My name is Jonathan Graves, and I am the Head of Orthoptics & Optometry at Worcestershire Acute Hospitals NHS Trust.

I qualified as an Orthoptist in 2009 and have lived and worked within the Midlands and East region since 2012, working within three trusts within the region during this time.

I put myself forward to become the Midlands and East trustee as I believe it is essential our region has a voice within the national BIOS strategy. Different regions share many of the same issues but there are problems that are unique to each region and some shared ones that are more pressing, such as recruitment and retention.

Previous trustees for the region have set up regular meetings between department leads as a way of providing support, ideas and resources which is something I wish to reinstate and build on.

Local CPD opportunities specific to Orthoptics is also something I wish to help with and would look to facilitate and support where necessary, ideally with different departments hosting study days on a regular basis to share interesting cases and brief on extended roles. My department and others in the region have allowed Orthoptists from other trusts to come and learn extended roles that they have then been able to take back and start at their own departments. I believe this is a fantastic and effective way to develop our skills and is something I would wish to expand on across the region.

With the Orthoptic Apprenticeship on the horizon, from meetings I have attended, local networks of departments to support potential apprentices will be critical to the success of these schemes and could be a key way in combatting the recruitment problems the region has had in recent years.

I also have experience in Job planning, which is something a lot of trusts are now trying to implement within their AHP services and is something I believe I can offer a lot of support to other departments in the region if needed.

The role of an Orthoptist has expanded greatly since I qualified all those years ago and this is for the benefit of the individual Orthoptists as well as the departments in which they work and the patients we see and treat. Having the guidelines for these extended roles and the support and guidance on setting them up and clear evidence to support development of these roles as well as business case support, although already present within BIOS could be expanded further and is something I wish to push for.

Thank you!

Professional background

I am currently the Head Orthoptist at the University Hospitals of Leicester NHS Trust and I am extremely excited about the opportunity to campaign to be the BIOS Midland and East Trustee. Throughout my career, I have gained extensive experience in teaching, managing and leading three teams including orthoptists, visual field technicians and ophthalmic photographers. I have balanced academic written assignments and practical examinations alongside working as a clinical orthoptist and have successfully completed a Master’s Level module in Clinical Education, as well as Level 3 awards in Leadership and Management. In addition, I have completed a Master’s degree in Research Applied Health Studies, which has strengthened my knowledge of research methodology within the health sector. My final year project was published in the British and Irish Orthoptic Journal in 2024.

What can I bring to the role?

Orthoptists are one of the smallest professions in the AHP workforce, with only 1544 registrants (HCPC 2023); however, they contribute significantly to patient care within ophthalmology. Orthoptists are underrepresented in the AHP workforce, and I believe the Trustee position is essential to the future of the orthoptic workforce. The development of extended roles within orthoptics is a key part of the future of ophthalmology, particularly in light of the current shortage of medical staff. It is essential that orthoptists are provided with the opportunities to upskill so they can contribute further to patient care across other areas of ophthalmology, widening their scope of practise and helping reduce patient backlogs. Equally, it is vital to ensure that the expansion of extended roles does not negatively impact core orthoptic services. I have been involved in implementing several orthoptic-led services and led service developments, including the implementation of virtual and telephone clinics. I have relevant experience with in managing departmental budgets and have been a budget holder for over five years. I understand the importance of financial accountability at both local and national levels. Under my leadership, the first Band 7 Advanced Orthoptist role was created at Leicester to support the progression of internal staff. This was challenging due to Trust financial constraints, but with perseverance, it was successfully achieved. I can bring independent thought and have significant experience chairing monthly staff meetings to gather staff opinions and feedback. I also chair meetings with vision impairment teachers in the local area. My experience as Head of a large department has strengthened my ability to have challenging conversations when required and making difficult decisions.

What would I like to achieve as a Trustee?

• Raise awareness of our highly skilled roles, encouraging improved student intake in the area and more consistent recruitment across the region. This includes supporting the apprenticeship program.
• Raising awareness of inconsistencies in bandings across the region and nationally.
• Raising awareness of the importance of vision screening. I have had regular meetings with MPs, the local authority and the Integrated Care Board (ICB) to present our findings for the need for vision screening in Leicester.
• Use my experience of meeting with MPs to continue advocating the independent prescribing rights for Orthoptists at the highest level.
• Provide guidance, advice and information on how to become involved in extended roles and develop Orthoptic-led services. At Leicester, we run several clinics, including paediatric cysts clinics, paediatric cataract clinics, surgical assistance, paediatric uveitis, paediatric oncology, CVI, botulinum toxin, pituitary and IIH clinics.
• Further develop my knowledge of national protocols while building strong relationships and networks with members of BIOS and colleagues within the region. I aim to represent the views of the regional members by settling up regular meetings and CPD events to share expertise. I have previously supported colleagues in the region with protocols, guidelines and implementation of new services/clinics. Having grown up in the Midlands, I have a strong understanding of the challenges affecting the region, including barriers such as social deprivation.

I am passionate about Orthoptics and believe I have the transferable skills required to contribute effectively as a Trustee. I understand the importance of individual judgment, teamwork, clear communication and adaptability in both clinical and non-clinical settings, and I would demonstrate full commitment to this position if successful.