Ophthalmic Technician

Job overview

Are you passionate about delivering excellent patient care and making a real difference in a fast-paced clinical environment? We are looking for an enthusiastic and compassionate Ophthalmic Technician to join our busy Ophthalmic Emergency Department.

In this rewarding role, you will be at the heart of the patient journey, supporting the assessment and treatment of patients attending with urgent eye conditions. Following appropriate training and competency assessment, you will undertake a range of ophthalmic investigations and diagnostic tests, including visual acuity assessment, intraocular pressure measurement, visual field testing, OCT imaging, blood pressure monitoring, blood glucose testing and ECG recording.

Working alongside ophthalmologists, optometrists, nurses and administrative colleagues, you will help prepare patients for review, provide reassurance and support during their attendance, and contribute to the smooth running of the department. You will also assist with maintaining clinical areas, managing equipment and stock, and ensuring patient information is accurately recorded.

No two days are the same in our Emergency Department. If you thrive in a dynamic environment, enjoy working as part of a multidisciplinary team, and are committed to delivering high-quality patient care, this is an excellent opportunity to develop specialist ophthalmic skills and build a rewarding career within emergency eye care.

Main duties of the job

The Ophthalmic Technician plays a key role in supporting the delivery of safe, effective and patient-centred care within the Ophthalmic Emergency Department. Working as part of the multidisciplinary team, the post holder will undertake a range of delegated clinical investigations, diagnostic procedures and patient care activities following appropriate training and competency assessment.

The role involves performing ophthalmic investigations including visual acuity testing, intraocular pressure measurement, colour vision testing, visual field assessments and Optical Coherence Tomography (OCT), alongside basic clinical observations such as blood pressure monitoring, blood glucose testing and ECG recording. Additional duties include obtaining conjunctival swabs, performing eye irrigation following chemical injury, and supporting patients with mobility and personal care needs where required.

The Ophthalmic Technician will support the efficient running of the department by maintaining clinical areas, monitoring stock and equipment, recording patient information accurately and contributing to effective patient flow. They will work within established policies, procedures and competency frameworks, recognising and escalating concerns or abnormal findings to registered staff as appropriate.

Detailed job description and main responsibilities

Following appropriate training and competency assessment, the post holder will support the delivery of safe, effective and patient-centred care within the Ophthalmic Emergency Department.

Clinical Care Duties

• Perform a range of delegated clinical procedures including visual acuity testing, intraocular pressure measurement, colour vision testing, blood glucose monitoring, ECG recording, blood pressure monitoring, conjunctival swabs and eye irrigation following chemical injury.
• Assist patients with mobility and personal care requirements where necessary.
• Prepare patients for investigations and support their comfort, dignity and safety throughout their attendance.
• Prepare clinical rooms for ophthalmologists and optometrists and undertake general housekeeping duties.

Communication and Professional Practice

• Communicate effectively and compassionately with patients, relatives, carers and colleagues.
• Adapt communication to meet the needs of individuals with visual impairment, hearing difficulties, learning disabilities or language barriers.
• Treat all patients and colleagues with dignity, respect and professionalism.
• Participate in training, competency assessments and ongoing professional development to maintain and enhance knowledge and skills.

Planning and Organisation

• Prioritise and organise ophthalmic investigations to support patient flow and ensure timely assessment and treatment.
• Coordinate the preparation of clinical areas and equipment, ensuring rooms are stocked and ready for use.
• Liaise with nursing, medical and administrative staff to facilitate efficient service delivery and respond to changing clinical priorities.

Practical and Technical Responsibilities

• Undertake ophthalmic investigations including visual field testing, Optical Coherence Tomography (OCT), observations, conjunctival swabs and eye irrigation.
• Operate specialist ophthalmic equipment safely and accurately.
• Maintain accurate records of investigations and patient information using electronic systems.
• Demonstrate a high level of concentration, manual dexterity and attention to detail.

Patient Care and Support

• Provide direct support to adults and children attending the Emergency Department.
• Offer reassurance to patients who may be anxious, distressed, in pain or experiencing visual loss.
• Escalate concerns, abnormal findings or deteriorating patient conditions to registered staff in accordance with departmental procedures.
• Maintain accurate, confidential patient records in line with Trust policies.

Service Improvement and Resource Management

• Work in accordance with clinical governance, infection prevention, safeguarding, health and safety and information governance policies.
• Participate in audits, quality improvement initiatives and mandatory training.
• Monitor stock levels, replenish supplies and report shortages.
• Ensure specialist equipment is maintained, cleaned and used appropriately.
• Report equipment faults and remove defective equipment from use where required.

Team Working and Information Management

• Work collaboratively as part of the multidisciplinary team.
• Support the induction and development of new staff, students and visitors within own area of competence.
• Maintain accurate electronic and paper-based records and comply with data protection requirements.
• Contribute to the sharing of knowledge, continuous improvement and a positive team culture.

Working Environment

• Work within a busy and unpredictable emergency care environment.
• Frequently stand, walk and use specialist ophthalmic equipment.
• Support patients experiencing acute eye conditions, trauma and ophthalmic emergencies.
• Follow infection prevention and control measures and use PPE as required.
• Occasionally manage challenging behaviour or distressed patients and relatives in a professional and compassionate manner

Applicant requirements

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.