Diabetic Eye Screener/Grader

Job summary

An exciting opportunity has arisen for a band 4 screener/grader with the Diabetic Eye Screening Programme. The NHS Diabetic Eye Screening Programme aims to reduce the risk of sight loss among people with diabetes through the early detection and treatment of diabetic retinopathy. Screening using digital photography is currently offered to all eligible people with diabetes from the age of 12 years old who reside in County Durham and Darlington NHS Foundation Trust.

As well as digital photography using a fundus camera, the post-holder will be required to use Optical Coherence Tomography Eye Scanners (OCT) which is used to identify referable Maculopathy.

The post-holder will be the first contact for patients attending the screening service and will be expected to support service users through the screening process and to ensure they are fully informed as to the expectations/limitations of screening, to ensure that all service objectives and quality standards are upheld and screening is delivered in accordance with national targets. Working collaboratively with multi professional teams to ensure practice is efficient, effective, compassionate, evidence based and safe.

Main duties of the job

Responsible for installing equipment and setting up allocated room(s) as required in accordance with proper and safe use.

Competence to obtain a brief clinical history and measure and record visual acuities.

To safely administer eye drops within the departments standard operating procedures

Gain the competence to grade unsupervised, sustain high levels of concentration over extended periods, to analyse and interpret diabetic retinopathy, accurately diagnosing small details of diabetic disease and other ocular lesions ensuring timely referrals when appropriate.

Grading a minimum of 1500 patients image sets per annum.

Responsibility for maintaining internal quality assurance processes for grading during primary diagnosis of disease/no disease.

Ensuring timely image grading and automatic generation of results/referral letters as appropriate.

Communicate effectively with health professionals and frequently with patients, who may be in distressing and sensitive circumstances, using empathy and reassurance in the management of information regarding diabetes management, diabetic retinopathy, diabetic eye disease and possible loss of sight.

About us

If you are being interviewed you must accept an interview slot in the system to continue, even if you have arranged with the manager.

You must be able to produce ALL certificates stated essential in the person specification or you will not be able to complete pre-employment checks.

We provide hospital services from two acute sites - Darlington Memorial Hospital and University Hospital of North Durham. We have a centre for planned care in Bishop Auckland and provide care from community hospitals in Chester-le-Street, Shotley Bridge, Barnard Castle, Sedgefield and Weardale as well as over 80 other community based settings and providing care in patients' homes.

We particularly welcome applications from disabled and Black, Asian and Minority Ethnic (BAME) candidates as BAME and disabled people are currently under-represented.

Full Job Descriptions can be found in the adverts supporting documents.

Over reliance on AI-generated content is discouraged and may diminish the applicant's chances of success.

For the most up-to-date information on visa requirements and eligibility, please check online to determine whether you can apply.

Details

• Date posted: 01 October 2026
• Pay scheme: Agenda for change
• Band: Band 4
• Salary: £28,392 to £31,157 a year per annum, pro rata
• Contract: Permanent
• Working pattern: Full-time
• Reference number: C9439-2627-RP-N478
• Job locations: Darlington Memorial Hospital NHS Trust, Hollyhurst Road, Darlington, County Durham, DL3 6HX, United Kingdom

Job responsibilities

Proven competence to work autonomously and effectively without access to supervision, in 11 locations, requiring the ability to plan travel time appropriately and to plan and organise own clinic time (screening on average 28 patients per day).

Obtain a brief clinical history, measure and record visual acuities plus instillation of eye drops according to protocol and report immediately any changes in the patients condition to a senior member of staff.

Carry out Routine Digital Screening clinics as well as Optical Coherence Tomography clinics (3D retinal scanner).

Able to assist patients who may need some help transferring to the camera chair.

Enhanced levels of dexterity and accuracy in the use of diagnostic equipment ie fundus camera / OCT scan in the direct examination of patients eyes.

Reassure patients about the screening process, using tact, diplomacy and persuasive skills where appropriate to ensure that patients are fully prepared for screening.

Encourage and re-assure patients the importance of screening

Triage images and place in appropriate grading queue using traffic light grading queue.

To be accountable and make clinical decisions involving patients within local guidelines, without direct supervision from senior staff.

Competence of accurate image and data handling, including image capture and retrieval if required.

Competence to deliver effective one-to-one patient education, using their retinal images as a teaching tool, in a motivating and persuasive manner to encourage effective diabetes management and reduction in the risks of diabetic eye damage whilst encouraging annual screening attendance.

Responsible for monitoring clinical and consumable stock levels daily and placing orders when required.

Proactively seek and maintain up to date information and training to ensure that skills are sustained to a high standard.

Participate in External Quality Assurance and participate in simple clinical audits.

Act in a manner which illustrates respect for privacy, dignity, equality & diversity and confidentiality, and demonstrate excellent customer care.

Maintain personal and professional development to meet the changing demands of the role, and participate in training activities.

Excellent communications skills are essential to the post to be able to:

Ensure good relationships are developed and maintained at all screening locations with other Trust staff who may be involved in associated patient care.

Provide advice to patients and carers where there may be barriers to screening.

Work collaboratively with the wider team, clinical lead, programme manager, clinical staff and failsafe department to ensure the smooth delivery of the screening programme.

Attend departmental meetings and participate in MDT providing feedback to the programme manager.

Ensure all mandatory training is undertaken in line with Trust policy.

To undertake any other duties that would be a reasonable expectation of the role.