hours of 10am-4pm. Part-time options are available with pro-rata benefits. Annual leave includes public holidays plus an additional 3 days for professional development. Wellbeing programs include counseling services and health screenings.
Technology and Resources
Our department is equipped with state-of-the-art technology including:
-
>Hess screen units
>Electrodiagnostic equipment
>Digital perimetry systems
>Telemedicine capabilities
All staff receive comprehensive training on equipment usage and ongoing technical support.
Patient Population
We serve a diverse patient population including:
-
>Paediatric patients
>Adults with complex eye conditions
>Learning disability specialists
>Neuro-ophthalmology cases
>Strabismus and amblyopia patients
This variety ensures a stimulating and challenging caseload for orthoptic professionals.
Quality Improvement
Our department actively participates in national quality improvement initiatives. You’ll lead projects targeting service efficiency and patient outcomes. Regular audit cycles and outcome measurements ensure continuous improvement. Participation in national orthoptic frameworks is encouraged.
Team Structure
The orthoptic team includes:
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>16 clinical orthoptists
>3 orthoptic technicians
>2 administrators
>1 research assistant
>Regular team meetings and social events foster collaboration and staff wellbeing. Clinical supervision and peer support are integral to our team culture.
Innovation and Development
We continuously develop new service models including:
-
>Digital triage systems
>Extended scope practitioner roles
>Virtual reality assessment tools
>Integrated care pathways
>Staff are encouraged to propose and implement innovative approaches to patient care and service delivery.
Community Engagement
Our orthoptists actively participate in community outreach programs including:
-
>School vision screening
>Health education workshops
>Charity partnerships
>Research participation recruitment
>These initiatives enhance public awareness of eye health and expand our impact beyond hospital settings.
Career Progression
Leeds Teaching Hospitals offers clear career pathways including:
-
>Senior clinical specialist roles
>Management positions
>Academic appointments
>Research leadership opportunities
>Regular appraisal and personal development planning support career advancement for all team members.
Environmental Commitment
We are committed to sustainable healthcare practices. Our department has implemented:
-
>Paperless clinic systems
>Energy-efficient equipment
>Recycling initiatives
>Sustainable procurement practices
>Environmental responsibility is integrated into our service development and daily operations.
