Job overview
We are inviting applications for an exciting opportunity to join the Ophthalmic Technicians Team.
Senior Ophthalmic Technicians are a crucial support service within the Ophthalmic specialities. They perform diagnostic tests in different clinics within the department. These include Visual Field Tests, Optical Coherence Tomography and other imaging. They provide support to a team of Ophthalmic Technicians and some line management is included in the role. Within the Glaucoma service the Senior Technicians are involved in Technician led clinics and work independently following training.
You will be required to undertake associated clerical and administrative duties to ensure the effective running of clinics.
Some of these clinics are offsite and occasional Saturday working may be required when the service requires.
Being able to work independently and within a team is essential for the role.
Training is given to the successful candidate.
A visit prior to interview is strongly recommended and can be arranged by calling Orthoptics on 01223 216528.
Main duties of the job
Working as part of a multidisciplinary team, provide appropriate assessment/diagnostic tests (and interpretation of results where indicated) for ophthalmology patients. Take a lead role in the provision of technician-led clinics. Some sessions will be off site at VERU/ARU. To line manage Band 3 ophthalmic technicians and support both the Head Orthoptist and the Ophthalmic Technician Coordinator with managing staff leave, sickness cover and general service provision. To ensure that patients are received in a sympathetic and courteous manner and that cultural difference is catered for. To undertake associated clerical and administrative duties necessary to ensure the effective running of the ophthalmology service. To support the training and induction of new staff.
Working for our organisation
Come Nurse with us…
Cambridge University Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust is one of the largest teaching Trusts in the country. It comprises Addenbrooke’s Hospital and the Rosie Hospital. We provide accessible high-quality healthcare for the local people of Cambridge and regional and national specialist services. It’s a great place to nurse, work and live.
You will work on a vibrant hospital campus with a friendly community feel; we have excellent facilities to practise your skills and abilities to support your career pathway and development. Our values of Together – Safe, Kind, Excellent support the delivery of outstanding care. We have a fully electronic patient record system that is improving health-care quality; this is transforming services, improving patient safety and clinical outcomes.
Why choose Cambridge University Hospitals?
• Our values and reputation for outstanding care
• Opportunities to experience a range of specialities
• Career and development opportunities
• Preceptorship and mentoring programmes delivered by a dedicated clinical education support team
• Research experience and opportunities
• Lovely location and quality of life
• Excellent schools/colleges and transport links (road, rail and air)
Detailed job description and main responsibilities
Please see the attached Applicant Information Pack (combined Job Description and Person Specification) for key duties and responsibilities.
Please note:- Internal applicants on permanent contracts can apply for this post as a secondment. For secondments you must have the approval of your line manager before applying. If you are an internal applicant currently on a fixed term contract you are able to apply for this as a fixed term position.
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 9 December 2025
Interviews are due to be held on 18 December 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 café, 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 criteria
NVQ Level 3 or equivalent in health related subject
5 GCSEs or equivalent
All candidates must have the equivalent of GCSE grade C or above in Maths and English
Desirable criteria
Foundation degree or equivalent
IT Qualification
GCSE pass at Grade C or higher in one or more Science related subjects
Experience
Essential criteria
Has undertaken clinical work
Significant previous experience of dealing with patients, customers or members of the public
Experience in learning new systems
Desirable criteria
Experience of working in an Ophthalmology Out-Patient setting
Previous experience of working in a supervisory role, including teaching and mentoring
Experience working in a multidisciplinary team
Knowledge
Essential criteria
Good knowledge of patient care
Understanding of issues relating to confidentiality, health and safety and risk management
Evidence of extended learning/learning beyond basic competency level, with respect to continuing professional development
Knowledge of NHS procedures
Desirable criteria
Awareness of national priorities and initiatives
Knowledge of general medical/ophthalmic conditions, equipment and techniques
Skills
Essential criteria
Good verbal, non-verbal and written communication skills.
Excellent communication and interpersonal skills
Capable of working as part of a multi-disciplinary team and liaising with a wide range of people.
Ability to use own initiative
Ability to work unsupervised and follow instructions
Excellent time management
Adaptable to changing situations due to workload
Excellent administrative and clerical skills
Reflective practitioner
Able to demonstrate empathy and caring attitude towards others
Desirable criteria
Able to use the Trust’s electronic patient records
Good presentation skills
Prepared to undertake recognised mentoring/coaching role.
Additional Requirements
Essential criteria
The ability to understand and behave at all times, towards patients, visitors and colleagues according to the Trust values of Together - Safe, Kind, Excellent.
Flexible approach to working in line with service requirements.
Ability to work under pressure
Team worker
Reliable and self motivated
Professional and well organised
Desirable criteria
Receptive to advice
Employer certification / accreditation badges
Applicant requirements
This post is subject to the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act 1974 (Exceptions) Order 1975 (Amendment) (England and Wales) Order 2020 and it will be necessary for a submission for Disclosure to be made to the Disclosure and Barring Service.
Documents to download
Apply online now
Further details / informal visits contact
Name
Helen Newman
Job title
Ophthalmic Technician Coordinator
Email address
helen.newman16@nhs.net
Telephone number
01223 216528