Orthoptist Grade 2

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Austin Health is the major provider of tertiary health services, health professional education and research across three campuses in the north-east of Melbourne and statewide. We have a highly engaged, diverse and collaborative workforce that is unified by our goal to help people live healthy and fulfilled lives. 

About the Ophthalmology and Orthoptic Units

The Ophthalmology Unit is based in the Outpatients Department at the Repat Campus, where multiple clinics run throughout the week.

The Orthoptic Unit, closely integrated with the Ophthalmology Unit, delivers comprehensive orthoptic services across Austin Health. Both inpatient and outpatient orthoptic services are based at the Repat Campus and the Royal Talbot Campus. The unit is dedicated to providing high-quality patient care and has a strong commitment to undergraduate and postgraduate teaching.

Both the Ophthalmology and Orthoptic Units operate within the Surgical and Procedural Medicine (SAPM) Division, which offers a broad range of surgical services, including elective and 24/7 emergency surgery. The division is committed to delivering exceptional patient care and fostering ongoing professional development for its staff.

About the role 

The Grade 2 Orthoptist is a clinical leader, responsible for delivering high-quality, evidence-based orthoptic care across Austin Health. This role integrates skilled clinical practice with leadership, education, research, and service development to ensure optimal patient outcomes and continuous service improvement. 

With at least five years of professional experience, the Grade 2 Orthoptist is expected to exercise patient focussed care, work autonomously in clinical decision-making (training can be provided), and contribute to the strategic and operational planning of the Ophthalmology Unit. The role includes mentoring and supervising junior orthoptic staff and students, contributing to clinical audits and fostering strong relationships with key stakeholders such as La Trobe University and Orthoptics Australia. 

Working in close collaboration with the Chief and Grade 3 Orthoptist, the Grade 2 orthoptist supports service leadership by promoting best practice standards, advancing innovation through research and teaching, and ensuring clinical governance and quality assurance within the orthoptic service. 

This role is fixed term, part time role from January 2026 until February 2027 and averages 15 hours a week over two days (Mondays and Thursdays). It is based within Ophthalmology Outpatients at our Heidelberg Repatriation Campus. 

About you 

To be successful in this role you’ll bring with you:

• Current registration with the Australian Orthoptic Board (AOB).
• Bachelor of Orthoptics & Ophthalmic Sciences (or equivalent qualification) and registration with the Australian Orthoptic Board.
• Minimum of five (5) years of clinical experience in orthoptics.
• Proven ability to work collaboratively within a multidisciplinary team to provide coordinated, high-quality care.
• Commitment to delivering high-quality, evidence-based, patient-centred care.

Our benefits 

Working at Austin Health means enjoying a strong sense of purpose, engaging in meaningful work every day. Our people also receive a variety of rewarding benefits, including: 

• Greater take-home pay through generous salary packaging, for living expenses, meals, and holiday accommodation. 
• A suite of wellness initiatives designed to support you, including discounted fitness memberships and special offers on health insurance, and a comprehensive wellbeing program. 
• Onsite childcare at Austin Hospital, easy access via public transport and car parking options. 
• Mentoring and career development opportunities. 

Work with us! 

We are committed to cultural safety and health equity for Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander People. We celebrate, value, and include people of all backgrounds, genders, identities, cultures, bodies, and abilities. We welcome and support applications from talented people identifying as Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander, people with disability, neurodiverse people, LGBTQIA+ and people of all ages and cultures. 

If you feel this role is right for you, we encourage your early application. Even if you don’t meet every single requirement, we encourage you to apply. What matters most is your passion, your drive and your willingness to learn and contribute. Applications will be reviewed as they are received, and interviews may take place prior to the closing date. This means we reserve the right to close a job ad prior to the advertised closing date. 

All appointments are made subject to a satisfactory National Police Check and if required, a Working With Children Check. If you require any reasonable adjustments to the recruitment process, you are welcome to reach out to the hiring manager: Danielle Thorburn, Chief Orthoptist at Danielle.Thorburn@austin.org.au or 0407 039 008.

Interested in finding out more about this opportunity? Read the position description for further details. 

Application closing date: Sunday 21 December 2025