Orthoptist

Job summary
We are looking for an enthusiastic Band 6 orthoptist to us at University Hospital of Wales. Cardiff Eye Unit is a large tertiary referral centre for all subspecialities of ophthalmology and has a diverse and varied patient group. The hospital has a dedicated Childrens Hospital for Wales on site and also a regional neuro surgery department, both of which are supported by the orthoptic team.

The successful applicant will work within the orthoptic team with orthoptists, optometrists and ophthalmologists to cover all aspects of core orthoptic work. They will have the opportunity to gain experience in speciality clinics such as thyroid eye clinic, stroke and paediatric ophthalmology. The department encourages participation in regular journal club and CPD sessions and there are opportunities for orthoptists to contribute to research projects within the wider eye department. The orthoptic department runs an outreach service to the nearby Vale of Glamorgan and the successful applicant will also form part of a staff rotation to that clinic.

The department encourages applications from 2026 graduate orthoptists, as consideration will be given to appointing to a band 5 post if a newly qualified orthoptist applies. Band 5 orthoptists are mentored within the existing team.

Main duties of the job
The role will be across 2 main clinics within the site, serving adult orthoptic patients and paediatric patients within the Children's Hospital of Wales.

The successful applicant will manage routine orthoptic referral cases across all age ranges and assist in the examination and management of patients being seen by the paediatric and neuro ophthalmology teams. In addition to this the postholder will work in a specialised thyroid eye clinic and also see referrals from the stroke service within the trust, as part of the orthoptic team as a whole.

The ability to speak Welsh is desirable for this role; Welsh and/or English speakers are equally welcome to apply.

About us
Cardiff and Vale University Health Board is one of the largest Integrated Health Boards in the UK, employing over 17,000 staff, providing over 100 specialist services. Working across 6 hospital sites, we have a diverse range of career opportunities to offer. Serving over 500,000 people living in Cardiff and the Vale, we are focussed on the health and care needs of our local population whilst working with our partners to develop regional services. Together we are committed to improving health outcomes for everyone, delivering excellent care and support.

Our mission is "Living Well, Caring Well, Working Together", and our vision is that every person's chance of leading a healthy life should be equal. Our 10-year transformation and improvement strategy, Shaping Our Future Wellbeing, is our chance to work collaboratively with the public and our workforce to make our health board more sustainable for the future.

Details
Date posted: 28 July 2026
Pay scheme: Agenda for change
Band: Band 5
Salary: £32,557 to £48,841 a year
Contract: Permanent
Working pattern: Full-time
Reference number: 001-AHP115-0726
Job locations: University Hospital of Wales, Heath Park, Cardiff, CF14 4XW, United Kingdom

Job responsibilities
You will be able to find a full Job description and Person Specification attached within the supporting documents or please click Apply now to view in Trac.

Person Specification
Qualifications
Essential

• BSc or Diploma qualification in Orthoptics

Desirable

• Passed clinical placements or relevant clinical experience

Registration
Essential

• Must be registered with HCPC

Languages Spoken
Desirable

• Welsh speaker

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.

Applications from job seekers who require 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.

Employer details
Employer name: Cardiff and Vale University Health Board
Address: University Hospital of Wales, Heath Park, Cardiff, CF14 4XW, United Kingdom
Employer's website: https://cavuhb.nhs.wales/

Employer contact details
For questions about the job, contact:
Head Orthoptist
Elizabeth McCarthy
elizabeth.mccarthy@wales.nhs.uk
02921847324