About this role
Job summary
Due to the development of our off site Ophthalmology services, an exciting opportunity has arisen within the Manchester Royal Eye Hospital. We are looking for a Band 3, Assistant Ophthalmic Science practitioner to come join our Ophthalmic Imaging and Angiography department
The ideal candidate will be helping to provide a comprehensive, regional Ophthalmic Physiological Sciences Service to patients of all ages with diseases of the eye and visual ocular system.
Working within one of the largest NHS Trusts. Manchester Royal Eye Hospitals, Ophthalmic Imaging, Angiography and Diagnostic Department is one of the largest of its kind within the UK.
Covering Ophthalmic diagnostic requirements across various Trust sites, we work at the forefront of Ophthalmic imaging technology and innovation,
Our Imaging team is one of the largest and most dynamic in the UK. We are consistently looking to improve and expand the range, provisions and standards of the diagnostic tests we provide.
Applicants for this role will be working closely with the Medical Retina, Uveitis and Glaucoma specialties of Ophthalmology.
This is a great opportunity to learn new skills, in a stimulating environment with high levels of support from an experienced and committed team of professionals. You must be flexible, have good attention to detail with a track record of working well in team setting. Experience of working in an ophthalmic unit would be beneficial.
Main duties of the job
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. Effective communication and team skills are essential and the ability to assimilate new techniques.
Applicants will be trained to our high standard to carry out the following diagnostic tests and procedures - Optical Coherence Tomography & Optical Coherence Tomography Angiography (on multiple devices) Ultra-wide field imaging Humphrey Visual Fields iCare Tonometr Visual Acuity testing Drop instillation History and Note taking Data inputting
About us
Join Manchester University NHS Foundation Trust (MFT) and become part of a 30,000 plus strong team, delivering exceptional care to over 1 million people every year. As the largest provider of specialist services, and our Oxford Road Campus in Manchester, the largest health academic campus in Europe, we are forward-thinking, committed to clinical excellence and driven to deliver innovation, and continuous improvement.Whether you're beginning your career or taking the next step, MFT offers a stimulating and supportive environment where your contribution truly matters. Our Hive Electronic Patient Record system enables safer, smarter, and more efficient ways of working - empowering you to deliver the best possible outcomes for our patients.You'll be part of a collaborative, multi-disciplinary community, working alongside professionals from a wide range of clinical backgrounds. Together, we push boundaries, share knowledge, and deliver care that transforms lives.At MFT, you'll find a workplace where everyone is respected, supported, and encouraged to thrive. We offer clear clinical pathways for professional development, helping you grow your skills and achieve your ambitions.Your journey at MFT is more than a job - it's an opportunity to make a lasting impact. We'll support you as you shape the future of healthcare, one patient at a time.
Job description Job responsibilities
To find out more about the key responsibilities and the specific skills and experience youll need for this role, take a look at the Job Description & Person Specification attachments under the Documents to download heading.
Explore Inside MFT Your Candidate Place
To help you feel confident, prepared and fully informed before you apply, we invite you to explore Inside MFT Your Candidate Place. This welcoming onestop hub gives you a real sense of who we are, what we stand for, how we reward and support you, and the many ways we care for you as you care for others. Youll also find practical hints and tips for submitting a great application, along with the essential information you need to know before you apply.
To access Inside MFT Your Candidate Place, simply click on the relevant PDF document under the Documents to download heading and once opened, you can either scan QR code or click on the link provided.
Closing vacancy listings early
We welcome applications from a wide range of backgrounds and experiences.To help us manage applications fairly and give each one the time it deserves, our adverts may close early if we receive a high level of interest. Early applications are therefore encouraged.
Diversity MattersMFT is committed to promoting equality of opportunity, celebrating and valuing diversity and eliminating any form of unlawful discrimination across our workforce, ensuring our people are truly representative of the communities we serve. All individuals regardless of age, disability, gender reassignment, marriage and civil partnership, pregnancy and maternity, race, religion or belief, sex and sexual orientation are encouraged to apply for this post. As an inclusive employer, we are here to support you. If you have any special requirements to help you with your application, please contact the manager named below.
Use of Artificial Intelligence (AI) in your application
Here at Manchester University NHS Foundation Trust, were proud to be ALL HERE FOR YOU, for our patients, our communities, and each other.As part of our commitment to fairness, transparency, and personal integrity, we ask all applicants to ensure that their job applications reflect their own experiences, skills, and motivations. While AI tools can support spelling, grammar, or formatting, we expect that the content of your application, especially personal statements and responses to role specific questions is written by you. This helps us get to know the real you and ensures that our recruitment process remains equitable and meaningful for everyone.
Thank you for helping us uphold the values that make our Trust a place where people belong, grow, and thrive. We look forward to receiving your application.
Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS) check
As part of our commitment to safeguarding patients and staff, many roles at Manchester University NHS Foundation Trust (MFT) require a Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS) check. This is a standard process across the NHS and helps us ensure a safe environment for everyone.
What is a DBS Check?
A DBS check is a background check that reveals any criminal convictions, cautions, reprimands, or warnings. The level of check required depends on the role:
Standard DBS: Checks for spent and unspent convictions, cautions, reprimands, and final warnings.
Enhanced DBS: Includes the above, plus any additional information held by local police thats considered relevant to the role.
Enhanced with Barred Lists: Includes all of the above, plus checks against the childrens and/or adults barred lists.
Who Needs a DBS Check
Most roles involving direct patient contact, working with children or vulnerable adults, or access to sensitive information will require a DBS check. The job advert and recruitment team will let you know if this applies to your role.
The Costs for a DBS
At Manchester University NHS Foundation Trust (MFT), roles that require a DBS check are subject to a cost recovery policy. This means that the cost of submitting and processing a DBS application if you are successful and join us, will be deducted from your salary within the first three months of employment. If, however, you withdraw from a conditional offer after the DBS process has begun, you will still be liable for the cost incurred.
For more information about the cost of the various types of DBS, please visit: https://www.gov.uk/government/news/dbs-fees-are-changing-in-december
DBS Update Service
Candidates are also expected to register with the DBS Update Service which must be completed within 30 days of the certificate being issued. This helps streamline future employment checks and supports safer recruitment practices. For more information, please visit the DBS Update Service.
Person Specification
Education & Qualifications Essential
GCSE's (or equivalent) A-C (or equivalent grade) in Maths, English and Science, or equivalent experience 2 A-levels (or equivalent qualification) or equivalent experience
Desirable
Degree level educated (preferable science based) Ophthalmic based qualifications (IOVS, GREG Courses etc..) IT Qualifications (city and guilds, ECDL)
Further Training & Knowledge Essential
Excellent Computer skills and proficiency Knowledge of the Microsoft Office Applications A desire to undertake further qualifications, and training
Desirable
Previous training working with medical devices Previous work within the healthcare sector
Aptitude & Skills Essential
Excellent Interpersonal Skills Adaptable Ability to work under pressure and unsupervised Excellent Interpersonal and communication skills
Experience Essential
Proven history of working within a team and dealing with the public Experience working with computers, data handling and interpretation of results
Desirable
Experience working with photographic equipment,
Personality and Personal Essential
Ability to work within a team and as an individual whenever necessary Motivated Uses initiative Problem solver
Disclosure and Barring Service Check This post is subject to the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act (Exceptions Order) 1975 and as such it will be necessary for a submission for Disclosure to be made to the Disclosure and Barring Service (formerly known as CRB) to check for any previous criminal convictions.
Employer details Employer name Manchester University NHS Foundation Trust
Address Royal Manchester Eye Hospital
Oxford Rd
Manchester
M13 9WL
United Kingdom
Employer's website https://mft.nhs.uk/careers/ (Opens in a new tab)