Trainee Ophthalmic Science Practitioner

Transformation Unit; Sheffield; Hybrid; GBP 32,000 - 39,000; Full time

Job summary

The Directorate of Ophthalmology at Sheffield Teaching Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust is recruiting a Trainee Ophthalmic Science Practitioner. The post will involve retinal imaging, biometry, OCT scanning, and visual field analysis within the Ophthalmic Imaging Department at Royal Hallamshire, Eye Imaging Hub and associated hospital sites.

This 3-year fixed-term training contract offers NHS Band 5 terms, 37.5 hours per week, and opportunities for professional development while gaining experience

Qualifications

• Degree in Science or equivalent science qualification valid in the UK.
• Ophthalmic Science & Technology FdSc.
• Healthcare Science (Ophthalmic Imaging) BSc.
• Recognised photographic qualification.
• Experience in ophthalmic imaging and diabetic retinopathy screening.

Responsibilities

• Perform retinal imaging and image analysis using current standard techniques.
• Slit lamp biomicroscopy and imaging of anterior segment with topical stains as appropriate.
• Imaging of the external eye and ocular adnexae.
• Perform OCT and visual field analysis including standard tests.
• Collaborate with a multidisciplinary team to ensure smooth service operation.

Skills

Experience in ophthalmic imaging

Certificate of Diabetic retinopathy

Education

Degree in Science or equivalent science qualification valid in the UK

Ophthalmic Science & Technology FdSc

Healthcare Science (Ophthalmic Imaging) BSc

Recognised photographic qualification

Job description

Main area Ophthalmic Science Practitioner Grade NHS AfC: Band 5 Contract 3 years (Fixed term for 3 years as training contract. All existing NHS staff will only be considered on a secondment basis.) Hours 37.5 hours per week (full time) Job ref 190-3047-DIR

Employer Sheffield Teaching Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust Employer type NHS Site Royal Hallamshire Hospital Town Sheffield Salary £32,073 - £39,043 Band 5 Annex U for three years while training Salary period Yearly Closing 20/10/2026 23:59 Interview date 02/11/2026

Trainee Ophthalmic Science Practitioner

NHS AfC: Band 5

Job overview

The Directorate of Ophthalmology requires a Trainee Ophthalmic Science Practitioner to join its team.

The post involves working in Cataract Assessment, Macular Degeneration, Diabetic, and Glaucoma Services and will be based in the Ophthalmic Imaging Department at the Royal Hallamshire, Northern General Eye Centre, Eye Imaging Hub and Sheffield Children’s Hospital.

The post encompass retinal imaging, biometry, OCT Scanning, Confocal Microscopy, Physiological Measurement and Ultra-sound B Scan and Visual Field Analysis Angiography, applicants should be experienced in performing these procedures.

Applicants will be expected to work collaboratively on a day-to-day basis with others to contribute to the smooth and efficient running of the service.

Main duties of the job

Clinical Imaging

Perform retinal imaging and image analysis using current standard techniques.

Slit lamp biomicroscopy & imaging of anterior segment of the eye utilising topical stains as appropriate .

Clinical imaging of the external eye and Ocular adnexae.

Perform retinal tomography, volumetric analysis of the optic nerve head to screen for glaucomatous neuropathy.

Undertake optical coherence tomography of the neuro-sensory retina, optic nerve and retinal nerve fibre layer.

Operating theatre imaging and examination of patients under anaesthetic.

Ultra-sound B scan.

Ophthalmic Investigations

Snellen visual acuity measurement.

Log-Mar visual acuity measurement.

Auto refraction - determine refractive error for purpose of investigation.

Focimetry - determine prescription of optical aids.

Microperimetry – static and kinetic technique.

Static perimetry (Humphrey).

Pachymetry.

Evaluation and analysis of test data implementing additional test strategies as required.

Working for our organisation

You will be working for an organisation which values and respects all of its staff and the community it serves. The Trust is a leader in the NHS and research sectors and provides excellent benefits for its staff. This includes commitments to professional development but also many policies to support employees in balancing their personal and professional lives.

Here’s a more detailed look at why working for STH can be appealing:

Flexible Working and Benefits:

• Flexible working options are available, including home working, annualised hours, and career breaks.
• Generous holiday entitlement, pension schemes, and salary sacrifice schemes are also offered.
• Access to a variety of discounts with retailers and service providers is also provided.
• STH values and respects its staff and the community it serves.
• The Trust fosters a supportive environment where staff feel valued and appreciated.
• They also offer health and wellbeing support, including free mental health services.

Excellent Location and City Life:

• Sheffield offers a vibrant city life with easy access to the beautiful Peak District countryside.
• Known as the "outdoor city", it's a great place to live and work

Detailed job description and main responsibilities

Person specification

Qualifications

• Degree in Science or equivalent science qualification that is valid in the UK
• Ophthalmic Science & Technology FdSc
• Healthcare Science (Ophthalmic Imaging) BSc
• Recognised photographic qualification
• Experience in ophthalmic imaging
• Certificate of Diabetic retinopathy screening

Experience

• Evidence of Continuing Educational Development
• Previous experience working with patients
• Experience in ophthalmic imaging
• Experience in Diabetic Screening
• Experience working with medical devices
• Previous experience in NHS

Further Training

• Ability and willingness to undergo further training and work towards qualifications as necessary
• Excellent Communication skills, both written and verbal
• Ability to work in a multi-disciplinary team
• Ability to work independently and show initiative
• Excellent organisational skills
• Committed to delivering a quality service
• Committed to the Trust’s Clinical Governance programme
• Understand and accept the need to maintain confidentiality

Other Factors

• Flexible to meet service needs
• Able to work the hours required, reasonably flexible as and when required
• Willing to travel to outreach clinics in the community
• Clean UK driving licence

Employer certification / accreditation badges

This post is subject to the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act 1974 (Exceptions) Order 1975 (Amendment) (England and Wales) Order 2020 and it will be necessary for a submission for Disclosure to be made to the Disclosure and Barring Service.

A learner/applicant must be a UK, EEA, or EU resident for at least the past three years to undertake an apprenticeship training programme.

Please note all existing NHS staff will only be considered on a secondment basis. This must first be agreed with your current line manager.

Salary will be in accordance with annex 21 of the AFC Terms and conditions, based on the maximum salary of AfC Band (5) as follows:

Upon successful completion of training the individual would then progress to the entry point of band 5.

This vacancy is advertised on a fixed term contract basis for a period of 3 years due to this being an apprenticeship/training programme. The fixed term contract status of the post holder will be reviewed in accordance with the Trust's legal obligations regarding fixed term contracts.