Job summary
Are you a dynamic, self-motivated individual looking for a job that is highly rewarding and can enhance your career? If so, become an orthoptic assistant and join us in the orthoptic and ophthalmology department here at Addenbrookes Hospital in Cambridge.
As an orthoptic assistant, you will play a crucial role in making a difference to our patients lives by being a first line of contact for patients or parents, as well as other hospital and professional staff. You will be providing orthoptic administrative duties as well as clinical assessments on paediatric and adult patients in the orthoptic, virtual glaucoma, neuro-ophthalmic and other sub-speciality clinics. Being able to work independently and within a team is essential for the role.
We provide a creative and supportive environment for all our staff and enable you to build a purposeful career that makes a real difference. This is a unique opportunity with excellent job satisfaction and significant CPD opportunities. Alongside the on-the-job training, we are also able to provide opportunities for staff to attended professional courses relevant to their role.
Some of our clinics are offsite and some Saturday working may be required. Please see the job description for further details.
Please contact Shazia Hussain, Head orthoptist, for any queries or to arrange a visit on: 01223 216258.
Main duties of the job
To provide clinical and administrative support to the Orthoptic and Ophthalmic Technician Team.
To undertake clinical assessments, such as various ophthalmic imaging, visual assessments (including DigVis) on paediatric and adult patients under the direction of registered orthoptists and to take a lead role in the provision of technician-led clinics.
To provide clinic coordination, timetabling and procurement. To be the first point of contact for patient, parent and staff queries. To support both the Head Orthoptist and the Ophthalmic Technician Coordinator with staff leave, sickness cover and general service provision as well as induction of new staff.
To organise/facilitate meetings/training days including minute taking. To support the head orthoptist and technician lead with the education and training of multidisciplinary staff in ophthalmic imaging and visual assessments.
To be responsible for all aspects of the maintenance of ophthalmic imaging and orthoptic equipment.
To work effectively both single handed and as part of a team. To demonstrate good communication, teamworking and interpersonal skills.
This post may include some Saturday work
About us
Our Trust
Cambridge University Hospitals (CUH) NHS Foundation Trust comprises Addenbrooke's Hospital and the Rosie Hospital in Cambridge. With over 13,000 staff and over 1100 beds the priorities of the Trust focus on a quality service which is all about people - patients, staff and partners. Recognised as providing 'outstanding' care to our patients and rated 'Good' overall by the Care Quality Commissioner, is testament to the skill and dedication of the people who work here. CUH's values - Together - Safe, Kind, Excellent - are at the heart of patient care, defining the way all staff work and behave. The Trust provides accessible high-quality healthcare for the local people of Cambridge, together with specialist services, dealing with rare or complex conditions for a regional, national and international population.
CUH is committed to promoting a diverse and inclusive community - a place where we can all be ourselves. We value our differences and fully advocate and support an inclusive working environment where every individual can fulfil their potential. We want to ensure our people are truly representative of all the communities that we serve. We welcome applications for all positions in the organisation irrespective of people's age, disability, ethnicity, race, nationality, gender identity, sex, sexual orientation, religion or belief, marriage and civil partnership status, or pregnancy and maternity status or social economic background.
Job description
Job responsibilities
Please see the attached Applicant Information Pack (Combined job description/person Specification) for key duties and responsibilities.
Due to Home Office immigration rules, a full time permanent vacancy cannot be filled by individuals on a Student visa. Therefore, please be advised that if you are a Student visa holder, we will not be able to offer you a full time permanent contract unless you have:- applied for a Graduate visa- or you will have successfully completed your course and have applied for a Graduate visa before the anticipated start date of your employment- or the Trust has agreed that they will Sponsor you as a Skilled Worker and you will complete your studies within 3 months of the anticipated start date of employment
For NHS Cambridgeshire and Peterborough based roles, all applicants from NHS Cambridgeshire and Peterborough who have identified that they are at risk of redundancy will be prioritised over those not at risk. However, interviews cannot be guaranteed.
This vacancy will close at midnight on 14th October 2025
Interviews are due to be held on 28th October 2025
Benefits to you
At Cambridge University Hospitals, we want to do all we can to support good working days. We offer development opportunities and a wide range of benefits, including on-site leisure facilities, shopping concourse and day nurseries. Our good work programme currently includes providing reduced cost Stagecoach bus travel to and from Cambridge University Hospital site. Park and Ride bus journeys between Babraham Road and Trumpington sites are free, as is the route to and from Cambridge train station and our hospitals. We also subsidise the cost of parking on site for eligible staff.
On CUH campus, hot food is available 24/7 and at a reduced cost for colleagues. Recently we launched the first of our staff pod break spaces. Located in the Deakin Centre, we have a purpose-created colleague-only caf, with free tea and coffee, a break space and private outside area for colleagues to rest, refuel and recharge. Just one of the ways we are working hard to support good working days at CUH.
CUH is committed to assisting employees in achieving a good work-life balance irrespective of role or personal circumstances. Flexible arrangements may include, but are not limited to, part-time working, job-share, term-time working and flexible start and finish times.
Please note if you would like to discuss the required hours of this role further, you should approach the contact given. In some cases, alternative working hours will be considered.
We welcome applications from the Armed Forces.
Job description
Job responsibilities
Please see the attached Applicant Information Pack (Combined job description/person Specification) for key duties and responsibilities.
Due to Home Office immigration rules, a full time permanent vacancy cannot be filled by individuals on a Student visa. Therefore, please be advised that if you are a Student visa holder, we will not be able to offer you a full time permanent contract unless you have:- applied for a Graduate visa- or you will have successfully completed your course and have applied for a Graduate visa before the anticipated start date of your employment- or the Trust has agreed that they will Sponsor you as a Skilled Worker and you will complete your studies within 3 months of the anticipated start date of employment
For NHS Cambridgeshire and Peterborough based roles, all applicants from NHS Cambridgeshire and Peterborough who have identified that they are at risk of redundancy will be prioritised over those not at risk. However, interviews cannot be guaranteed.
This vacancy will close at midnight on 14th October 2025
Interviews are due to be held on 28th October 2025
Benefits to you
At Cambridge University Hospitals, we want to do all we can to support good working days. We offer development opportunities and a wide range of benefits, including on-site leisure facilities, shopping concourse and day nurseries. Our good work programme currently includes providing reduced cost Stagecoach bus travel to and from Cambridge University Hospital site. Park and Ride bus journeys between Babraham Road and Trumpington sites are free, as is the route to and from Cambridge train station and our hospitals. We also subsidise the cost of parking on site for eligible staff.
On CUH campus, hot food is available 24/7 and at a reduced cost for colleagues. Recently we launched the first of our staff pod break spaces. Located in the Deakin Centre, we have a purpose-created colleague-only caf, with free tea and coffee, a break space and private outside area for colleagues to rest, refuel and recharge. Just one of the ways we are working hard to support good working days at CUH.
CUH is committed to assisting employees in achieving a good work-life balance irrespective of role or personal circumstances. Flexible arrangements may include, but are not limited to, part-time working, job-share, term-time working and flexible start and finish times.
Please note if you would like to discuss the required hours of this role further, you should approach the contact given. In some cases, alternative working hours will be considered.
We welcome applications from the Armed Forces.
Person Specification
Qualifications
Essential
- 1.NVQ level 3 or above in a care related subject
- 2.Or 5 GCSE passes or equivalent at Grade C or above.
- 3.All candidates must have the equivalent of GCSE grade C or above in Maths and English
- 4.A Levels in relevant subjects
- 5.Leadership/Supervisory qualification or equivalent demonstrable experience
Desirable
- 1.IT Qualification
- 2.Up to date Appraisal Training
- 3.Up to date Recruitment and Selection training
Experience
Essential
- 1.Previous experience in orthoptic/ophthalmology clinics
- 2.Significant previous experience of dealing with patients, customers or members of the public
- 3.Demonstrates an ability to work with others to actively solve problems which impact on service delivery
- 4.Previous experience in the assessment of visual acuity, visual fields, OCT scans, ophthalmic photos, pupil assessment, IOP measurement and colour vision.
- 5.Previous experience in an administrative role and working with computers
- 6.Experience in working with paediatric and adult patients
Desirable
- 1.Experience of direct line management.
- 2.Previous experience of working in a supervisory role, including teaching and mentoring
Knowledge
Essential
- 1.Good knowledge of diagnostic tests used in patient care in orthoptics and ophthalmology
- 2.Knowledge of the eye anatomy
- 3.Knowledge of visual assessments in paediatric and adult patients
- 4.Understanding of issues relating to confidentiality, health and safety and risk management
Desirable
- 1.Able to use the Trust's electronic patient records
- 2.Knowledge of current changes in the NHS and patient care
- 3.Evidence of Extended learning/Learning beyond basic competency level, with respect to continuing professional development
Skills
Essential
- 1.Good communication skills verbal, nonverbal and written
- 2.Wide experience and skills in diagnostic technical imaging in ophthalmics
- 3.Ability to supervise and train staff
- 4.Excellent time management skills
- 5.Ability to work unsupervised and follow instructions
- 6.Ability to work accurately with dexterity and attention to detail
- 7.Compassionate and patient focused
- 8.Ability to communicate effectively with paediatric and adult patients
- 9.Professional appearance and behaviour at all times
Desirable
- 1.Able to use the Trust's electronic patient records
- 2.Prepared to undertake recognised mentoring/coaching role.
- 3.Enthusiastic about learning and professional development
- 4.Flexible and adaptable to changing service needs
Additional Requirements
Essential
- The ability to understand and behave at all times, towards patients, visitors and colleagues according to the Trust values of Safe, Kind, Excellent.
- Flexible approach to working, in line with service requirements.
- Ability to work under pressure
- Team worker and team leader
- Reliable, punctual and self-motivated
- Professional and well organised
Desirable
- Receptive to advice
- Enthusiastic and friendly
Person Specification
Qualifications
Essential
- 1.NVQ level 3 or above in a care related subject
- 2.Or 5 GCSE passes or equivalent at Grade C or above.
- 3.All candidates must have the equivalent of GCSE grade C or above in Maths and English
- 4.A Levels in relevant subjects
- 5.Leadership/Supervisory qualification or equivalent demonstrable experience
Desirable
- 1.IT Qualification
- 2.Up to date Appraisal Training
- 3.Up to date Recruitment and Selection training
Experience
Essential
- 1.Previous experience in orthoptic/ophthalmology clinics
- 2.Significant previous experience of dealing with patients, customers or members of the public
- 3.Demonstrates an ability to work with others to actively solve problems which impact on service delivery
- 4.Previous experience in the assessment of visual acuity, visual fields, OCT scans, ophthalmic photos, pupil assessment, IOP measurement and colour vision.
- 5.Previous experience in an administrative role and working with computers
- 6.Experience in working with paediatric and adult patients
Desirable
- 1.Experience of direct line management.
- 2.Previous experience of working in a supervisory role, including teaching and mentoring
Knowledge
Essential
- 1.Good knowledge of diagnostic tests used in patient care in orthoptics and ophthalmology
- 2.Knowledge of the eye anatomy
- 3.Knowledge of visual assessments in paediatric and adult patients
- 4.Understanding of issues relating to confidentiality, health and safety and risk management
Desirable
- 1.Able to use the Trust's electronic patient records
- 2.Knowledge of current changes in the NHS and patient care
- 3.Evidence of Extended learning/Learning beyond basic competency level, with respect to continuing professional development
Skills
Essential
- 1.Good communication skills verbal, nonverbal and written
- 2.Wide experience and skills in diagnostic technical imaging in ophthalmics
- 3.Ability to supervise and train staff
- 4.Excellent time management skills
- 5.Ability to work unsupervised and follow instructions
- 6.Ability to work accurately with dexterity and attention to detail
- 7.Compassionate and patient focused
- 8.Ability to communicate effectively with paediatric and adult patients
- 9.Professional appearance and behaviour at all times
Desirable
- 1.Able to use the Trust's electronic patient records
- 2.Prepared to undertake recognised mentoring/coaching role.
- 3.Enthusiastic about learning and professional development
- 4.Flexible and adaptable to changing service needs
Additional Requirements
Essential
- The ability to understand and behave at all times, towards patients, visitors and colleagues according to the Trust values of Safe, Kind, Excellent.
- Flexible approach to working, in line with service requirements.
- Ability to work under pressure
- Team worker and team leader
- Reliable, punctual and self-motivated
- Professional and well organised
Desirable
- Receptive to advice
- Enthusiastic and friendly
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).