Ophthalmology Assistant

Job summary

We are looking for a dynamic, enthusiastic and highly motivated Ophthalmology Assistant to join our Ophthalmology Department.

We are committed to providing an excellent quality of care for our patients and a great working environment for our staff.

For this role you will need to have achieved your NHS care certificate. You will need to be able to demonstrate empathy, sensitivity and excellent communications skills. You will be organised, reliable and able to adapt to the outpatient environment.

Please note interviews will be held on 20th October 2026

Main duties of the job

• To support the Ophthalmology Team in maintaining an efficient & safe environment for the care of everyone attending the Ophthalmology Department
• To assist all Registered Health Care Professionals in the provision of delegated care to patients
• To undertake diagnostic & monitoring tests as required, providing clinical information for the detection and management of patients with ophthalmic disease.
• To work effectively within the context of the ESNEFT Ophthalmology Department Guidelines & Competence Framework.
• To contribute to the continuing development of clinical practice through participation within Ophthalmology learning different skills when required.
• Promote high standards of patient care and a safe working environment.

About us

We are ESNEFT and we provide hospital and community health services to almost one million people across east Suffolk and north Essex. Our dedicated staff deliver care from acute hospitals in Colchester and Ipswich, community hospitals, surgeries, community clinics and in patients' own homes.

We are one of the largest NHS organisations in England, employing more than 12,000 staff.

We pride ourselves on supporting our staff. We offer a wide range of training and development opportunities, as well as flexible working options.

Along with supporting you to achieve your career goals we offer a generous pension scheme, unsocial hours payments (where applicable), 27 days annual leave on commencement (pro rata) and access to a range of NHS discounts. Our Staff Health and Wellbeing programme offer a variety of services.

Our philosophy is that Time Matters to everyone. Across the Trust, we concentrate on improving the things we do and removing those which cause time delays for our staff and patients.

We are investing in our commitment to Time Matters with a partnership with leading electronic patient record (EPR) supplier Epic. This digital transformation will bring what's widely regarded as the world's best EPR system to ESNEFT, transforming life in hospital for staff and patients.

If you are passionate about patient care and want to develop your skills and knowledge, then we want to hear from you.

Find out about living and working here - www.youtube.com/watch?v=GkPu7HphU8A

Job responsibilities

For full details of the responsibilities and duties of this role please see the attached job description.

Person specification

Experience

Essential

• Previous experience in a health setting

Desirable

• Previous experience working within Ophthalmology
• Experience with various Ophthalmology equipment
• Previous experience working with a multidisciplinary team
• Experience of Visual Field analysers or OCT

Qualifications

Essential

• GCSE English & Maths or Equivalent- Grade A-C
• Knowledge and Training at working at equivalent of NVQ/SVQ Level 3 in related care subject
• Care Certificate

Desirable

• Relevant Ophthalmic qualification
• Willingness to undertake additional imaging studies
• A Level Grade in relevant subject

Knowledge

Essential

• Ability to learn to use various computerised systems
• Able to use technology & equipment to assist in patient care
• IT Skills

Desirable

• Knowledge of anatomy & the physiology of the visual pathway
• Experience in working with the elderly or people with complex needs