Job overview
This role is eligible for visa sponsorship under the UK Visas & Immigration (UKVI) Skilled Worker route however sponsorship can only be provided where applicants meet the specific requirements set by UKVI, including the relevant skill and salary thresholds, and any role-specific criteria. Applicants for the Senior HCA role must be able to evidence a minimum of 2 years’ experience in the same role (Band 3 HCA within the NHS) to meet the salary requirements to qualify for sponsorship.
To work as a Senior Ophthalmic Health Care Assistant under the supervision of Staff Nurses and Sister, predominantly within the OPD service, but with the skills to rotate to all areas of ophthalmology as required. To set up clinics, carry out and record Visual Acuity, Intra ocular pressure measurement, Auto-refraction, Foci meter, Visual Field Testing, occasional venepuncture and cannulation and to assist in Minor operation and Intravitreal injection clinics.
Main duties of the job
This role supports the ophthalmic team in outpatient clinics, assisting with visual acuities, patient flow, and clinical procedures. Key responsibilities include conducting visual field tests, instilling eye drops, performing hand held tonometry, and recording vital signs like blood pressure, temperature, and blood glucose. The post-holder will assist with routine tasks such as venepuncture, cannulation, urinalysis, and wight measurement. Supervision of junior staff and training of new team members are expected. The role also involves administrative tasks like assisting in direction where to book appointments, managing patient transport, and supporting patient inside the department.
The job includes assisting in minor ophthalmic procedures, ensuring correct eye drops administration, maintaining patient comfort, and adhering to infection control protocols. The post-holder is responsible for supporting patient care, including personal hygiene, feeding, mobility assistance, and communication support, ensuring patient dignity and privacy. Effective communication with patients, families, and multidisciplinary teams is essential.
Staff development is a key focus, with duties including mentoring junior colleagues and ensuring a positive, non-discriminatory work environment. The role may involve other duties aligned with the team's needs. Flexibility is expected as the job description evolves to meet service requirements.
Working for our organisation
Working for our organisation
At UHSussex, diversity is our strength, and we want you to feel included to help us always deliver Excellent Care Everywhere, as shown in our Outstanding for Caring CQC rating. Your uniqueness and experiences will be part of our creative and innovative community where everyone is encouraged to succeed. We have a range of staff networks to help break down barriers, and can offer a buddy to help new members settle in. We’re proud to be a Disability Confident Employer (Level 3) and a Veteran Aware Trust.
Detailed job description and main responsibilities
Please see attached document for further information regarding the job description and main responsibilities.
Person specification
Essential and Desirable
Essential criteria
1. Substantive experience within ophthalmology speciality
2. Teamwork/Leadership Experience
3. Evidence of completed Band 2 competencies in Ophthalmology
4. Evidence of Level 3 Diploma in Clinical healthcare Support, Health & Social Care or relevant equivalent qualification
5. Care Certificate from a Ofqual regulated awarding organisation
6. Able to travel across sites (SEH, PRH, HPC)
7. Understanding of the hospital environment and of a patient centred approach to care and teamwork.
8. Understanding of visual acuity, visual fields testing, using auto refraction, to assist in minor operations and intra vitreal injections, accurate use of focimeter, record patient’s blood pressure, pulse, respiration, temperature, blood glucose, take bloods, Electrocardiogram
9. NHS experience or NHS primary care experience is required or an internationally educated nurse/midwife/doctor who has worked in an acute NHS Trust within recent years.
Desirable criteria
10. Evidence of completed Band 2 competencies in general areas/ward
11. Venepuncture and Cannulation
12. Evidence of personal development in the Band 2 role
Equality, Diversity, and Inclusion
Essential criteria
13. Evidence of having undertaken own development to improve understanding of equalities issues
14. Evidence of having championed diversity in previous roles (as appropriate to role)
Important information for applicants:
A Note on AI Use in Applications
We value the individuality and authenticity that each candidate brings to the application process. While AI tools are increasingly accessible, we strongly discourage their use in completing your application. Your responses should reflect your own voice, experiences, and motivations—elements that are essential to a fair and accurate evaluation.
Applications that rely heavily on AI-generated content may misrepresent your abilities and could result in your application being rejected. We encourage you to take the time to present your genuine self, as this helps us better understand your potential and ensures a transparent selection process.
Closing Adverts Early: In the event of exceptional interest, we may close adverts earlier than specified.
Some of our adverts are capped for a limited number of applications; therefore, the advert will close once the cap has been reached. We therefore encourage you to submit your application as soon as possible if you are interested in the position to prevent you from missing out on applying for the opportunity.
Flexible Working: If you would like to explore potential options regarding flexible working please speak with the appropriate recruiting/line manager.
DBS Checks: As part of our commitment to a safe working environment, we undertake a Disclosure and Barring Service check on all new employees where the role is eligible for a criminal record check. We make offers in line with the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act 1975.
Skilled Worker Visa: Applications for Skilled Worker sponsorship are welcome for the roles that meet the Visa and Immigrations eligibility criteria. For further information please visit the gov.uk website searching for Skilled Worker. It is your responsibility as the applicant to ensure that you meet this criteria.
UHSussex reserves the right to close the role early if we receive a high volume of applications