Ophthalmic Nurse - B6

NHS; Guildford; On-site; GBP 40,000 - 49,000; Full time

Job summary

A prominent health service organization is seeking a Band 6 Ophthalmic Nurse to support its ophthalmology department. The ideal candidate will have over 2 years of experience and be a registered nurse with a relevant degree or diploma. Responsibilities include providing specialist advice, managing clinics, and communicating sensitive information. This full-time position offers a salary between £40,617 and £48,778 per annum.

Qualifications

• Registered Nurse with a minimum of 2 years' experience in ophthalmology.
• Experience at band 5 or above.
• Ability to perform specialist ophthalmology procedures after training.

Responsibilities

• Provide specialist ophthalmology advice.
• Accept direct emergency referrals from healthcare professionals.
• Communicate sensitive and confidential information.

Skills

Specialist ophthalmic knowledge

Teamwork

Communication skills

Education

Degree or diploma in ophthalmology

Job description

Job Summary

An exciting opportunity has arisen for a Band 6 Ophthalmic Nurse to join our existing dedicated friendly team within the ophthalmic department of the Royal Surrey Foundation Trust. We are looking for a 1st Level Registered Nurse with a minimum of 2 years post registration ophthalmology experience. This position will clinically support the ophthalmology department and will be responsible for transforming the way in which we provide ophthalmology services at The Royal Surrey Foundation Hospital through application of national recommendations such as GIRFT to deliver a sustainable and modern ophthalmology department. The post holder must possess good communication skills and be able to work well as part of a team. The Eye clinic is open 0800‑1800, Monday to Friday, subject to change.

Responsibilities

• Provide specialist ophthalmology advice.
• Accept direct emergency referrals from healthcare professionals both internal and external to the Trust.
• Take clinical histories and carry out examinations to make a differential diagnosis during autonomous nurse‑led clinic sessions.
• Following training and assessment of competence perform specialist ophthalmology procedures.
• Communicate sensitive and confidential information concerning patients with complex needs and/or challenging behaviour.
• Support colleagues and reception staff in de‑escalating hostile situations and verbally abusive patients.
• Co‑ordinate the management of clinics on a day‑to‑day basis, ensuring effective service delivery to quality standards.
• Ensure staff are trained and assessed as competent to use equipment within the eye department.
• Introduce new ideas and methods of nursing care (research), carry out clinical audit and act on the information obtained.
• Manage the department in the absence of the Department Manager.
• Lead, drive and engage staff to drive change and improvement across outpatients as part of transformation programmes (GIRFT).
• Assist in ensuring appropriate performance, management and staff development is on‑going.
• Maintain knowledge of the Outpatient nursing budget to achieve safe and cost‑effective service.

Essential Qualifications

• Registered Nurse.
• Degree or diploma in ophthalmology.
• Actively develops themselves and others.

Essential Knowledge and Experience

• Two years’ experience in ophthalmology or related area.
• Experience at band 5 or above.
• Demonstrate specialist ophthalmic knowledge.
• Experience of supervision of learners and trained staff.
• Clinical supervision experience.
• Experience of audit / research.

About Royal Surrey NHS Foundation Trust

Royal Surrey is a compassionate and collaborative acute and community Trust offering a comprehensive health and wellbeing programme and a commitment to developing and advancing careers. We provide joined‑up care bridging hospital and community services alongside regional specialist cancer care.

Details

• Band: 6
• Salary: £40,617 to £48,778 per annum including HCAS High Cost Area Supplement.
• Contract: Permanent
• Working pattern: Full‑time
• Location: The Royal Surrey Hospital, Egerton Road, Guildford, GU2 7XX
• Reference Number: 384-AR-EMF19109A
• Date posted: 07 November 2025

Video available at: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=R96pMboIYdo