Paediatric School Vision Screener/Ophthalmic Technician | Guy's and St Thomas' NHS Foundation Trust

Guys and St Thomas NHS Foundation Trust; City Of London; On-site; GBP 28,000 - 35,000; Full time

Job summary

A major London teaching hospital is seeking an ophthalmic technician/vision screener to deliver high-quality vision screening services in Lambeth primary schools. This role involves working independently and as part of a multi-disciplinary team, utilizing specialized equipment for assessments. The ideal candidate will have strong interpersonal skills for effective communication with children and ensure accurate record-keeping. This position offers a unique opportunity to contribute to children's eye health in the community.

Qualifications

• Demonstrate good communication and interpersonal skills with children.
• Ability to work both single-handedly and as part of a team.

Responsibilities

• Test vision and visual fields using auto-refractors and imaging devices.
• Assist with Orthoptic-led vision screening for reception-age children.
• Record outcomes accurately and perform administrative duties.

Job description

Overview

This role is an exciting opportunity to work in a major London teaching hospital as an ophthalmic technician/vision screener. In term time this role visits Lambeth primary schools and screens vision in the reception-aged population. They also act as orthoptic assistant with vision, secondary screening clinic and Hess charts. In school holidays this essential role tests vision, assesses intra-ocular pressure, visual fields and scans such as corneal tomography, OPTOS and OCT prior to the ophthalmologist assessment of the patient. This role ensures the smooth running of the ophthalmology clinics. Ophthalmic technicians also ensure that each clinic is well stocked and tidy.

The post-holder will help provide a comprehensive excellent ophthalmic service at St Thomas’ Hospital. This will involve being part of the Eye Care Team, a multi-disciplinary team, testing vision, visual fields and using equipment such as auto-refractors and ophthalmic imaging devices. To assist in the provision of a high quality Orthoptic-led vision screening service for all eligible reception-age children across Lambeth. Carrying out vision assessment on children in all state and independent schools, unsupervised. Record the outcome of the vision screening test as per the agreed protocol. To refer children who do not achieve the visual standard. To carry out all administrative duties related to vision screening including accurate record keeping.

To work effectively both single-handedly and as part of a team. Must demonstrate good communication and interpersonal skills to children in reception class in order to gain an accurate test and give information on what is required from the child.

Organisation

Guy’s and St Thomas’ NHS Foundation Trust comprises five of the UK’s best-known hospitals – Guy’s, St Thomas’, Evelina London Children’s Hospital, Royal Brompton and Harefield – as well as community services in Lambeth and Southwark, all with a long history of high-quality care, clinical excellence, research and innovation. We are among the UK’s busiest, most successful foundation trusts. We provide specialist care for patients including heart and lung, cancer and renal services as well as a full range of local hospital and community services for people in Lambeth and Southwark. We have a long tradition of clinical and scientific achievement and – as part of King’s Health Partners – we are one of England’s eight academic health sciences centres, bringing together world-class clinical services, teaching and research. We have one of the National Institute for Health Research’s biomedical research centres, established with King’s College London in 2007, as well as dedicated clinical research facilities. We have around 22,700 staff, making us one of the largest NHS Trusts in the country and one of the biggest employers locally. We aim to reflect the diversity of the communities we serve and continue to develop new and existing partnerships with local people, patients, neighbouring NHS organisations, local authorities and charitable bodies and GPs.

Please see job description attached for further details.

Responsibilities

• Test vision and visual fields, and use equipment such as auto-refractors and ophthalmic imaging devices as part of the Eye Care Team.
• Assist in delivering a high-quality Orthoptic-led vision screening service for eligible reception-age children across Lambeth; carry out vision assessments in schools (state and independent) unsupervised and record outcomes per the agreed protocol.
• Refer children who do not meet the visual standard and carry out all administrative duties related to vision screening, including accurate record keeping.
• Work effectively both single-handedly and as part of a team; demonstrate good communication and interpersonal skills with children to obtain accurate test results and explain requirements.

Requirements

This advert closes on Sunday 28 Sep 2025.