Trainee Ophthalmic Assistant - Ophthalmology Outpatients

The Shrewsbury and Telford Hospital NHS Trust; West Midlands; On-site; GBP 26,000 - 27,000; Full time

Job summary

The Shrewsbury and Telford Hospital NHS Trust is recruiting for a Trainee Ophthalmic Assistant in the Ophthalmology Outpatients department at The Royal Shrewsbury Hospital. The role starts as a Band 2 Trainee and progresses to Band 3 once competencies are met.

We seek a caring individual with good communication skills who can work well in a friendly team in a busy environment. Weekend and evening work may be required and training opportunities are available within ophthalmology.

Qualifications

• Maths and English GCSE (9-4) or equivalent.
• NVQ Level 3 in health-related subject.
• Experience in ophthalmic setting.
• Previous experience in care.

Responsibilities

• Support patients as they move through the eye clinic, keeping them safe, comfortable and informed.
• Assist nurses with basic care tasks, such as taking observations and aiding mobility.
• Explain to patients and families what is happening and where to go next.
• Maintain patient information privacy and update clinic records.
• Keep the clinic clean, tidy, stocked and prepare equipment for use.
• Learn ophthalmic skills such as vision checks and assisting with scans.

Skills

Maths GCSE

English GCSE

Teamwork

Adaptability

Professional manner

Self-awareness

Education

GCSE Maths and English

NVQ Level 3 in health-related subject

Job description

The Shrewsbury and Telford Hospital NHS Trust

Trainee Ophthalmic Assistant - Ophthalmology Outpatients

The closing date is 17 November 2026

An exciting opportunity has arisen to join our friendly team in the ophthalmology outpatients department at The Royal Shrewsbury Hospital as a Trainee Ophthalmic Assistant.

This role is a trainee opportunity, starting as a Band 2 Trainee Ophthalmic Assistant and moving to band 3 once competencies have been met.

We are looking for a caring and motivated individual who has a genuine interest in ophthalmology to join our team on a secondment/ fixed term basis in Ophthalmology Outpatients at The Royal Shrewsbury Hospital.

The successful candidate must have good communication skills and be able to work well as part of a friendly team in a busy and dynamic environment. In return, the post offers the opportunity for further development and training within ophthalmology.

Some weekend and evening working will be required.

Main duties of the job

• This role supports patients as they move through the eye clinic, helping them feel safe, comfortable, and informed.
• You will help nurses with basic care tasks, such as taking observations and assisting with mobility.
• You will talk with patients and their families, helping them understand what is happening and where they need to go.
• You will keep patient information private and help with simple admin tasks like checking clinic lists and keeping records up to date.
• You will help keep the clinic clean, tidy, and well stocked, and prepare equipment for use.
• You will learn new eye-care skills, such as checking vision, helping with scans, and supporting minor eye procedures.

About us

We believe that compassionate care sits at the heart of everything we do. Every member of our team -- clinical or non-clinical -- plays a vital role in ensuring that patients, families, and colleagues are treated with dignity, empathy, and respect at all times.

We expect all staff to demonstrate compassion not only through their words, but through their actions: by listening attentively, communicating clearly and kindly, and recognising individual needs, feelings, and circumstances of those in our care.

Effective communication is central to safe and high-quality healthcare. We value colleagues who take the time to understand others, explain information in a meaningful way, and respond to concerns with patience and understanding.

By joining our team, you are committing to uphold these values -- ensuring that every patient feels heard, respected, and valued, and that compassion is embedded in every interaction, every day.

Job responsibilities

For full duties and responsibilities please refer to the attached document entitled "Candidate Job Pack"

Person Specification

Qualifications

• Maths and English at GCSE level 9 - 4 (or equivalent)
• NVQ Level 3 in health related subject

Knowledge and Experience

• Experience in ophthalmic setting
• Previous experience of working in care

Aptitude and skills

• Ability to develop ophthalmic skills
• Ability to work as part of a team
• Able to adapt to a varying workload
• Professional manner
• Awareness of own limitations

Other requirements

• Ability to be flexible within working hours

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.

Employer name

The Shrewsbury and Telford Hospital NHS Trust

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