Glaucoma Technician

Job overview

We are looking to expand and further develop a dedicated Glaucoma Technician team within our busy and well-regarded ophthalmology departments at both University Hospital Coventry and Warwickshire, and the Hospital of St Cross in Rugby.

The postholder will play a key role in supporting the multidisciplinary glaucoma team to deliver an efficient and high-quality glaucoma service. Core responsibilities include performing a range of ophthalmic investigations essential for assessing and monitoring patients with glaucoma. These investigations include assessment of visual acuity, visual fields, corneal pachymetry, and OCT imaging of the anterior segment and optic disc.

Please be advised that sponsorship is not eligible for this post.

Closing Date: Please be advised that this job advert will close as soon as sufficient applications have been received. Please apply for this job as soon as you can, if interested.

Successful applicants will be required to provide an immunisation and vaccination report, from either their current UK occupational health provider or their UK GP.

Main duties of the job

A central aspect of this role is to assist medical staff in delivering gold-standard patient care while interacting with patients in a friendly, professional, and reassuring manner. The Band 4 Technician will also act as a team leader, providing guidance and supervision to other ophthalmic technicians supporting the glaucoma service.

The postholder will have the autonomy to independently run technician-led clinics, where trained technicians are empowered to deliver high-quality care. Within these clinics, technicians perform a series of visual function tests, including visual acuity, intraocular pressure measurement, visual field testing, and optic nerve imaging.

This role involves cross-site working across University Hospital Coventry and the Hospital of St Cross in Rugby, ensuring consistent, high-quality glaucoma care across the service.

Detailed job description and main responsibilities

• Clinical and Technical Duties o Accurately measure and record visual acuity using standardised procedures. o Perform Humphrey Visual Field (HVF) testing to a high standard, ensuring patient comfort, understanding, and dignity. o Capture high-quality images using Optical Coherence Tomography (OCT) and non-mydriatic fundus photography. o Undertake additional diagnostic procedures once trained and competent (ORA, Icare tonometry, pachymetry, focimetry, auto-refraction). o Ensure all results are correctly documented and uploaded to the Electronic Patient Record (EPR) or image management system.
• Patient Care and Support o Act as a representative of the Glaucoma Clinic, demonstrating professionalism and courtesy to patients, relatives, colleagues, and the public. o Serve as a first point of contact for patient or relative concerns, attempting resolution where appropriate and escalating to the Nurse Manager if required. o Raise patient concerns to the Nurse Manager or Doctor and ensure patient understanding of care and procedures. o Accompany and support patients during transfers within the hospital as directed by qualified staff, ensuring safety and comfort. o Liaise with multidisciplinary colleagues (Orthoptists, Optometrists, Ophthalmic Photographers, Nurses, and Doctors), providing updates within the scope of the role and promptly reporting changes in patient condition.
• Equipment, Resource Management, and Data Handling o Ensure all clinical equipment (HVF analyser, OCT, fundus camera, tonometer) is cleaned, maintained, and safely operated. o Report faults promptly and support equipment servicing as required. o Manage accurate data transfer, storage, and reporting for patient diagnostics and virtual clinic review. o Use resources efficiently, ensuring that all equipment, materials, and time are applied in a manner consistent with organisational objectives, justified, and beneficial to the service.
• Staff Development And Mentorship o Act as a role model, demonstrating clinical and administrative skills to more junior staff. o Mentor and support new staff members, providing guidance on clinical procedures, patient care, and department protocols. o Independently lead the Glaucoma Technician service, ensuring all ophthalmic technicians are trained and familiar with protocols for technician-led glaucoma clinics. o Coordinate the smooth running of daily glaucoma clinics, overseeing staffing, workflow, and patient flow.
• Training, Professional Development, And Governance o Participate in mandatory and role-specific training, competency assessments, and skill development. o Maintain awareness of developments in glaucoma care and ophthalmic diagnostics. o Attend in-service training sessions, staff meetings, and clinical governance activities. o Participate in annual performance reviews and personal development planning.
• Health, Safety, And Policies o Comply with Health and Safety at Work Act, infection control, and hospital policies. o Follow fire safety and hygiene procedures. o Maintain confidentiality of all patient and relative information in line with Trust and legal requirements.

For further details of the role please see the attached job description.