Assistant Practitioner - Ophthalmology

University Hospital Southampton NHS Trust; Southampton; On-site; GBP 27,000 - 31,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading UK healthcare provider is seeking an Assistant Practitioner for its Ophthalmology department in Southampton. This full-time position offers a dynamic environment and support for professional development. The ideal candidate will possess nursing qualifications and experience in multi-disciplinary teams. Training will be provided to ensure clinical competencies are met. Join a vibrant team that values flexibility and patient care as they deliver essential services. Contact us for an informal visit before applying.

Qualifications

• Experience of working under supervision as part of a multidisciplinary team.
• Knowledge of nursing procedures in an acute hospital setting.
• Assessed as competent to administer medications.

Responsibilities

• Monitor and maintain health, safety and security of self and others.
• Contribute to the improvement of services.
• Demonstrate clinical expertise acting as a role model.

Skills

Teamwork

Flexibility

Leadership

Communication

Health promotion

Education

Nursing Associate on the NMC register

Health-related Foundation Degree

Overseas nursing qualification

Job description

Assistant Practitioner - Ophthalmology

The closing date is 14 January 2026.

University Hospital Southampton NHS Foundation Trust is delighted to offer a fantastic opportunity to work with us.

Please see below for detailed job description of the role.

Main duties of the job

An exciting opportunity has become available in our busy, fast paced Eye outpatients department for a band 4 Assistant Practitioner position.

We are looking for a highly motivated individual who demonstrates great professionalism, has leadership skills they would like to further develop and wants to be a part of a growing team. The right candidate will be integral to the growth of the team and the service. This is a full‑time position, however, part‑time might be considered for the right candidate. Eye outpatients provides a positive work life balance with clinics currently running from Monday to Saturday.

Eye outpatients is a dynamic department that continues to change & develop, this requires the successful applicant to be flexible, forward thinking and have the skills to motivate peers. As a large team with over 50 staff members, we stretch over 2 locations: Southampton and Lymington hospitals and we see up to 200 patients per session. The successful candidate will need to be highly motivated, professional, flexible, trustworthy and positive role model. The ability to supervise, teach, empower and coach staff is essential for this role. Ophthalmic experience is not required, as training will be provided. If you think this is an opportunity you would like to take, then we look forward to hearing from you. We would highly recommend an informal visit before applying.

About us

University Hospital Southampton is one of England's largest acute teaching Trusts, offering a wide range of learning and development opportunities to support your career aspirations.

Located on the south coast with an international airport and direct rail links to London, Southampton offers an ideal setting to live and work, with the New Forest, South Downs and Jurassic Coast.

At UHS we're committed to providing a flexible working environment where possible. Whether you are balancing family, study, or your wellbeing with your career, we want to support you so you can help our patients.

At UHS, we proudly champion individuality, recognizing that outstanding care is only possible with a diverse, inclusive team. We're committed to creating an anti‑racist, anti‑discriminatory environment where everyone feels valued, safe, and empowered to make a meaningful impact in our communities. We welcome applicants of all backgrounds, identities, and experiences to join us in building a healthcare community where everyone can belong, thrive, and contribute.

Job responsibilities

• Develop own knowledge and skills, and provide information to others to help their development.
• Monitor and maintain health, safety and security of self and others.
• Contribute to the improvement of services.
• Maintain quality in own work and encourage others to do the same.
• Support equality and value diversity, identifying when own or others behaviour undermines equality and diversity.
• Health and well‑being: plan, develop and implement approaches to promote health and well‑being, preventing adverse affects to health and well‑being and contributing to assessing and undertaking health and well‑being needs.
• Help patients meet health and well‑being needs.
• Input, store and provide data and information.
• Demonstrate clinical expertise acting as a role model within the clinical specialty.
• Facilitate a good learning environment for staff and learners.
• Establish and maintain communication with a range of people on a range of matters in a form that is appropriate to them and the situation.

Person Specification

Qualifications, knowledge and experience

• Nursing Associate on the NMC register.
• OR Assistant Practitioner with a health‑related Foundation Degree e.g. Foundation Degree in Health and Social Care.
• OR Overseas nursing qualification without NMC registration at UK Academic level 5, evidence of numeracy and literacy – minimum national qualification level 2.
• Experience of working under appropriate supervision as part of a multidisciplinary team.
• Experience of providing and receiving complex, sensitive information.
• Knowledge of nursing procedures and practices in an acute hospital setting.
• Assessed as competent to administer medications.
• Acute apprenticeship units as appropriate to UHS Care Group/Divisional requirements.
• Extended clinical skills e.g. venesection/cannulation.

Trust Values

• Working Together
• Always Improving

Disclosure and Barring Service Check

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.

University Hospital Southampton NHS Trust

£27,485 to £30,162 a yearPer annum - Pro rata