South Tyneside and Sunderland NHS Foundation Trust
Ophthalmic Imaging Technician
The closing date is 13 June 2025
There are so many reasons to joinour team at Sunderland Eye Infirmary. Aside from our fantastic staff, we havelots of exciting things going on. Work on our new Eye Hospital in Sunderland isunderway, with plans to move into our new home in early 2026. The new hospitalmeans Sunderland will remain home to the regions only dedicated standalone eyehospital. It will strengthen our excellent reputation across the NHS, bothregionally and nationally as a centre of excellence for ophthalmology care.
Wealso 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 usingdeveloping technology is a key part of our work. If you share our vision for 'excellencein all that we do', we'd love you to join us!
We are excited tointroduce a new Virtual Diagnostics Service within Ophthalmology. As technology has advanced theimaging service is expanding, and this is a rare and exciting opportunity inwhich we areseeking an enthusiastic and motivated Ophthalmic Imaging Technician to be apart of this innovative journey.
This role is the first of its kind in our department, offering thesuccessful candidate a unique opportunity to shape and develop this service.You will play a vital role in capturing high-quality ophthalmic assessments toassist clinicians in the diagnosis, monitoring and treatment of complex eyeconditions.
Main duties of the job
This role will deliver acomprehensive range of diagnostic services for the Eye Infirmary as part of thededicated imaging team.
We are seeking highlymotivated, dynamic, and enthusiastic individuals with a strong desire to learnand grow within the field. The ideal candidate will have a healthcarebackground and experience in conducting ophthalmic assessments, includingVisual Fields, Visual Acuity, and Ophthalmic Imaging. Our service operates in afast-paced and high-demand environment, so you must be able to maintaincomposure and work efficiently under pressure.
You should possess strongtechnical skills, a keen eye for detail and a commitment to delivering thehighest standards of patient care. A passion for patient-centred care and theability to embody our trust values are essential.
In this role, you willcollaborate closely with the multidisciplinary team, including photographers,clinicians, and nurses. Teamwork is a key component, so you must demonstratethe ability to work effectively with others.
This position offers acomprehensive competency-based training programme, delivered in-house by highlyqualified staff and requires a dedication to continuous learning andprofessional development.
This role offers a fantastic opportunity for career growth and development.
Applicantswho do not meet all the essential criteria may be considered for a Band 3position.
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 8,600 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 responsibilities
PLEASE REFER TO THE ATTACHED JOB DESCRIPTION FOR FULL DUTIES OF THE ROLE.
* To work within the ophthalmic imaging department,diagnostic hub and outreach clinics to provide clinical and technical servicestailored to meet the needs of the department.
* To work under thedirection of the Head of Ophthalmic photography, Senior Ophthalmic Photographers and OphthalmicPhotographers to assist in the diagnosis, treatment and care of new andfollow-up patients.
* To liaise with all members of the ophthalmologydepartment and other professionals as necessary to establish and maintain ahigh quality and coordinated service.
* To makesafe and effective use of a range of highly complex diagnostic instrumentsadhering to defined protocols and guidelines.
* Tosupervise and provide training to Ophthalmic Assistants and other juniormembers of the team.
* Toundertake ophthalmic imaging duties including performing OCT and colour fundus.
* Assistin the diagnosis and monitoring of ophthalmic conditions by performing visualfield assessments, for example using the Humphrey visual field analysers.
* Measureand record visual acuity, administer/instil dilation drops, undertakeintraocular pressure test.
* Toundertake administrative and clerical tasks associated with the role, followingdepartmental guidelines and procedures as necessary for the efficiency of theservice.
* Carryout accurate patient assessment and document appropriately.
* Toattain department competencies after a period of inhouse training according tothe department protocols and patients' pathways.
* Todevelop excellent skills in operating various ophthalmic diagnostic equipment
* Towork in virtual clinics, including retinal, vascular and Glaucoma.
Person Specification
Physical Skills
* 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.
Experience
* 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.
* 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
* Ophthalmic/ health care-based qualification.
* Qualification in ophthalmic photography such as HND in Ophthalmic Imaging.
Skills and Knowledge
* 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.
* 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.
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.
Employer name
South Tyneside and Sunderland NHS Foundation Trust
£26,530 to £29,114 a year2025/26 pay award pending (£27,485-£30,162)
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