Assistant Ophthalmic Science Practitioner

Manchester University Nhs Foundation Trust; Manchester; On-site; GBP 21,000 - 23,000; Full time

Job summary

Manchester University NHS Foundation Trust is seeking a Band 3 Assistant Ophthalmic Science practitioner for the Ophthalmic Imaging and Angiography department at Manchester Royal Eye Hospital. The role involves supporting a comprehensive regional Ophthalmic Physiological Sciences service across sites and collaborating with Medical Retina, Uveitis and Glaucoma teams.

You will train to perform a range of diagnostic tests, work within a large, dynamic imaging team, and contribute to high standards

Qualifications

• GCSEs (or equivalent) in Maths, English and Science.
• 2 A-levels (or equivalent) or equivalent experience.
• Degree level educated (preferable science based).
• Ophthalmic based qualifications (IOVS, GREG Courses etc.).
• IT qualifications (city and guilds, ECDL) available as desirable.
• Excellent computer skills and proficiency; knowledge of Microsoft Office.

Responsibilities

• Work collaboratively to ensure the smooth running of the service.
• Carry out diagnostic tests and procedures to a high standard.
• Perform tests such as OCT, OCTA, ultra-wide field imaging, Humphrey Visual Fields, iCare Tonometer, and Visual Acuity testing.
• Assist with history taking and data input.
• Support the team and adapt to new techniques as required.

Skills

Interpersonal skills

Adaptable

Work under pressure

Communication skills

Education

GCSEs in Maths English Science

2 A-levels

Degree level (desirable)

Ophthalmic qualifications (desirable)

IT qualifications (desirable)

Tools

Photographic equipment

Job description

Job summary

Due to the development of our off site Ophthalmology services, an exciting opportunity has arisen within the Manchester Royal Eye Hospital. We are looking for a Band 3, Assistant Ophthalmic Science practitioner to come join our Ophthalmic Imaging and Angiography department.

The ideal candidate will be helping to provide a comprehensive, regional Ophthalmic Physiological Sciences Service to patients of all ages with diseases of the eye and visual ocular system.

Working within one of the largest NHS Trusts. Manchester Royal Eye Hospitals, Ophthalmic Imaging, Angiography and Diagnostic Department is one of the largest of its kind within the UK.

Covering Ophthalmic diagnostic requirements across various Trust sites, we work at the forefront of Ophthalmic imaging technology and innovation.

Our Imaging team is one of the largest and most dynamic in the UK. We are consistently looking to improve and expand the range, provisions and standards of the diagnostic tests we provide.

Applicants for this role will be working closely with the Medical Retina, Uveitis and Glaucoma specialties of Ophthalmology.

This is a great opportunity to learn new skills, in a stimulating environment with high levels of support from an experienced and committed team of professionals. You must be flexible, have good attention to detail with a track record of working well in team setting. Experience of working in an ophthalmic unit would be beneficial.

Main duties of the job

Applicants will be expected to work collaboratively on a day-to-day basis with others to contribute to the smooth and efficient running of the service. Effective communication and team skills are essential and the ability to assimilate new techniques.

Applicants will be trained to our high standard to carry out the following diagnostic tests and procedures:

• Optical Coherence Tomography & Optical Coherence Tomography Angiography (on multiple devices)
• Ultra-wide field imaging
• Humphrey Visual Fields
• iCare Tonometr
• Visual Acuity testing
• Drop instillation
• History and Note taking
• Data inputting

About us

Join Manchester University NHS Foundation Trust (MFT) and become part of a 30,000 plus strong team, delivering exceptional care to over 1 million people every year. As the largest provider of specialist services, and our Oxford Road Campus in Manchester, the largest health academic campus in Europe, we are forward-thinking, committed to clinical excellence and driven to deliver innovation, and continuous improvement.Whether you’re beginning your career or taking the next step, MFT offers a stimulating and supportive environment where your contribution truly matters. Our Hive Electronic Patient Record system enables safer, smarter, and more efficient ways of working - empowering you to deliver the best possible outcomes for our patients.You’ll be part of a collaborative, multi-disciplinary community, working alongside professionals from a wide range of clinical backgrounds. Together, we push boundaries, share knowledge, and deliver care that transforms lives.At MFT, you’ll find a workplace where everyone is respected, supported, and encouraged to thrive. We offer clear clinical pathways for professional development, helping you grow your skills and achieve your ambitions.Your journey at MFT is more than a job - it's an opportunity to make a lasting impact. We'll support you as you shape the future of healthcare, one patient at a time.

Closing vacancy listings early

We welcome applications from a wide range of backgrounds and experiences. To help us manage applications fairly and give each one the time it deserves, our adverts may close early if we receive a high level of interest. Early applications are therefore encouraged.

Diversity Matters

MFT is committed to promoting equality of opportunity, celebrating and valuing diversity and eliminating any form of unlawful discrimination across our workforce, ensuring our people are truly representative of the communities we serve. All individuals regardless of age, disability, gender reassignment, marriage and civil partnership, pregnancy and maternity, race, religion or belief, sex and sexual orientation are encouraged to apply for this post. As an inclusive employer, we are here to support you. If you have any special requirements to help you with your application, please contact the manager named below.

Use of Artificial Intelligence (AI) in your application

Here at Manchester University NHS Foundation Trust, we’re proud to be ALL HERE FOR YOU, for our patients, our communities, and each other. As part of our commitment to fairness, transparency, and personal integrity, we ask all applicants to ensure that their job applications reflect their own experiences, skills, and motivations. While AI tools can support spelling, grammar, or formatting, we expect that the content of your application, especially personal statements and responses to role specific questions is written by you. This helps us get to know the real you and ensures that our recruitment process remains equitable and meaningful for everyone.

Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS) check

As part of our commitment to safeguarding patients and staff, many roles at Manchester University NHS Foundation Trust (MFT) require a Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS) check. This is a standard process across the NHS and helps us ensure a safe environment for everyone. What is a DBS Check? A DBS check is a background check that reveals any criminal convictions, cautions, reprimands, or warnings. The level of check required depends on the role: Standard DBS: Checks for spent and unspent convictions, cautions, reprimands, and final warnings. Enhanced DBS: Includes the above, plus any additional information held by local police that’s considered relevant to the role. Enhanced with Barred Lists: Includes all of the above, plus checks against the childrens and/or adults barred lists. Who Needs a DBS Check? Most roles involving direct patient contact, working with children or vulnerable adults, or access to sensitive information will require a DBS check. The job advert and recruitment team will let you know if this applies to your role. The Costs for a DBS At Manchester University NHS Foundation Trust (MFT), roles that require a DBS check are subject to a cost recovery policy. This means that the cost of submitting and processing a DBS application if you are successful and join us, will be deducted from your salary within the first three months of employment. If, however, you withdraw from a conditional offer after the DBS process has begun, you will still be liable for the cost incurred. For more information about the cost of the various types of DBS, please visit: https://www.gov.uk/government/news/dbs-fees-are-changing-in-december. DBS Update Service Candidates are also expected to register with the DBS Update Service which must be completed within 30 days of the certificate being issued. This helps streamline future employment checks and supports safer recruitment practices. For more information, please visit the DBS Update Service.

Person Specification

Education & Qualifications

• GCSE's (or equivalent) A-C (or equivalent grade) in Maths, English and Science, or equivalent experience
• 2 A-levels (or equivalent qualification) or equivalent experience

Desirable

• Degree level educated (preferable science based)
• Ophthalmic based qualifications (IOVS, GREG Courses etc..)
• IT Qualifications (city and guilds, ECDL)

Further Training & Knowledge

• Excellent Computer skills and proficiency
• Knowledge of the Microsoft Office Applications
• A desire to undertake further qualifications, and training

Desirable

• Previous training working with medical devices
• Previous work within the healthcare sector

Aptitude & Skills

• Excellent Interpersonal Skills
• Adaptable
• Ability to work under pressure and unsupervised
• Excellent Interpersonal and communication skills

Experience

• Proven history of working within a team and dealing with the public
• Experience working with computers, data handling and interpretation of results

Desirable

• Experience working with photographic equipment,

Personality and Personal

• Ability to work within a team and as an individual whenever necessary
• Motivated Uses initiative
• Problem solver

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.