Ophthalmic Imaging Technician - Maternity Cover until 30 November 2026

NHS; Milton Keynes; On-site; GBP 27,000 - 31,000; Part time

Job summary

A healthcare institution in Milton Keynes is seeking a part-time Ophthalmic Imaging Technician for maternity cover until November 2026. The role involves carrying out diagnostic tests such as Ocular Coherence Tomography and visual fields assessment. Candidates should possess excellent communication and practical skills, as well as relevant experience. This position offers flexible working options in a supportive multi-professional environment.

Qualifications

• Experience using Ocular Coherence Tomography (OCT) imaging is required.
• Experience of testing visual acuity with Snellen and LogMAR is essential.
• Ability to work independently and as part of a multidisciplinary team.

Responsibilities

• Carry out Oculur Coherence Tomography (OCT) scans.
• Perform visual fields assessment using the Humphrey Visual Fields Analyser.
• Manage administrative duties as required.

Skills

Excellent communication skills

Good practical skills

Time management

Ability to work independently

Education

General education including Maths and English GCSE at grade C

Knowledge equivalent to NVQ Level 3 training

Tools

Ocular Coherence Tomography (OCT)

Automated Visual Fields Analyser

Optos widefield camera

Job description

Overview

Milton Keynes University Hospital NHS Foundation Trust is seeking an Ophthalmic Imaging Technician - Maternity Cover until 30 November 2026. Closing date: 23 October 2025. Department: Optometry Eye Clinic, Community Diagnostic Centre, Lloyds Court, Central Milton Keynes. Hours: 16.5 per week; flexible working options for MKUH roles are considered.

The eye clinic is a friendly environment where multi-professional working is encouraged. The Optometry department consists of 7 Optometrists and 14 Ophthalmic Technicians, providing invaluable support to the wider medical team within the busy outpatient eye clinic. We are looking to recruit a part-time enthusiastic Ophthalmic Imaging Technician to cover a maternity leave post. The candidate will have excellent communication skills and provide clinical testing of visual fields, ophthalmic photography, and Ocular Coherence Tomography (OCT). We are actively involved in teaching and clinical audit. Previous experience in diagnostic Optometry / Ophthalmology work is an advantage. This role would suit a hospital-based Ophthalmic Technician, or a community-based Optical Assistant interested in gaining extended clinical skills.

Please note that we are not able to offer sponsorship for this role.

Interview w/c 10 November 2025.

Main duties of the job

• To carry out Ocular Coherence Tomography (OCT) scans.
• To carry out anterior segment imaging and fundus photography with the Optos widefield camera.
• To undertake visual fields assessment using the Humphrey Visual Fields Analyser.
• Testing and recording vision using a sight test chart - Snellen and LogMAR.
• To undertake administrative and clerical duties as required.
• To manage any working problems in the absence of the Lead Ophthalmic Technician, e.g., cancelling clinics due to staff sickness / other unforeseen absences.
• To liaise with IT and EBME to discuss any equipment problems and technical updates.
• Liaise with external equipment providers to manage technical problems / updates on training.
• Gather information for use in Audits and present this at the annual Optometry Department Audit.
• Support other Ophthalmic Imaging Technician colleagues with personal development.

About us

Milton Keynes University Hospital, in proud partnership with the University of Buckingham, is a University Teaching Hospital committed to advancing patient care through cutting-edge research and education. With a "Good" rating from the CQC and significant investment underway, this is an exciting time to join our team and grow your career.

As a medium sized general hospital, we provide a full range of general medical and surgical services, including a busy Emergency Department, Maternity, and Paediatrics. As the population of our city and surrounding areas continues to grow rapidly, we are expanding and enhancing our facilities to meet rising demand and improve access to care for all our communities.

We are also proud to offer a growing portfolio of specialist services. In January 2025 we opened our state-of-the-art Radiotherapy Centre, bringing advanced cancer treatment closer to home. Our services also include neonatology, specialist surgical care, and a wide range of diagnostics, supported by the new Community Diagnostic Centre at Whitehouse Health Centre.

Further investment is underway, including the construction of Oak Wards – a new ward block featuring two 24-bed wards – and the recently approved Women and Children’s Centre, set to open by 2030.

Visit our website to explore the latest news and opportunities at MKUH. For further information about Milton Keynes please visit Visit Milton Keynes.

Job responsibilities

Main duties and responsibilities

• Communication and relationship skills: Produce accurate and reliable results by carefully instructing and supervising patients, with regard to barriers such as hearing loss, visual impairment, or other learning or physical disabilities.
• Analytical skills: Perform OCT scanning and ocular photography using the automated Topcon OCT analyser and Optos widefield camera in accordance with Ophthalmology Departmental Protocols.
• To perform Visual Fields assessment using the automated Humphrey Visual Fields Analyser in accordance with Ophthalmology Departmental Protocols.
• Planning and organisation: Access and review previous patient notes within the EDM system and use the hospital IT system (ECare) to check follow-up appointments.
• Responsibility for patient care: Ensure comprehensive, clear clinical written records are completed in line with Trust policy and escalate significant changes in scan/test images or visual acuity to the Ophthalmologist responsible for the patient’s management.
• Policy and service development: Ensure all Standard Operating Procedures are up to date with new or upgraded equipment.
• Financial and/or physical resources: Daily maintenance of OCT, Visual Fields, Optos camera, and other equipment; monitor stock levels and reorder as needed.
• Staff management/leadership/training: Undertake appropriate training in technical equipment under supervision; maintain technical competency and expand expertise in new imaging applications.
• Information resources: Comply with Trust Information Governance policy.
• Research and development: Contribute to and present at the annual Optometry departmental Audit.
• Freedom to act: Adhere to Trust policies and procedures.

Please refer to the Job Description for further details.

Person Specification

Qualifications and knowledge

• A good standard of general education including Maths and English GCSE at grade C or equivalent.
• Knowledge equivalent to NVQ Level 3 training, plus previous experience in Ophthalmic Imaging.

Experience

• Experience of working as part of a team.
• Experience of using Ocular Coherence Tomography (OCT) imaging.
• Experience of using an automated system to test visual fields.
• Experience of anterior segment and retinal photography.
• Experience of testing visual acuity with Snellen and LogMAR.
• Experience of testing colour vision.

Skills

• Good practical skills.
• Good organisation, time management and planning skills.
• Ability to work independently and as part of a multidisciplinary team.
• Proven ability to learn new skills and practice them competently.
• Knowledge of Microsoft applications and hospital IT systems (Electronic Patient Records, Electronic Document Management).

Personal and people development

• Friendly and approachable; team player.
• Able to work flexibly; willing to develop further skills.

Communication

• Excellent communicator, both verbally and in writing; able to interact effectively with the elderly and overcome barriers to understanding.

Disclosure and Barring Service Check

This post is subject to the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act (Exceptions Order) 1975 and will require a Disclosure.

Employer name

Milton Keynes University Hospital NHS Foundation Trust

Salary: £27,485 to £30,162 per annum pro rata