Job Summary
We are looking to recruit a self-motivated, enthusiastic individual to join our Diabetic Eye Screening Team. Applicants should be able to work independently and as part of a small team. You will need to be computer literate with excellent interpersonal skills. Full training and support will be provided. The successful candidate will be an excellent communicator who is flexible and able to deal with a range of people in their day-to-day work, some with very specific needs. A full driving licence and own transport to travel to and from health centres and places of work within the programme area are required. You will also be required to drive department vans including mobile clinic vehicles.
Main duties
The successful candidate will undertake clinics across the county in settings including mobile clinical vehicles, GP surgeries and hospitals. You must be able to work confidently and independently and troubleshoot IT/technical issues that may arise during screening. You will run clinics, measure visual acuity, take retinal photographs, administer eye drops and triage patients. There is a team approach to achieving National Diabetic Eye Screening Programme (NDESP) performance measures. Administrative duties such as telephoning patients may be required. You will use your own vehicle to travel between sites within Gloucestershire and may drive the mobile retinal screening van to screening venues as needed; a UK driving licence and business insurance for your vehicle are required.
Location and hours
Clinics are held Monday – Saturday. The post holder will be expected to work some evening and Saturday clinics on a rota basis. The role requires excellent time management and the ability to prioritise workload. You will work as part of a multidisciplinary team including Screeners, Graders, Ophthalmologists, Administration staff and Primary Care healthcare professionals.
About Us
The Gloucestershire Diabetic Eye Screening Programme comprises a team of over 30 staff. We provide Diabetic Eye Screening in a range of clinical settings across Gloucestershire and work closely with the Ophthalmic Imaging Team, Gloucestershire Retinal Research Group and Gloucestershire Retinal Education Group.
Details
Date posted: 10 September 2025
Pay scheme: Agenda for Change
Band: Band 4
Salary: £27,485 to £30,162 a year (pro rata if part time)
Contract: Permanent
Working pattern: Full-time, Part-time
Reference number: 318-25-T0632
Job locations: Trustwide, Gloucestershire, GL1 3NN
Job Description
Job responsibilities
Knowledge, Skills & Experience Required
* Some knowledge of ophthalmic imaging or Diabetic Eye Screening is desirable. Successful applicants will be expected to work towards the diploma in Diabetic Eye Screening and must complete the qualification within 2 years of start date, meeting milestones along the way.
* Must have a current full UK driving licence and be able to drive department vehicles.
* Minimum of two A-levels or equivalent qualification, one in a relevant subject such as Biology, Science or Photography, or equivalent.
* With training, develop a basic knowledge of all aspects of diabetic retinopathy to indicate images that are disease positive.
* Good understanding of diabetes and associated risk factors.
* Effective communication within a multidisciplinary team and with patients in a calm, sensitive, reassuring and persuasive manner.
* With training, develop enhanced dexterity and accuracy with diagnostic equipment (e.g., fundus cameras).
* Ability to work on own initiative, efficiently and professionally.
* Enhanced IT skills with Windows-based software and diagnostic software.
* Keep up-to-date with professional developments and participate in audits and research activity as required.
* Respond flexibly to issues using department policies, e.g., handling IT failures in clinics while maintaining a calm environment for patients.
Key Result Areas
* Ability to work effectively without direct supervision.
* Plan travel time and clinic time, screening a minimum number of patients per day, maintaining throughput as workflows change, and making decisions within local guidelines without direct medical supervision.
* On-the-job training by a qualified screener/grader for approx. four months; competency and quality assurance checks thereafter.
* Develop competence in digital retinal photography to meet the National Quality Assurance Standard.
* Work some Saturdays and evenings on a rota basis.
* Distinguish disease-positive from disease-negative images after training and undertake monthly Test and Training Image Sets.
* Remain calm during screening clinics, including in IT failure scenarios.
* Communicate effectively with health professionals and patients, using empathy and reassurance related to diabetes management and screening attendance.
* Safely administer mydriatic eye drops following guidelines and protocols.
* Develop one-to-one patient education using retinal images to promote diabetes management and annual screening attendance.
* Maintain accurate image and data handling and transfer between clinics, adhering to manual handling and trust policies.
* Stay up-to-date with information and training to sustain high professional standards.
Communication & Working Relationships
* Develop and maintain communication with the immediate team and other eye screening programmes in the UK.
* Multidisciplinary team within the Trust; Ophthalmologists and diabetes team; Patients; General Practitioners, Practice Nurses, Practice Managers and other staff; National Screening Committee for Diabetic Retinopathy; Trust IT department; external IT, camera and software support.
Most Challenging Part of the Role
Working without direct supervision under pressure, with occasional lack of guidance, while maintaining patient care, safety, education and time management. Handling patient images and data and prioritising time to meet national standards. Staying focused and resourceful during adverse conditions, including IT failures.
Physical Effort and Working Conditions
* Manual handling within guidelines; may manoeuvre equipment up to 86 kg using trolleys, and carry a laptop (~5–7 kg) daily.
* Screening clinics conducted in dark rooms with VDU use; image grading also in dark rooms.
* Concentrated work for prolonged periods; infection control and COSHH regulations observed.
Qualifications and Experience
Essential
* Minimum of 2 A-Levels (Grade A-C) or equivalent in a relevant subject; or NVQ Level 3; driving licence required.
* GCSE English and Mathematics at Grade C or equivalent.
Desirable
* NVQ Level 3 City & Guilds in Diabetic Retinopathy Screening.
Experience
* Ability to cope with day-to-day pressure, flexible hours and occasional overruns.
* Experience using Microsoft Windows, Word, Outlook and related software.
* Desirable NHS experience and experience handling/using technical equipment.
Knowledge/Skills
* Be able to travel to a range of clinic locations independently, moving retinal screening equipment between clinics.
* Demonstrate genuine interest in the Diabetic Retinal Screener role.
* Ability, with training, to drive department vehicles including mobile clinic units.
Disclosures
Disclosure and Barring Service Check: This post is subject to the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act 1974 (Exceptions Orders) and may require an enhanced Disclosure check.
Employer
Gloucestershire Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust, Trustwide, Gloucestershire, GL1 3NN
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