Julie Senior has worked as an Orthoptist here at Alder Hey for over 30 years.
Julie originally started her career in the NHS as a nurse working in general clinics, Ophthalmology and in Ophthalmology theatres as a theatre nurse but Julie soon found her true passion and career pathway as an Orthoptist.
Julie has been an amazing and dedicated Orthoptist who has assessed and managed thousands of patients. Julies’ patients love her for her kindness and patience and the parents of the children often comment on the time Julie spends with them to ensure they understand their child’s condition. Receiving complimentary comments on Julie’s communication with parents has been a common occurrence and Julie should be extremely proud of this.
Julie has been a wonderful colleague and has been instrumental in teaching many Orthoptic students; six of our current staff members were taught by Julie as undergraduates and many members of BIOS will have been fortunate to have been taught clinical skills by Julie. Julie has also been very pro-active in teaching other professionals within Ophthalmology; sharing her Orthoptic skills and knowledge with Ophthalmologists, Optometrists and nursing teams.
Julie has always supported and developed our team.
Julie’s clinical passion has been in the assessment and management of children with congenital cataracts. Julie has been instrumental in developing clinical care pathways for care of children with cataracts, and together with Ophthalmologists and Optometrists, has provided dedicated care and support to our patients and their families, ensuring that Alder Hey Ophthalmology is a centre of excellence for children with congenital cataracts.
Over the years Julie has been keen to share knowledge with other professionals; presenting her work at numerous national conferences and at International Orthoptic Conference in Antwerp.
In recent years Julie has been inspired to be involved in research and has been working on new research projects in Cerebral Visual Impairment and has been involved in helping to set up Alder Hey’s new Ophthalmology research facility in readiness for future Ophthalmology research projects.
Julie has now decided it is time to hand over the Orthoptic baton and it is time to move on to the next exciting chapter of her life.
Our Orthoptic profession is extremely grateful for all Julie’s work; so many Orthoptists have benefitted from Julie’s teaching and support. Alder Hey Ophthalmology team and our patients are so grateful for Julie’s passion and dedication.
We will miss Julie but wish her every happiness in her future adventures.
Sue Foster
Lead Orthoptist
Alder Hey Children’s NHS FT
