About this role
Job summary
We are seeking a motivated and conscientious Retinal Screening Assistant to join our dynamic Diabetic Eye Screening Programme. This is a vital role within the NHS, aimed at reducing the risk of sight loss in people with diabetes through early detection of diabetic retinopathy. The post holder will undertake mandatory qualifications required for the role, including Level 3 Diploma for Health Screeners (if not already completed).
A Retinal Screening Assistant, will carry out high-quality digital retinal imaging across the South Tyneside and Sunderland community, within clinic-based settings, alongside delivering all NICE-recommended annual diabetic checks through the One Stop Service in South Tyneside. Supported by a dedicated team with ongoing professional development, and opportunities to contribute to service improvement and clinical excellence.
The service plays a key role in working closely with the wider Ophthalmology Directorate to provide seamless, high quality patient care. The successful candidate will be patient-focused, IT-proficient, and committed to maintaining high standards of care and clinical accuracy.
Travel between screening sites is required. To ensure the service needs are met, Diabetic Screening offers a 5-day service Monday to Friday. Finding and treating diabetic retinopathy early can reduce and prevent damage to the eyes and sight loss. If youre passionate about delivering high-quality care, wed love to hear from you.
Main duties of the job
Carrying out retinal imaging using digital fundus cameras and Optical Coherence Tomography (OCT) where clinically indicated.
Explaining screening procedures clearly and sensitively to patients, ensuring comfort, dignity, and informed consent. Maintaining accurate patient records and contributing to timely reporting of results. Participating in regular internal and external quality assurance audits to maintain accreditation and grading standards. Engaging in continuous professional development and contributing to service improvement initiatives. Uphold the values of the organisation and contribute to a positive team culture. This role requires attention to detail, strong communication skills, and a commitment to preventing avoidable sight loss through early detection and intervention. Previous healthcare experience working with patients in a clinical environment. Experience in undertaking patient clinical examinations (i.e. phlebotomy, foot examination, BP, BMI, administering eye drops, capturing photographs). Ability to assess, recognise, report, and record any change in the patients condition since last screening examination.
For informal enquiries/arrange a visit contact: Julie Laverick Programme Manager [email protected]
About us
Please add your telephone number to your application form so we can contact you quickly if required.
One Team One Trust - There are many reasons to work at our Trust. From our commitment to putting people first to our accessible services and award winning teams. We have a passion for research, innovation and tackling inequalities. We are committed to respect, fairness and civility and promote a compassionate, caring and positive culture / working environment.
We welcome all applications irrespective of peoples race, disability, gender, sexual orientation, religion/belief, age, gender identity, marriage and civil partnership, pregnancy/maternity and in particular those from under- represented groups. Looking after our workforces health and wellbeing is a priority for us. We also provide access to high quality education, training, career progression and support. Flexible working is supported via our Flexible Working Policy.
The Trust employs around 8,746 people and provides a range of hospital services to a local community of around 430,000 residents. We also provide a range of more specialised services outside this area. We offer our staff outstanding benefits - Fitness Centre (SRH), libraries at both hospital sites, chaplaincy support and access to a Care Co-ordinator to help staff with childcare arrangements.If you use AI, and it poses a risk to the integrity of your individual recruitment process, we may withdraw your application at any stage of the process.
Job description Job responsibilities
PLEASE REFER TO THE ATTACHED JOB DESCRIPTION FOR FULL DUTIES OF THE ROLE.
Provide a high quality one-stop shop diabetes service to patients in the community setting by delivering all nine annual healthcare checks to patients with diabetes, incorporating phlebotomy, blood pressure monitoring, BMI, foot screening, eye assessment, urine testing and smoking advice.
Person Specification
Experience Essential
Previous healthcare experience working with patients in a clinical environment. Experience in undertaking patient clinical examinations (i.e. phlebotomy, foot examination, BP, BMI, administering eye drops, capturing photographs). Ability to assess, recognise, report, and record any change in the patients condition since last screening examination.
Desirable
Knowledge of medical information systems (i.e. EMIS, Meditech). Knowledge of diabetes and its long term complications.
Physical Skills Essential
Able to travel independently between 7 screening locations.
Qualifications Essential
GCSE English and Maths at Grade 4 or above or equivalent qualification / experience. Possess or working towards NVQ3 in Care or Care Certificate.
Desirable
Diabetic Diploma for Health Screeners. National Health Screener Diploma.
Skills and Knowledge Essential
Enthusiasm for ongoing professional development. Able to work independently and within a team with flexible approach to work pattern. Ability to evidence compassion and care for others. Good problem solving techniques. Good communication skills (written and oral). IT/Word processing skills. Able to remain calm under stressful situations. Ability to correctly use and interpret readings from a variety of medical devices i.e. Sphygmomanometer, Doppler, Monofilament, retinal camera.
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 South Tyneside and Sunderland NHS Foundation Trust
Address Galleries Health Centre
Health Centre
The Galleries, Washington Centre
WASHINGTON
Tyne And Wear
NE38 7NQ
United Kingdom
Employer's website https://www.stsft.nhs.uk (Opens in a new tab)