South Tyneside and Sunderland NHS Foundation Trust

Senior Ophthalmic Photographer (Trainee)

The closing date is 28 January 2026

Job summary

There are many great reasons to join the team at Sunderland Eye Infirmary. Alongside our fantastic staff, we are entering an exciting period of growth and development. Construction of our new Eye Hospital is underway, with a planned move into our stateoftheart facility in early 2026. This investment ensures Sunderland remains home to the regions only dedicated standalone eye hospital and strengthens our reputation as a centre of excellence for ophthalmology, both regionally and nationally.

Innovation is at the heart of what we do. As one of the few specialist eye hospitals in the country, we are committed to advancing care through research, new technologies and continuous improvement. If you share our vision for excellence in all that we do, we would be delighted to welcome you to our team.

We are looking for a motivated Senior Ophthalmic Photographer (Trainee) to help shape and develop our Ophthalmic Imaging service. Youll bring strong Band 5level experience in ophthalmic imaging and a passion for delivering highquality diagnostic care. After a structured traineeship of up to six months, successful completion of the competency framework will lead to progression to Band 6.

This is a fantastic opportunity to play a key role in delivering specialist diagnostic services, supporting clinicians and helping to grow skills and expertise within a forwardthinking imaging team.

Main duties of the job

We are seeking a motivated, dynamic individual to supervise diagnostic services at the Eye Infirmary and across Trust sites. As part of the imaging team, you will ensure the effective use of staff and resources to deliver highquality, patientcentred care. You will provide daytoday supervision and support the training and development of Ophthalmic Photographers, Ophthalmic Imaging Technicians and administrative staff. Strong technical ability, excellent attention to detail and a commitment to outstanding patient care are essential. You should demonstrate behaviours aligned with our Trust values and work confidently as part of a multidisciplinary team, including photographers, clinicians and nurses.

The role sits within the Ophthalmology Directorate, a diverse team of around 282 staff working across subspecialties such as the Cataract Treatment Centre, Theatres, Diabetic Retinal Screening, Eye Emergency Department, Macular Services, Paediatrics, Optometry and Orthoptics. Services are delivered across inpatient and outpatient settings. The service operates Monday to Friday, 8am8pm, with occasional weekend work to support elective recovery.

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.

Details

Date posted

21 January 2026

Pay scheme

Agenda for change

Band

Band 6

Salary

£31,049 to £46,580 a year Band 5 when completed competencies within 6 months then Band 6.

Contract

Permanent

Working pattern

Full-time

Reference number

C9155-OPAHP-0126-14

Job locations

Sunderland Eye Infirmary

Queen Alexandra Road

Sunderland

SR2 9HP


Job description

Job responsibilities

To provide expert imaging services that are essential for the accurate diagnosis, treatment, and ongoing management of various ophthalmic conditions.

Assist with the efficient and effective deployment of staff and resources to provide a service which reflects the highest standard of clinical effectiveness and patient care.

To make critical judgements about how best to produce the appropriate images for the benefit of the clinical staff and patients, based on a good understanding of the anatomy of the eye and various ophthalmic conditions.

Responsible for ensuring the highest quality of images through precise operation and maintenance of imaging devices such as fundus cameras, optical coherence tomography (OCT), and photo slit-lamp cameras.

To utilise advanced imaging techniques and specialised equipment to capture detailed images of the eye's structures, including the retina, cornea, and optic nerve.

Collaborate with healthcare professionals to enhance the service and improve patient outcomes.

To provide valuable clinical imaging/ information that will be used for virtual evaluation of patients and planning of the patients care pathway.

To lead on various specialist service areas within the department, demonstrating flexibility and adaptability to effectively manage and respond to the dynamic needs of the team e.g. clinical research

To provide day-to-day supervision to the Ophthalmic Photographers and other Multidisciplinary staff in the department.

To act as an assessor/mentor to Ophthalmic imaging technicians, contributing to the development and delivery of specific training programmes

To assess the urgency of a referral and escalate to the relevant clinical specialist if required.

To be mindful of patients limitations and physical constraints and make adjustments where necessary to enable imaging to be acquired.

To provide a professional, efficient clinical and non-clinical service ensuring a high technical standard for the purposes of clinical record, teaching and research.

FOR FULL JOB DESCRIPTION SEE ATTACHMENT

Job description

Job responsibilities

To provide expert imaging services that are essential for the accurate diagnosis, treatment, and ongoing management of various ophthalmic conditions.

Assist with the efficient and effective deployment of staff and resources to provide a service which reflects the highest standard of clinical effectiveness and patient care.

To make critical judgements about how best to produce the appropriate images for the benefit of the clinical staff and patients, based on a good understanding of the anatomy of the eye and various ophthalmic conditions.

Responsible for ensuring the highest quality of images through precise operation and maintenance of imaging devices such as fundus cameras, optical coherence tomography (OCT), and photo slit-lamp cameras.

To utilise advanced imaging techniques and specialised equipment to capture detailed images of the eye's structures, including the retina, cornea, and optic nerve.

Collaborate with healthcare professionals to enhance the service and improve patient outcomes.

To provide valuable clinical imaging/ information that will be used for virtual evaluation of patients and planning of the patients care pathway.

To lead on various specialist service areas within the department, demonstrating flexibility and adaptability to effectively manage and respond to the dynamic needs of the team e.g. clinical research

To provide day-to-day supervision to the Ophthalmic Photographers and other Multidisciplinary staff in the department.

To act as an assessor/mentor to Ophthalmic imaging technicians, contributing to the development and delivery of specific training programmes

To assess the urgency of a referral and escalate to the relevant clinical specialist if required.

To be mindful of patients limitations and physical constraints and make adjustments where necessary to enable imaging to be acquired.

To provide a professional, efficient clinical and non-clinical service ensuring a high technical standard for the purposes of clinical record, teaching and research.

FOR FULL JOB DESCRIPTION SEE ATTACHMENT

Person Specification

Qualifications

Essential

  • Degree in Photography or equivalent qualification
  • Registrable qualification (Pg.Cert. Clinical Photography)

Desirable

  • Post-graduate qualification in Ophthalmic Imaging
  • Post-graduate degree in clinical photography or equivalent qualification

Skills and Knowledge

Essential

  • Thorough knowledge of a wide range of ophthalmic conditions and how best to image them.
  • Good team-working skills.
  • Good interpersonal and communication skills.
  • Effective time management skills
  • Capable of working independently at off-site clinics (or willing to work towards within 6 months of commencing in post as part of competency framework)

Desirable

  • Lead on Research Trials
  • High level of expertise in using a variety of ophthalmic imaging modalities
  • Be able to demonstrate the ability to undertake a variety of photographic diagnostics / investigations
  • Detailed knowledge of all specialised clinical photography procedures and policies and legislation

Physical Skills

Essential

  • Ability to sit and stand in a restricted position
  • Good hand-eye coordination
  • Requirement for speed and accuracy
  • Ability to meet the travel requirements of the role, working across multiple Trust sites

Experience

Essential

  • Demonstrable experience in Ophthalmic photography

Desirable

  • Previous supervisory experience
  • Willingness to complete competence framework within *6 months* of appointment.
Person Specification

Qualifications

Essential

  • Degree in Photography or equivalent qualification
  • Registrable qualification (Pg.Cert. Clinical Photography)

Desirable

  • Post-graduate qualification in Ophthalmic Imaging
  • Post-graduate degree in clinical photography or equivalent qualification

Skills and Knowledge

Essential

  • Thorough knowledge of a wide range of ophthalmic conditions and how best to image them.
  • Good team-working skills.
  • Good interpersonal and communication skills.
  • Effective time management skills
  • Capable of working independently at off-site clinics (or willing to work towards within 6 months of commencing in post as part of competency framework)

Desirable

  • Lead on Research Trials
  • High level of expertise in using a variety of ophthalmic imaging modalities
  • Be able to demonstrate the ability to undertake a variety of photographic diagnostics / investigations
  • Detailed knowledge of all specialised clinical photography procedures and policies and legislation

Physical Skills

Essential

  • Ability to sit and stand in a restricted position
  • Good hand-eye coordination
  • Requirement for speed and accuracy
  • Ability to meet the travel requirements of the role, working across multiple Trust sites

Experience

Essential

  • Demonstrable experience in Ophthalmic photography

Desirable

  • Previous supervisory experience
  • Willingness to complete competence framework within *6 months* of appointment.

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.

Certificate of Sponsorship

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.

Certificate of Sponsorship

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

Sunderland Eye Infirmary

Queen Alexandra Road

Sunderland

SR2 9HP


Employer's website

https://www.stsft.nhs.uk (Opens in a new tab)


Employer details

Employer name

South Tyneside and Sunderland NHS Foundation Trust

Address

Sunderland Eye Infirmary

Queen Alexandra Road

Sunderland

SR2 9HP


Employer's website

https://www.stsft.nhs.uk (Opens in a new tab)


Employer contact details

For questions about the job, contact:

Acting Head of Ophthalmic Photography

Jill O'Brien

jill.obrien3@nhs.net

Details

Date posted

21 January 2026

Pay scheme

Agenda for change

Band

Band 6

Salary

£31,049 to £46,580 a year Band 5 when completed competencies within 6 months then Band 6.

Contract

Permanent

Working pattern

Full-time

Reference number

C9155-OPAHP-0126-14

Job locations

Sunderland Eye Infirmary

Queen Alexandra Road

Sunderland

SR2 9HP


Supporting documents

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