Ophthalmic Staff Nurse

Xander Group; Chester; On-site; GBP 35,000 - 38,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading private healthcare provider is looking for an Ophthalmic Nurse to join their Ellesmere Port site in Chester. This role involves managing pre-operative processes, performing clinical assessments, and caring for post-operative patients in a fast-paced environment. Candidates should have current NMC registration, experience in ophthalmic care, and excellent communication skills. The position offers a competitive salary of £35,000-£38,000 per annum, alongside benefits such as 25 days of annual leave, a pension scheme, and support for professional development.

Benefits

Salary: £35,000-£38,000 per annum

25 days annual leave plus bank holidays

Company pension scheme

Free eye tests

Discounted or free glasses

24/7 well-being/counselling/advice service

Retail/technology discount scheme

Support for learning and development

Qualifications

• Fully qualified Registered Nurse with current NMC registration in the UK.
• Experience in ophthalmic care, particularly in admission and discharge processes, is highly desirable.
• Excellent communication skills, both written and verbal.

Responsibilities

• Managing the pre‑operative process and performing clinical assessments.
• Preparing patients for surgery and caring for post‑operative patients.
• Assisting the consultant in outpatient clinics and diagnostic testing.

Skills

Registered Nurse

Ophthalmic care experience

Excellent communication skills

Tools

Tonopen

Goldman Tonometer

Slit Lamp

Job description

Ophthalmic Nurse - Large Private Eye Hospital

Ellesmere Port, Cheshire

The Client

Our client is one of the leading providers of NHS ophthalmology services in England, offering outpatient appointments, diagnostic testing, and eye surgery. They are dedicated to improving lives through better sight and eye health, caring for thousands of NHS and private patients across the country each year.

Role Overview

Our client is seeking an Ophthalmic Nurse to join their Ellesmere Port site. The role involves 40 hours per week, spread across 5 days, including weekends on a rota basis if required.

The Ophthalmic Nurse will be responsible for managing the pre‑operative process, performing clinical assessments, and preparing patients for surgery. They will also care for post‑operative patients, explaining the next steps, medication details, and potential side effects. Given the high volume of cataract surgeries (18‑22 patients per day), the role requires someone who thrives in an efficient and fast‑paced environment.

Additionally, the nurse may assist the consultant in outpatient clinics and diagnostic testing. Accurate record‑keeping and maintaining the highest standards of patient safety, confidentiality, and hygiene are also essential.

Skills and Experience Required

• Fully qualified Registered Nurse with current NMC registration in the UK.
• Experience in ophthalmic care, particularly in admission and discharge processes, is highly desirable.
• Excellent communication skills, both written and verbal, with a friendly, professional approach to colleagues and patients.

Additional Desirable Skills

• Working knowledge of Biometry, Corneal Topography, OCT, FFA, IOP.
• Skills in diagnostic assessments such as Visual Acuity, IOP checks (Tonopen/Goldman Tonometer), Visual Fields, Pachymetry, and Slit Lamp.
• Previous experience in a hospital eye service or private eye clinic.
• Awareness of current developments in optometry and clinical practice.
• Ability to work in a fast‑paced, high‑volume clinical environment.
• Experience in training or coaching others.
• Strong commitment to continuous professional development.
• Competent user of computer systems and programs.
• Team player who supports colleagues as needed.

What on offer

• Salary: £35,000‑£38,000 per annum (depending on experience)
• 25 days annual leave plus bank holidays
• Company pension scheme
• Additional benefits including free eye tests, discounted or free glasses, 24/7 well‑being/counselling/advice service, and a retail/technology discount scheme
• Support for learning and development through various courses and tools
• Opportunity to work with a friendly, multi‑disciplinary team dedicated to improving patient care
• A bright, spacious, and modern working environment