Job overview
Band 6Ophthalmic Nurse Practitioner
Intravitreal injection service/General Ophthalmology Southlands site specific.
An exciting development opportunity has arisen for an Enthusiastic, Driven and Ambitious Ophthalmic Nurse to join the team in the Ophthalmology Dept at Southlands as a Ophthalmic Nurse Practitioner at Band 6.
This role will help support our existing Intravitreal Injection service,Sub-specialty Ophthalmology clinics and our Ophthalmology Day Surgery Unit.
Our Medical retina, treatment services are provided by our expert team of Ophthalmologists, Advanced Clinical Practitioners from either a Nursing or AHP background, Nurse Practitioners, Ophthalmic Technicians and Healthcare assistantsfollowing defined treatment pathways
This post would be ideal for someone who is already trained in Medical Retina Ophthalmic Nursing oris currently registered on and is training towards the completion of the Ophthalmic Practitioner Pathway (OPT) Levels 1,2 and 3 in Medical Retina Ophthalmic Care.
Already being a Trained Nurse who injects or are currently training towards your competency based assessment is desirable
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 (£25000), and any role-specific criteria.
Main duties of the job
The Ophthalmic Nurse Practitioner (ONP) will be a senior member of the ophthalmic team andwillberesponsibleforrunningnurseledclinics(InjectionClinics,MRClinics).
Thisrolewillform anintrinsicpartoftheservicebasedinUniversityHospitalsSussex NHS Foundation Trust (UHS).
TheONPwillberesponsibleforthemanagementof highqualityandtimelycareof patients attending the Medical Retina, Intravitreal Injection service.
Thepostholderwillrolemodelcomplexclinicalcare,consistentwithevidencedbased best practice.
TheONPwillalsoworkwithinallotherareasoftheOphthalmologydepartment(Out- patients and Pre-assessment)
TheONPwillfosteraclimateofaudit,research,innovationandclinicalexcellence through advanced clinical practice and multidisciplinary working.
They will also develop and lead nurse-led clinic services, working alongside the Lead consultantinthedevelopmentofclinicalservices tosupportandenhancetheservices delivered by the Ophthalmology department.
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.
Candidate Pack
Detailed job description and main responsibilities
1.Responsible and accountable for the delivery of patient care in the designated specialist areas Ophthalmic OPD & A/E and to influence practice within the MDT.
2. Work on own initiative to undertake a wide range of duties relating to ophthalmology, backed up by professional skills and knowledge, including being able to respond in the event of an adverse reaction, and safely discharge patients.
3. The post holder will practice autonomously and support and empower all healthcare workers and patients, by providing leadership, delegating responsibility, authority and accountability on ophthalmology management issues by the provision of education, expert advice and clinical expertise. This involves the assessment and treatment of
patients, who may have challenging ophthalmology symptoms, in the outpatient department following referral of patients from both primary and secondary care.
4. Be highly skilled and competent in the comprehensive assessment of patients using theoretical knowledge and a wide range of experience to assess needs and administer care to support recovery.
5. The Ophthalmic Nurse Practitioner will be responsible for administering independent assessments of patients in all nurse led clinics.
6. Devise individual patient-led treatment plans using clinical reasoning, current evidence and a wide range of treatment skills.
7. Develop nurse-led clinics, and other expanded/practitioner role procedures, approved by the Trust.
Please see Job Description and Person Specification for full details.
Person specification
Qualifications
Essential criteria
1. Current NMC registration
2. Degree/Diploma level, with significant post-registration experience
3. Mentorship level 6 (degree level) or equivalent/working towards
Desirable criteria
4. Experience of Medical Retina service in a busy Ophthalmology dept
5. Attended IVT training day at Moorfields
6. Enrolled on, OPT level 1, 2, 3 Medical Retina Pathway
7. Achieved or working towards completion of practical IVT training according to local policy
8. Experience of leading team members through the appraisal process
Equality, Diversity, and Inclusion
Essential criteria
9. Evidence of having undertaken own development to improve understanding of equalities issues
10. 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