Ophthalmic Technician

NHS; Sidcup; On-site; GBP 24,000 - 27,000; Full time

Job summary

A healthcare organization in Sidcup is seeking an Ophthalmic Technician to deliver high-quality, patient-centered diagnostic services. Responsibilities include performing various ophthalmic tests, preparing patients for procedures, and supporting the multi-professional team. Ideal candidates should have GCSEs in English and Maths, be willing to undertake training, and possess confidence in using diagnostic equipment. The annual salary ranges from £24,937 to £26,598, pro rata including high-cost area adjustment.

Qualifications

• Experience working in a health or social care environment.
• Awareness of NHS values and patient-centered care.
• Previous experience in an ophthalmology or diagnostic clinical setting.

Responsibilities

• Prepare and assist patients for examinations and procedures.
• Perform a variety of ophthalmic diagnostic tests.
• Support the wider multi-professional team during procedures.

Skills

Basic IT skills

Good verbal and written communication skills

Confidence in using diagnostic or imaging equipment

Ability to prioritise tasks and manage time effectively

Education

General education: GCSE or equivalent including English, Maths

Willing to undertake role-specific training and competencies

Ophthalmic/Healthcare related qualification or training

Tools

Fundus camera

Optical Coherence Tomography (OCT)

Visual field machine

Job description

Ophthalmic Technician

The closing date is 31 December 2025

The Band 3- Ophthalmic Technician is an integral member of the ophthalmology team, responsible for delivering high-quality, patient-centred diagnostic services to support the assessment and management of patients with a range of eye conditions. The post holder performs a variety of ophthalmic diagnostic tests such as visual acuity measurement, intraocular pressure checks, visual field screening, and imaging techniques including fundus photography and optical coherence tomography (OCT).

The role involves preparing and assisting patients for examinations and procedures, ensuring their safety, comfort, and dignity throughout the process. The post holder works both independently and collaboratively within face-to-face clinics, technician-led clinics, and procedural rooms, maintaining a strong focus on clinical governance, infection control, and patient safety.

Main duties of the job

Patient Preparation and Support

Greet patients, verify and confirm their identity through identification checks, and prepare them for clinical examinations or procedures.

Explain tests and procedures clearly to patients, ensuring informed consent and helping to reduce anxiety.

Assist with mobility, positioning, and comfort of patients during diagnostic procedures.

Perform a wide range of ophthalmic diagnostic tests and imaging, such as:

• Visual acuity testing
• Intraocular pressure measurement
• Visual field testing
• Optical Coherence Tomography (OCT)

Accurately document and upload results to electronic patient records.

Clinical Support

Support the wider multi-professional team during procedures (e.g., minor operations, intravitreal injections).

Prepare and maintain clinical rooms and equipment according to infection control standards.

Administer eye drops (e.g., dilating or anaesthetic drops) in line with local policy after training and competency assessment.

Patient-Centred Care

Deliver care in a respectful, compassionate, and dignified manner.

Respond sensitively to patients emotional, physical, and cultural needs.

Act as a point of contact for patients, providing reassurance and answering basic queries.

Work effectively with the multi-professional team, communicating clearly with colleagues.

Report any concerns or abnormal findings to senior staff promptly.

Open and close clinics.

About us

The Trust provides a full range of local and specialist services across its five sites. The trust-wide strategy of Strong Roots, Global Reach is our Vision to be BOLD, Brilliant people, Outstanding care, Leaders in Research, Innovation and Education, Diversity, Equality and Inclusion at the heart of everything we do. By being person-centred, digitally-enabled, and focused on sustainability, we aim to take Team King's to another level.

We are at a pivotal point in our history and we require individuals who are ready to join a highly professional team and make a real, lasting difference to our patients and our people.

King's is committed to delivering Sustainable Healthcare for All via our Green Plan. In line with national Greener NHS ambitions, we have set net zero carbon targets of 2040 for our NHS Carbon Footprint and 2045 for our NHS Carbon Footprint Plus. Everyone's contribution is required in order to meet the goals set out in our Green Plan and we encourage all staff to work responsibly, minimising their contributions to the Trust's carbon emissions, waste and pollution wherever possible.

Person Specification

Qualifications

• General educations: GCSE or equivalent including English, Maths
• Willing to undertake role-specific training and competencies
• Ophthalmic/Healthcare (Care Certificate) - related qualification or training

Knowledge

• Experience working as part of a team in a health or social care environment
• Awareness of NHS values and patient-centred care
• Previous experience in an ophthalmology or diagnostic clinical setting

Skills

• Basic IT skills and ability to use electronic systems
• Ability to prioritise tasks and manage time effectively
• Good verbal and written communication skills
• Confidence in using diagnostic or imaging equipment (e.g. fundus camera, OCT, visual field machine)

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.

King's College Hospital NHS Foundation Trust

£24,937 to £26,598 a yearper annum pro rata including high cost area