Job summary
We
are seeking a motivated and conscientious Retinal Screener/Grader to join our
dynamic Diabetic Eye Screening Programme. This is a vital role within the NHS, aimed
at reducing the risk of sight loss in people with diabetes through early detection
of diabetic retinopathy. The post holder will undertake mandatory qualifications required for the role, including Detect
Retinal Disease and Classify Diabetic Retinopathy and OCT Interpretation
training (if not already completed).
A qualified Screener/Grader, will carry out high-quality digital retinal imaging
in community, clinic-based settings, provide accurate grading of retinal
images, and ensure patients receive timely and effective screening in line with
national guidelines. Supported by a dedicated team with ongoing professional
development, and opportunities to contribute to service improvement and
clinical excellence. The service plays a key role in working closely with the
wider Ophthalmology Directorate to provide seamless, high quality patient care.
The successful candidate will be patient-focused, IT-proficient, and committed
to maintaining high standards of care and clinical accuracy. Travel between
screening sites is required. To ensure the service needs are met, Diabetic
Screening offers a 5-day service Monday to Friday. Finding and treating
diabetic retinopathy early can reduce and prevent damage to the eyes and sight
loss. If youre passionate about delivering high-quality care, wed love to
hear from you.
Main duties of the job
Preparing and maintaining imaging equipment and ensuring high-quality images are obtained and recorded.
Carrying out retinal imaging using digital fundus cameras and Optical Coherence Tomography (OCT) where clinically indicated.
Performing accurate grading of retinal images using national DESP grading protocols to identify signs of diabetic retinopathy and maculopathy.
Apply knowledge of ophthalmic anatomy, physiology, and pathology, particularly in relation to diabetic eye disease and understand complications of diabetic retinopathy and the associated treatments
Explaining screening procedures clearly and sensitively to patients, ensuring comfort, dignity, and informed consent.
Maintaining accurate patient records and contributing to timely reporting of results.
Participating in regular internal and external quality assurance audits to maintain accreditation and grading standards.
Supporting the clinical team in escalating urgent findings and assisting in patient referrals to appropriate services.
Engaging in continuous professional development and contributing to service improvement initiatives.
Uphold the values of the organisation and contribute to a positive team culture.
This role requires attention to detail, strong communication skills, and a commitment to preventing avoidable sight loss through early detection and intervention.
For informal enquiries/arrange a visit contact: Julie Laverick Programme Manager julie.laverick1@nhs.net
About us
Please add your telephone number to your application form so we can contact you quickly if required.
One Team One Trust - There are many reasons to work at our Trust. From our commitment to putting people first to our accessible services and award winning teams. We have a passion for research, innovation and tackling inequalities. We are committed to respect, fairness and civility and promote a compassionate, caring and positive culture / working environment.
We welcome all applications irrespective of peoples race, disability, gender, sexual orientation, religion/belief, age, gender identity, marriage and civil partnership, pregnancy/maternity and in particular those from under- represented groups. Looking after our workforces health and wellbeing is a priority for us. We also provide access to high quality education, training, career progression and support. Flexible working is supported via our Flexible Working Policy.
The Trust employs around 8,746 people and provides a range of hospital services to a local community of around 430,000 residents. We also provide a range of more specialised services outside this area. We offer our staff outstanding benefits - Fitness Centre (SRH), libraries at both hospital sites, chaplaincy support and access to a Care Co-ordinator to help staff with childcare arrangements.If you use AI,
and it poses a risk to the integrity of your individual recruitment process, we
may withdraw your application at any stage of the process.
Job description
Job responsibilities
The South Tyneside and Sunderland Diabetic Eye Screening Programme (DESP)
screens over 36,000 patients each year. Screening takes place in 7
community-based locations and the post holder will hold a full UK driving
licence. Working under the Ophthalmology Directorate, the service delivers
routine digital screening and digital surveillance with Optical Coherence
Tomography (OCT) imaging and analysis (closer monitoring for early sight
threatening diabetic retinopathy).
The post holder
will have the ability to work independently, whilst maintaining a high standard
of patient care, safety, education and time management. The role of a
Retinal Screener/Grader is a key function of the service, ensuring the safe and
effective use of a range of highly diagnostic cameras and scanners adhering to
defined protocols and guidelines.
Retinal Screeners
will independently diagnose the presence and severity of diabetic eye disease
following national and local guidance and are responsible for their own
actions. Working as part of a large multidisciplinary team to deliver the
highest standards of patient care to ensure the early detection of sight
threatening eye disease and to facilitate timely referral and treatment to help
reduce the risk of visual loss and blindness.
Liaising
daily with all members of the immediate screening team and wider service of Optometrists
and Consultants to establish and maintain a high quality and co-ordinated
service. The role includes supporting, supervising and providing training to
Diabetic Screening Assistants and ensuring that department competencies and
policies and protocols are adhered to.
FOR FULL JOB DESCRIPTION SEE ATTACHMENT
Job description
Job responsibilities
The South Tyneside and Sunderland Diabetic Eye Screening Programme (DESP)
screens over 36,000 patients each year. Screening takes place in 7
community-based locations and the post holder will hold a full UK driving
licence. Working under the Ophthalmology Directorate, the service delivers
routine digital screening and digital surveillance with Optical Coherence
Tomography (OCT) imaging and analysis (closer monitoring for early sight
threatening diabetic retinopathy).
The post holder
will have the ability to work independently, whilst maintaining a high standard
of patient care, safety, education and time management. The role of a
Retinal Screener/Grader is a key function of the service, ensuring the safe and
effective use of a range of highly diagnostic cameras and scanners adhering to
defined protocols and guidelines.
Retinal Screeners
will independently diagnose the presence and severity of diabetic eye disease
following national and local guidance and are responsible for their own
actions. Working as part of a large multidisciplinary team to deliver the
highest standards of patient care to ensure the early detection of sight
threatening eye disease and to facilitate timely referral and treatment to help
reduce the risk of visual loss and blindness.
Liaising
daily with all members of the immediate screening team and wider service of Optometrists
and Consultants to establish and maintain a high quality and co-ordinated
service. The role includes supporting, supervising and providing training to
Diabetic Screening Assistants and ensuring that department competencies and
policies and protocols are adhered to.
FOR FULL JOB DESCRIPTION SEE ATTACHMENT
Person Specification
Skills and Knowledge
Essential
- Knowledge of retinal imaging
- Knowledge of ophthalmic eye disease
- Understanding of diabetic retinopathy complications and treatment options
- Knowledge of patient care and matters surrounding confidentiality
- Willing to undertake further training (i.e.in relation to ophthalmic imaging) relating to the role
- The ability to undertake self-directed study to enable completion of any further training in a timely manner
- Ability to work independently
- Ability to show leadership skills
- Must be committed to delivering a quality service and the ability to manage change effectively
- Effective time management and prioritisation skills
- Excellent interpersonal and communication skills
- Ability to communicate difficult conversations
- Ability to show compassion and empathy
- Requirement for speed and accuracy with keyboard skills
Desirable
- Knowledge of the anatomy of the eye
- Knowledge of patient consent and data protection in a health care environment
- Able to communicate health related information in an understandable way to patients, carers and clinical staff
- Knowledge of information technology packages, i.e. word, outlook
- Good organizational skills and time management skills
Physical skills
Essential
- Hold a full UK driving license
- Ability to travel to multiple sites
- Ability to move and handle patients and equipment safely without causing harm to themselves or others
- Ability to sit at a workstation as necessary to perform the post, i.e. mobility to be able to undertake repetitive imaging
- Excellent hand-eye coordination and developed physical skills required for capturing ophthalmic images
Qualifications
Essential
- Level 3 Health Screening Diploma
- OCT Interpretation Qualification or willing to undertake on commencing in post
- Unit 21 Detect Retinal Disease and Classify Diabetic Retinopathy or willing to undertake on commencing in post
- Leading Empowered Teams (LET) or willing to undertake on commencing post
Desirable
- Ophthalmic/health care-based qualification
Experience
Essential
- Experience of working autonomously and in a team
- Experience of working in a dynamic environment
- Knowledge and understanding of medical terminology, ophthalmic anatomy and associated pathologies
- Experience of working with diabetic patients
- Experience of ophthalmic photography
- Experience of undertaking OCT scans
Desirable
- Experience of working in a hospital environment
- Experience of obtaining ophthalmic assessments such as Visual Acuity
- Experience of competency-based training in healthcare
Person Specification
Skills and Knowledge
Essential
- Knowledge of retinal imaging
- Knowledge of ophthalmic eye disease
- Understanding of diabetic retinopathy complications and treatment options
- Knowledge of patient care and matters surrounding confidentiality
- Willing to undertake further training (i.e.in relation to ophthalmic imaging) relating to the role
- The ability to undertake self-directed study to enable completion of any further training in a timely manner
- Ability to work independently
- Ability to show leadership skills
- Must be committed to delivering a quality service and the ability to manage change effectively
- Effective time management and prioritisation skills
- Excellent interpersonal and communication skills
- Ability to communicate difficult conversations
- Ability to show compassion and empathy
- Requirement for speed and accuracy with keyboard skills
Desirable
- Knowledge of the anatomy of the eye
- Knowledge of patient consent and data protection in a health care environment
- Able to communicate health related information in an understandable way to patients, carers and clinical staff
- Knowledge of information technology packages, i.e. word, outlook
- Good organizational skills and time management skills
Physical skills
Essential
- Hold a full UK driving license
- Ability to travel to multiple sites
- Ability to move and handle patients and equipment safely without causing harm to themselves or others
- Ability to sit at a workstation as necessary to perform the post, i.e. mobility to be able to undertake repetitive imaging
- Excellent hand-eye coordination and developed physical skills required for capturing ophthalmic images
Qualifications
Essential
- Level 3 Health Screening Diploma
- OCT Interpretation Qualification or willing to undertake on commencing in post
- Unit 21 Detect Retinal Disease and Classify Diabetic Retinopathy or willing to undertake on commencing in post
- Leading Empowered Teams (LET) or willing to undertake on commencing post
Desirable
- Ophthalmic/health care-based qualification
Experience
Essential
- Experience of working autonomously and in a team
- Experience of working in a dynamic environment
- Knowledge and understanding of medical terminology, ophthalmic anatomy and associated pathologies
- Experience of working with diabetic patients
- Experience of ophthalmic photography
- Experience of undertaking OCT scans
Desirable
- Experience of working in a hospital environment
- Experience of obtaining ophthalmic assessments such as Visual Acuity
- Experience of competency-based training in healthcare
Disclosure and Barring Service Check
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 (Opens in a new tab).
From 6 April 2017, skilled worker applicants, applying for entry clearance into the UK, have had to present a criminal record certificate from each country they have resided continuously or cumulatively for 12 months or more in the past 10 years. Adult dependants (over 18 years old) are also subject to this requirement. Guidance can be found here Criminal records checks for overseas applicants (Opens in a new tab).
Additional information
Disclosure and Barring Service Check
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 (Opens in a new tab).
From 6 April 2017, skilled worker applicants, applying for entry clearance into the UK, have had to present a criminal record certificate from each country they have resided continuously or cumulatively for 12 months or more in the past 10 years. Adult dependants (over 18 years old) are also subject to this requirement. Guidance can be found here Criminal records checks for overseas applicants (Opens in a new tab).
Employer details
Employer name
South Tyneside and Sunderland NHS Foundation Trust
Address
Galleries Health Centre
Washington Centre
Washington
Tyne And Wear
NE38 7NQ
Employer's website
https://www.stsft.nhs.uk (Opens in a new tab)
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