Ophthalmic Technician
Bristol NHS Foundation Trust
Bristol, BS1 2LX
Salary
£25,760 to £27,476
Contract
Permanent
Hours
Not specified
Closing date
6 September 2026
6 days left
Job description
Are you passionate about delivering excellent patient care and making a real difference in a fast-paced clinical environment? We are looking for an en...
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.
Main Duties and 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
Bristol NHS Foundation Trust brings together more than 28,000 staff to deliver over 160 clinical services across thirteen hospital locations,operatingfrom three main sites at Southmead, Bristol citycentreand Weston.
With an annual turnover of £2.3 billion, we are now one of the largest NHS trusts in the United Kingdom. Our hospitals are spread across Bristol and Weston, join us and you can enjoy the very best of both worlds; city living within a stone's throw of the countryside or beside the seaside, both with easy access to all that theSouth Westhas to offer.
Bristol NHS Foundation Trust values all people as individuals. As an equal opportunities employer actively working towards a diverse workforce we aim to recruit andretaina workforce whichrepresentsthe rich diversity of the local population at all levels and are committed to designing our services around the needs of individual patients and those around them. Anonymous information will be used from your applicationin order toensurewe'remeeting our pledge.
Education and qualifications
Essential
- Extensive experience of ophthalmic care or at least 5 GCSEs to grade c or above including English, Maths and one other science subject
- Extensive experience of Ophthalmic care or at least 1 A level in a science subject grade C or above
Desirable
- Undergraduate qualification or relevant experience
Knowledge, skills and abilities
Essential
- Computer literate
- Ability to communicate with people at different levels
- Professional attitude to work
- Good communication skills
Experience
Essential
- Proven experience of dealing with the public
- Understanding of confidentiality issues
Desirable
- Working knowledge of NHS procedures
- Knowledge of Health & safety Issues
Personal qualities
Essential
- Methodical and reliable, with attention to detail and accuracy
- Can demonstrate a flexible and adaptable approach to work with a willingness to learn and develop role
- Capacity to adapt to changes and working practices quickly
- Self-motivated, enthusiastic and approachable
- Exhibit diplomacy and interpersonal skills with ability to interact with people of all levels and background
- Professional in appearance and approach
How to apply
Applications are handled entirely by the employer on the original advert. We do not collect CVs, supporting statements or application data.
Provenance
Source
NHS Jobs
First seen
21 August 2026
Last checked
25 August 2026
Salary, closing date and description are taken from the employer's advert. The original advert always takes precedence.
About the employer
NHS organisation
This listing was structured from NHS Jobs. Vacancy details and the application process remain the responsibility of the original source.
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