Ophthalmic Technician

NHS; Swindon; Hybrid; GBP 26,000 - 27,000; Part time

Job summary

Great Western Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust in Swindon seeks an Ophthalmic Technician to join our Ophthalmology team on a part-time basis (22.5 hours per week). You will undertake diagnostic tests including visual acuity assessments and OCT imaging to support clinicians in diagnosis, monitoring and treatment of eye conditions.

This role suits someone with ophthalmic experience looking to develop skills while collaborating with nurses, clinicians and consultants to deliver excellent patient

Qualifications

• GCSE in English and Maths (or equivalent skill level).
• NVQ 3.

Responsibilities

• Support clinicians by undertaking diagnostic tests that support patients' assessment, diagnosis and treatment plans.
• Carry out Visual Field testing to a high standard, ensuring patient dignity and privacy.
• Testing and recording of visual acuity; instillation of eye drops under supervision; obtain OCT images.
• Maintain the Humphrey Visual Field Analyser database; assist out-of-hours Eye team with emergencies.

Skills

Visual acuity testing / field testing

Ability to train others

Ophthalmic experience

Education

GCSE English and Maths (or equivalent)

NVQ 3

Job description

Go back Great Western Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust

Ophthalmic Technician

The closing date is 23 September 2026

22.5 hours per week, including evenings and weekends as required

An exciting opportunity has arisen for an experienced Ophthalmic Technician, or someone looking to develop their skills and knowledge within this specialist area, to join our friendly and supportive Ophthalmology team.

You will undertake a range of diagnostic tests, including visual acuity assessments and OCT imaging, supporting clinicians and nurses in the diagnosis, monitoring and treatment of eye conditions.

This role is ideal for someone with ophthalmic experience who wishes to further develop their expertise, as well as individuals with a keen interest in ophthalmology who are eager to learn. You will work closely with nurses, clinicians and consultants to deliver an excellent patient experience and support patients throughout their care pathway.

At the time of advertising, this role does not meet the minimum requirements set by UK Visas and Immigration to sponsor candidates to work in the UK. For this reason, we are unable to sponsor anyone for a skilled worker visa for this role. We are happy to accept applications from candidates who can prove their right to work in the UK or via alternative visa routes. Such applications will be considered alongside all other applications.

Main duties of the job

To support the clinicians by undertaking diagnostic tests that support patients assessment, diagnosis and treatment plans .

To carry out Visual Field testing to a high standard, ensuring the individual needs of patients are met, maintaining the patients' dignity and privacy, always acting in the patients' best interests. Testing and recording of visual acuity. Instillation of eye drops following completing a competency course under supervision of the medical staff. Taking images using the Ocular Coherence Tomographer (OCT). Maintaining the database for the Humphrey Visual Field Analyser. To carry out such basic procedures as are delegated by trained members of staff and which have been taught, subsequently supervised and in which the ophthalmic technician has proved him or herself competent. These may include pachymetry, measurement of glasses using the focimeter and measuring a patient's refractive status using an auto refractor. To assist the out of hours Eye team with emergency patients, including setting/ clearing up the department.

About us

We are proud to be part of BSW Hospitals Group - a formal partnership between Great Western Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust, Royal United Hospitals Bath NHS Foundation Trust and Salisbury NHS Foundation Trust. With a combined workforce of over 17, 600 colleagues, and budget of 1.6 billion the Group is united by a common purpose to deliver the best possible care to over 1 million people.

We are creating a health and care system that works with the people we care for, reducing the differences people currently face in access, experience and outcomes, improving the experience of our colleagues and tackling shared challenges like sustainability and finances. Every improvement we make across our Group will be guided by what creates the greatest benefit for our colleagues, our patients, our communities and our partners.

Job responsibilities

To participate in skills training and assessment prior to undertaking additional roles. To attend in-service training and support meetings where provided. Participation in clinical governance meetings. To care for and be responsible for the maintenance of equipment used within the Outpatient clinic including Humphrey Visual Field Analyser data transfer. To undertake basic clerical and housekeeping duties as directed by the Department Manager. To carry out a range of clinical duties with minimal / no supervision once trained and competent, including for example, blood pressure monitoring, oxygen saturation levels, body temperature, pulse rate and respiration rate, glucose monitoring, safe use of the hoist, always ensuring delivery of high quality patient care. NB: this list is not exhaustive and will vary depending on your area of work.

Person Specification

Qualifications

• GCSE in English and Maths (or equivalent skill level)
• NVQ 3

Experience

• Previous experience within a health care setting
• Visual acuity/ field testing
• Ability to train others
• Ophthalmic experience

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.

Great Western Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust

Address

Ophthalmology OPD Great Western Hospital

£25,760 to £27,476 a yearper annum pro rata

Contract

Permanent

Working pattern

Part-time

Reference number

249-8176185

Job locations

Ophthalmology OPD Great Western Hospital