Job summary
There are so many reasons to join our team at Sunderland Eye Infirmary. Aside from our fantastic staff, we have lots of exciting things going on. Work on our new Eye Hospital in Sunderland is underway, with plans to move into our new home in early 2026. The new hospital means Sunderland will remain home to the regions only dedicated standalone eye hospital. It will strengthen our excellent reputation across the NHS, both regionally and nationally as a centre of excellence for ophthalmology care.
We also never stay still when it comes to discovering new and better treatments. As one of the few specialist eye hospitals in the country, research and using developing technology is a key part of our work. If you share our vision for 'excellence in all that we do', wed love you to join us!
We are excited to introduce a new Virtual Diagnostics Service within Ophthalmology. As technology has advanced the imaging service is expanding, and this is a rare and exciting opportunity in which we are seeking an enthusiastic and motivated Ophthalmic Imaging Technician to be a part of this innovative journey.
This role is the first of its kind in our department, offering the successful candidate a unique opportunity to shape and develop this service. You will play a vital role in capturing high-quality ophthalmic assessments to assist clinicians in the diagnosis, monitoring and treatment of complex eye conditions. This role offers a fantastic opportunity for career growth and development.
Main duties of the job
This role will deliver a
comprehensive range of diagnostic services for the Eye Infirmary as part of the
dedicated imaging team. We are seeking highly motivated, dynamic, and enthusiastic individuals
with a strong desire to learn and grow within the field. The ideal candidate
will have a healthcare background and experience in conducting ophthalmic
assessments, including Visual Fields, Visual Acuity, and Ophthalmic Imaging.
Our service operates in a fast-paced and high-demand environment, so you must
be able to maintain composure and work efficiently under pressure.
You should possess strong
technical skills, a keen eye for detail and a commitment to delivering the
highest standards of patient care. A passion for patient-centred care and the
ability to embody our trust values are essential. Teamwork is a key component,
so you must demonstrate the ability to work effectively with others. This position offers a comprehensive
competency-based training programme, delivered in-house by highly qualified
staff and requires a dedication to continuous learning and professional
development. Applicants
who do not meet all the essential criteria may be considered for a Band 3
position, with the opportunity to progress to Band 4 upon demonstrating
competency in all required areas. Extensive training will be provided to equip
you with the skills and knowledge needed to thrive in this exciting role.
About us
Please help us by adding your telephone number to your application form this will allow us to 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 STSFT. We also provide access to high quality education, training, career progression and support. Flexible working is supported via the Trust's Flexible Working Policy.
The Trust employs around 8,300 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, in some cases to a population as great as 860,000. We offer our staff outstanding benefits - Fitness Centre (SRH), libraries at both hospital sites, chaplaincy support and access to a Childcare Co-ordinator to help staff with childcare arrangements. The Trust will not accept applications which are found to be AI generated.
Job description
Job responsibilities
To work within the ophthalmic imaging department,
diagnostic hub and outreach clinics to provide clinical and technical services
tailored to meet the needs of the department.
To work under the
direction of the Head of Ophthalmic photography, Senior Ophthalmic Photographers and Ophthalmic
Photographers to assist in the diagnosis, treatment and care of new and
follow-up patients.
To liaise with all members of the ophthalmology
department and other professionals as necessary to establish and maintain a
high quality and co-ordinated service.
To make
safe and effective use of a range of highly complex diagnostic instruments
adhering to defined protocols and guidelines.
To
supervise and provide training to Ophthalmic Assistants and other junior
members of the team.
To
undertake ophthalmic imaging duties including performing OCT and colour fundus.
Assist
in the diagnosis and monitoring of ophthalmic conditions by performing visual
field assessments, for example using the Humphrey visual field analysers.
Measure
and record visual acuity, administer/instil dilation drops, undertake
intraocular pressure test
To
undertake administrative and clerical tasks associated with the role, following
departmental guidelines and procedures as necessary for the efficiency of the
service
Carry
out accurate patient assessment and document appropriately.
To
attain department competencies after a period of inhouse training according to
the department protocols and patients' pathways.
To
develop excellent skills in operating various ophthalmic diagnostic equipment
To
work in virtual clinics, including retinal, vascular and Glaucoma.
FOR FULL JOB DESCRIPTION SEE ATTACHMENT
Job description
Job responsibilities
To work within the ophthalmic imaging department,
diagnostic hub and outreach clinics to provide clinical and technical services
tailored to meet the needs of the department.
To work under the
direction of the Head of Ophthalmic photography, Senior Ophthalmic Photographers and Ophthalmic
Photographers to assist in the diagnosis, treatment and care of new and
follow-up patients.
To liaise with all members of the ophthalmology
department and other professionals as necessary to establish and maintain a
high quality and co-ordinated service.
To make
safe and effective use of a range of highly complex diagnostic instruments
adhering to defined protocols and guidelines.
To
supervise and provide training to Ophthalmic Assistants and other junior
members of the team.
To
undertake ophthalmic imaging duties including performing OCT and colour fundus.
Assist
in the diagnosis and monitoring of ophthalmic conditions by performing visual
field assessments, for example using the Humphrey visual field analysers.
Measure
and record visual acuity, administer/instil dilation drops, undertake
intraocular pressure test
To
undertake administrative and clerical tasks associated with the role, following
departmental guidelines and procedures as necessary for the efficiency of the
service
Carry
out accurate patient assessment and document appropriately.
To
attain department competencies after a period of inhouse training according to
the department protocols and patients' pathways.
To
develop excellent skills in operating various ophthalmic diagnostic equipment
To
work in virtual clinics, including retinal, vascular and Glaucoma.
FOR FULL JOB DESCRIPTION SEE ATTACHMENT
Person Specification
Experience
Essential
- Experience of working autonomously and in a team
- Experience working in a dynamic environment
- Knowledge and understanding of medical terminology, ophthalmic anatomy and associated pathologies.
Desirable
- Experience of working in a hospital environment
- Experience of ophthalmic photography practice
- Experience of undertaking imaging of the eye
- Experience of working with adults with audio and visual impairment.
- Experience of working with vulnerable and elderly patients
- Experience of using Medisight
- Experience of undertaking OCT scans
- Experience of obtaining ophthalmic assessments such as Visual Acuity, Visual Fields
- Experience of previous competency-based training in healthcare
Qualifications
Essential
- NVQ Level 4/5 or equivalent qualification/ experience
Desirable
- Ophthalmic/ health care-based qualification
- Qualification in ophthalmic photography such as HND in Ophthalmic Imaging
Skills and Knowledge
Essential
- Knowledge of retinal imaging
- Knowledge of patient care and matters surrounding confidentiality
- Willing to undertake further training (i.e. in relation to ophthalmic imaging) related to the role
- Excellent interpersonal and communication skills including empathy and reassurance.
- Ability to communicate difficult conversations
- Basic skills of empathy and reassurance
- The ability to undertake self-directed study to enable completion of any further training in an efficient and timely manner
- Understand areas for further learning and manage time effectively
- Ability to work independently when required
- Requirement for speed and accuracy with keyboard skills
- Effective time management and prioritisation 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
- Good organisational and time management skills
Physical skills
Essential
- Excellent hand-eye coordination and developed physical skills required for capturing ophthalmic images
- Ability to sit at workstations as necessary to perform the post, i.e. mobility to be able to undertake repetitive Imaging
- Ability to travel to multiple sites and outlying clinics
Person Specification
Experience
Essential
- Experience of working autonomously and in a team
- Experience working in a dynamic environment
- Knowledge and understanding of medical terminology, ophthalmic anatomy and associated pathologies.
Desirable
- Experience of working in a hospital environment
- Experience of ophthalmic photography practice
- Experience of undertaking imaging of the eye
- Experience of working with adults with audio and visual impairment.
- Experience of working with vulnerable and elderly patients
- Experience of using Medisight
- Experience of undertaking OCT scans
- Experience of obtaining ophthalmic assessments such as Visual Acuity, Visual Fields
- Experience of previous competency-based training in healthcare
Qualifications
Essential
- NVQ Level 4/5 or equivalent qualification/ experience
Desirable
- Ophthalmic/ health care-based qualification
- Qualification in ophthalmic photography such as HND in Ophthalmic Imaging
Skills and Knowledge
Essential
- Knowledge of retinal imaging
- Knowledge of patient care and matters surrounding confidentiality
- Willing to undertake further training (i.e. in relation to ophthalmic imaging) related to the role
- Excellent interpersonal and communication skills including empathy and reassurance.
- Ability to communicate difficult conversations
- Basic skills of empathy and reassurance
- The ability to undertake self-directed study to enable completion of any further training in an efficient and timely manner
- Understand areas for further learning and manage time effectively
- Ability to work independently when required
- Requirement for speed and accuracy with keyboard skills
- Effective time management and prioritisation 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
- Good organisational and time management skills
Physical skills
Essential
- Excellent hand-eye coordination and developed physical skills required for capturing ophthalmic images
- Ability to sit at workstations as necessary to perform the post, i.e. mobility to be able to undertake repetitive Imaging
- Ability to travel to multiple sites and outlying clinics
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).