Band 3 - Ophthalmic Technician, Ophthalmology

West Hertfordshire Teaching Hospitals NHS Trust; Watford; On-site; GBP 22,000 - 28,000; Full time

Job summary

West Hertfordshire Teaching Hospitals NHS Trust is recruiting an Ophthalmic Technician to join our eye services at Watford General Hospital and St Albans City Hospital. The role involves conducting visual field assessments, laser scanning OCT and visual acuity testing in ophthalmology clinics, supporting the multidisciplinary eye team.

The successful candidate will have 6–12 months experience as an ophthalmic technician with NVQ level 3 or equivalent, and be committed to continuing professional

Qualifications

• 5 GCSEs or equivalent inc Maths and English.
• NVQ Level 3 Healthcare or relevant experience.
• Foundation degree in ophthalmic science and technology or equivalent.

Responsibilities

• Carry out visual field assessments and laser scanning ophthalmoscopy.
• Perform visual acuity assessments for ophthalmology clinics.
• Work as part of a multidisciplinary eye team.

Skills

Technical equipment knowledge

MS Windows proficiency

Data handling

Calibration of equipment

Education

GCSEs including Maths and English

NVQ Level 3 Healthcare

Foundation degree in ophthalmic science & technology

Tools

Microsoft Word

Excel

Outlook

Job description

West Hertfordshire Teaching Hospitals NHS Trust

Band 3 - Ophthalmic Technician, Ophthalmology

The closing date is 24 November 2026

An ophthalmic technician is required to join the eye service at West Herts Hospitals. The eye service is provided at Watford General Hospital & St Albans City Hospital. They will work as part of the multidisciplinary eye team consisting of 9 consultant ophthalmologists, 3 orthoptists, 2 optometrists, 1 ophthalmic technician as well as nurses and health care assistants. The main responsibilities are to carry out visual field assessments and laser scanning ophthalmoscopy (optical coherence tomography) and visual acuity assessment for ophthalmology clinics. Applicants should have 6 -12 months experience working as an ophthalmic technician with NVQ level 3 or equivalent qualifications (candidates with other relevant scientific or nursing backgrounds could be considered, and training could be provided).

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Please note - we are unable to obtain a Certificate of Sponsorship (Work Permit) for this role.

Main duties of the job

The main responsibilities are to carry out visual field assessments and laser scanning ophthalmoscopy (optical coherence tomography) and visual acuity assessment for ophthalmology clinics.

About us

With a new hospital planned for Watford, work underway to update theatres at St Albans City Hospital and plans for a neighbourhood healthcare centre in Hemel Hempstead, this is an exciting time to join us. We are building on the success of our award-winning virtual hospital and re-imagining models of care, working closely with partners and making the most of advances in digital healthcare. Staff wellbeing and development are a priority, as is the role of innovation in improving clinical care, outcomes and patient experience. Our vision is Excellent patient care, together and our values are to be empowered, compassionate, professional and inclusive. They capture an important balance across what we must all do as individuals and to support others. We offer a variety of flexible working options as we recognise the importance of a good work life balance.www.westhertshospitals.nhs.uk/flexibleworking If you have a disability or long-term health condition and require support or guidance please [e-mail] If you are a Service Leaver, Veteran, Military Reserve, Cadet Force Adult Volunteer, or partner/spouse of those serving please tick "Member of the Armed Forces Community" on the application form.

Job responsibilities

Applicants should possess excellent communication, organisational and interpersonal skills. They should also possess the ability to work under pressure, as part of a team and independently, as required as well as be adaptable, reliable and punctual. Motivation to proactively maintain their own continuing professional development is encouraged in addition to the departmental teaching / development opportunities available.

Person Specification

Education and qualifications

• 5 GCSEs or equivalent inc Maths and English.
• NVQ Level 3 Healthcare or relevant experience.
• Foundation degree in ophthalmic science and technology or equivalent

Knowledge

• Must have wide experience of technical equipment.
• Good computer skills and previous use of Microsoft windows, office word, outlook and excel.
• Experience working with photographic equipment, computers, data handling, calibration of equipment, technical experience.

Experience

• A substantial degree of experience in the field of Ophthalmology as an ophthalmic technician
• Experience of working in a multi-disciplinary and multi-agency setting
• Ability to converse knowledgeably about the testing process to ensure patient co-operation and test accuracy.
• Good IT skills and experience of software packages
• Must have experience working within an ophthalmic clinical setting.

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.

West Hertfordshire Teaching Hospitals NHS Trust