East Cheshire NHS Trust

Diabetic Eye Screener / Patient Liaison Officer

The closing date is 25 September 2025

Job summary

*Subject to job matching*

We are looking for an enthusiastic, organised and conscientious Diabetic Eye Screener/Patient Liaison Officer to join the Cheshire Diabetic Eye Screening Programme. We invite all our eligible population for screening to ensure the early detection and appropriate monitoring/ treatment of diabetic retinopathy in a bid to reduce sight loss.

The post holder will need to be confident, friendly and have an excellent rapport with service users. The role requires you to work independently within a community based environment, however you will be part of a supportive team. You will be someone who enjoys patient contact and who can make visits to our clinics a positive experience for service users.

Please note, if you are already a qualified diabetic eye screener, you will commence as a Band 3. If you are not a qualified diabetic eye screener, you will commence as a Band 2 and will be supported to complete the Level 3 Diploma for Health Screeners. We welcome applications from unqualified applicants.

Hours per week: 37.5 - 08.30am-16.30pm with a half hour lunch break

*PLEASE NOTE THE ADVERT MAY CLOSE EARLY DUE TO HIGH APPLICATIONS*

Main duties of the job

Around four days a week will be spent running screening clinics in the community as part of a rota. Applicants should be flexible and happy to travel across Cheshire as required by the service. We pay travel expenses and account for travel time to each of our venues.

Around once a week, the post holder will work from home contacting patients who are overdue a screening appointment and encouraging them to attend, therefore a good telephone manner is paramount.

  • Travel to the screening location and arrive punctually to start clinic.
  • Establish a rapport with patients and explain the diabetic eye screening process.
  • Complete a basic visual acuity test.
  • Administer eye drops.
  • Operate a retinal camera to take retinal images and/or an OCT machine to take an OCT scan.
  • Recognise signs of Diabetic Retinopathy to triage images into the correct grading queue.
  • Problem solve should any issues arise.
  • Support service users with additional needs/communication requirements.
  • Call patients to encourage attendance.

As we cover a large population, the successful applicant can either be based at Alsager Health Centre (head office) or The Fountains in Chester, dependent on home address in order to work out expenses.

About us

It is all about the people at East Cheshire NHS Trust. We have a real sense of community, and our values are truly embedded into everything we do, ensuring we are a great and inclusive place to work. You will be supported, developed and empowered throughout your career with us. Come and join us, where you can play your part in helping us deliver outstanding care and improving the health of all the people we serve.

At East Cheshire NHS Trustwe are committed to providing the best quality integrated care to our patients. To achieve this aim we need highly motivated staff who are united by common values and behaviours.

We believe our workforce is our greatest asset and we actively support our staff to develop their capabilities to the full, with a variety of learning and development opportunities.

Whether you are just starting out in your career or are looking to use your skills and experience in a new role, East Cheshire NHS Trust is the right employer for you. We look forward to you joining us so that we can bring out your best.

Some of our recent achievements include:

  • ACQC rating of 'Good' (2019)
  • NHS Staff Survey results show that East Cheshire NHS Trust (ECT) is the kindest Hospital Trust in which to work in the whole of the North West, with 75% of the Trust's colleagues agreeing that their colleagues are kind and understanding to one another.
  • The Trust was awarded the Pastoral Care Quality Award in 2024which recognisesthe ongoing support and dedication provided to international nurses at the Trust.
  • The Trust's Library and Knowledge Service won goldat the annual LIHNN Service Development Awards in 2024.
  • The Trust achieved a silver award from the Defence Employer Recognition Scheme (ERS) in 2024in recognition of it's commitment to the care and wellbeing of armed forces veterans.
  • The Trust's Estates and Facilities teamwon thePartners in Healthcare Settings Awardat the 2023Premises and Facilities Management (PFM) Awards. The award showcasedthe best examples of exemplary joint efforts in premises and facilities management in the healthcare sector.
  • The Trust was accredited as 'Veteran Aware' in 2023 recognising it's work to support the Armed Forces community as both a service provider and employer.
  • Our Clinical Skills Simulation Centre is accredited by the North West Simulation Education Network, resulting in a high standard of training being delivered.

These are just a few good reasons to come and work with us, so come and join our team and support our vision of delivering the right care first time, every time.

Please be aware that this post requires an Enhanced with Barred list Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS) check, the cost of which is payable by the successful candidate. If you have lived or worked abroad for 6 months or more in the last 5 years you will need to obtain an overseas police clearance. Further information can be found on the additional information links at the bottom of the advert.

Details

Date posted

16 September 2025

Pay scheme

Agenda for change

Band

Band 2

Salary

£24,465 to £26,598 a year Band 2 if unqualified. Band 3 if qualified.

Contract

Permanent

Working pattern

Full-time

Reference number

209-A-25-7484420

Job locations

Fountains Health

Fountains Health Building

Delamere Street

Chester

CH1 4DS


Alsager Health Centre

Alsager

ST7 2LT


Job description

Job responsibilities

Please read the attached Applicant Pack prior to completing your application form to find out more information.

Please download a copy of the Job Description and Person Specification located under the Supporting documents heading to read more about the advertised role.

As part of making your application we encourage you to review the Trusts Careers webpage Careers :: East Cheshire NHS Trust for more information about working for East Cheshire NHS Trust.

We are an equal opportunities employer and welcome all applications irrespective of age, disability, gender, sexual orientation, race or religion. The Trust is a Disability Confident Leader and as such, applicants with disabilities will be offered an interview providing they meet the minimum criteria for the post (outlined in the Person Specification).

Applicants are advised to apply early as we reserve the right to close the advert prior to the advertised closing date should we receive a large number of applications.

We look forward to receiving your application.

Overseas candidates wishing to apply who would require sponsorship can determine the likelihood of obtaining a CoS for the post by assessing their circumstances against criteria specified on theVisas and immigration - GOV.UK (www.gov.uk)

Job description

Job responsibilities

Please read the attached Applicant Pack prior to completing your application form to find out more information.

Please download a copy of the Job Description and Person Specification located under the Supporting documents heading to read more about the advertised role.

As part of making your application we encourage you to review the Trusts Careers webpage Careers :: East Cheshire NHS Trust for more information about working for East Cheshire NHS Trust.

We are an equal opportunities employer and welcome all applications irrespective of age, disability, gender, sexual orientation, race or religion. The Trust is a Disability Confident Leader and as such, applicants with disabilities will be offered an interview providing they meet the minimum criteria for the post (outlined in the Person Specification).

Applicants are advised to apply early as we reserve the right to close the advert prior to the advertised closing date should we receive a large number of applications.

We look forward to receiving your application.

Overseas candidates wishing to apply who would require sponsorship can determine the likelihood of obtaining a CoS for the post by assessing their circumstances against criteria specified on theVisas and immigration - GOV.UK (www.gov.uk)

Person Specification

Qualifications

Essential

  • Good general level of education including GCSE English and Maths.
  • City and Guilds Level 3 Diploma in Diabetic Retinopathy Screening or Level 3 Diploma for Heath Screeners (Screening)

Knowledge and Skills

Essential

  • Knowledge of diabetic retinopathy with ability to identify features requiring escalation
  • High level of knowledge of diabetes and the anatomy, physiology and pathology of the eye
  • Knowledge of Fundus cameras and how they operate/basic troubleshooting skills
  • Knowledge of the UK National Screening Committee and NHS England
  • Knowledge of other eye conditions e.g., glaucoma, cataract, and macular degeneration
  • Ability to distinguish between referral and non-referral eye disease
  • Knowledge of the Optomize software and how Optomize is setup in - Ability to use an OCT machine. Application Form/Interview DES/AHP/SEPT25 8 community locations
  • Computer literate. Knowledge of Microsoft Office including Word, Excel and Outlook
  • Ability to work as part of a team, as well as on own initiative in a busy working environment
  • Has attention to detail, able to work accurately, identifying errors quickly and easily
  • Excellent communication and interpersonal skills
  • Excellent time management skills with the ability to re-prioritise
  • Keyboard skills and ability to use of a range of software

Desirable

  • Ability to use an OCT machine

Experience

Essential

  • Experience as a qualified Screener

Specific Job Requirement

Essential

  • Ability to work as part of a team, as well as on own initiative in a busy working environment
  • Understanding of and commitment to equality of opportunity and good working relationships
  • An ability to maintain confidentiality and trust and an awareness of information governance requirements and data protection
  • Professional, calm and efficient manner
  • Commitment to continuing professional development
  • Commitment to and focused on quality, promotes high standards in all they do
  • Able to make a connection between their work and the benefit to patients and the public
  • Consistently thinks about how their work can help and support clinicians and frontline staff deliver better outcomes for patients
  • Values diversity and difference, operates with integrity and openness
  • Works well with others, is positive and helpful, listens, involves, respects and learns from the contribution of others
  • Consistently looks to improve what they do, look for successful tried and tested ways of working, and also seeks out innovation
  • Actively develops themselves and supports others to do the same
  • Understanding of and commitment to equality of opportunity and good working relationships

Other Role Requirements

Essential

  • Please refer to the job description and person specification for further details regarding the role requirements
Person Specification

Qualifications

Essential

  • Good general level of education including GCSE English and Maths.
  • City and Guilds Level 3 Diploma in Diabetic Retinopathy Screening or Level 3 Diploma for Heath Screeners (Screening)

Knowledge and Skills

Essential

  • Knowledge of diabetic retinopathy with ability to identify features requiring escalation
  • High level of knowledge of diabetes and the anatomy, physiology and pathology of the eye
  • Knowledge of Fundus cameras and how they operate/basic troubleshooting skills
  • Knowledge of the UK National Screening Committee and NHS England
  • Knowledge of other eye conditions e.g., glaucoma, cataract, and macular degeneration
  • Ability to distinguish between referral and non-referral eye disease
  • Knowledge of the Optomize software and how Optomize is setup in - Ability to use an OCT machine. Application Form/Interview DES/AHP/SEPT25 8 community locations
  • Computer literate. Knowledge of Microsoft Office including Word, Excel and Outlook
  • Ability to work as part of a team, as well as on own initiative in a busy working environment
  • Has attention to detail, able to work accurately, identifying errors quickly and easily
  • Excellent communication and interpersonal skills
  • Excellent time management skills with the ability to re-prioritise
  • Keyboard skills and ability to use of a range of software

Desirable

  • Ability to use an OCT machine

Experience

Essential

  • Experience as a qualified Screener

Specific Job Requirement

Essential

  • Ability to work as part of a team, as well as on own initiative in a busy working environment
  • Understanding of and commitment to equality of opportunity and good working relationships
  • An ability to maintain confidentiality and trust and an awareness of information governance requirements and data protection
  • Professional, calm and efficient manner
  • Commitment to continuing professional development
  • Commitment to and focused on quality, promotes high standards in all they do
  • Able to make a connection between their work and the benefit to patients and the public
  • Consistently thinks about how their work can help and support clinicians and frontline staff deliver better outcomes for patients
  • Values diversity and difference, operates with integrity and openness
  • Works well with others, is positive and helpful, listens, involves, respects and learns from the contribution of others
  • Consistently looks to improve what they do, look for successful tried and tested ways of working, and also seeks out innovation
  • Actively develops themselves and supports others to do the same
  • Understanding of and commitment to equality of opportunity and good working relationships

Other Role Requirements

Essential

  • Please refer to the job description and person specification for further details regarding the role requirements

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

East Cheshire NHS Trust

Address

Fountains Health

Fountains Health Building

Delamere Street

Chester

CH1 4DS


Employer's website

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


Employer details

Employer name

East Cheshire NHS Trust

Address

Fountains Health

Fountains Health Building

Delamere Street

Chester

CH1 4DS


Employer's website

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


Employer contact details

For questions about the job, contact:

Programme Manager

Amy Jones

amy.jones75@nhs.net

01270297006

Details

Date posted

16 September 2025

Pay scheme

Agenda for change

Band

Band 2

Salary

£24,465 to £26,598 a year Band 2 if unqualified. Band 3 if qualified.

Contract

Permanent

Working pattern

Full-time

Reference number

209-A-25-7484420

Job locations

Fountains Health

Fountains Health Building

Delamere Street

Chester

CH1 4DS


Alsager Health Centre

Alsager

ST7 2LT


Supporting documents

Privacy notice

East Cheshire NHS Trust's privacy notice (opens in a new tab)