Ophthalmic Technician

Job summary
The Ophthalmic Technician is a key member of the multidisciplinary team, delivering high-quality, person-centred care to patients across ophthalmology services. The post holder undertakes a wide range of ophthalmic diagnostic investigations and supports both clinician-led and technician-delivered pathways, ensuring accurate and timely information is available to support clinical decision-making and patient flow.

The role also contributes to procedural services, maintains high standards of patient safety and care, and works collaboratively with colleagues, patients, relatives and carers. The post holder will demonstrate professionalism, attention to detail and a commitment to the Trust's values, promoting dignity, equality and the wellbeing of all service users.

Main duties of the job

• Support the delivery of safe, effective and person-centred care within Ophthalmology services.
• Undertake a range of ophthalmic diagnostic procedures, including visual acuity testing, imaging and visual field assessments, to support clinical decision-making.
• Assist clinicians in the assessment, treatment and monitoring of patients throughout their care pathway.
• Support outpatient clinics, technician-led pathways and procedural services to ensure efficient patient flow and high-quality care.
• Accurately record diagnostic results and escalate concerns appropriately.
• Communicate effectively with patients, carers and members of the multidisciplinary team to provide an excellent patient experience.
• Maintain patient confidentiality and contribute to a positive, safe and supportive clinical environment.
• Act as a chaperone when required and undertake delegated clinical duties within agreed competencies.

About us
The Trust provides a full range of local and specialist services across its five sites. In June 2026, we launched our new strategy for 2026-31. Our vision is to transform healthcare, and we have agreed six strategic ambitions to help us improve care for patients, and the working lives of our staff.

Our six strategic ambitions are delivering high-quality patient care; creating a great place to work; leading pioneering research, innovation and education; building strong and successful partnerships; providing timely and efficient care; and ensuring long-term financial sustainability.

We have also agreed four new organisational values - Caring, Collaborative, Inclusive, Innovative - and these underpin everything we do, and how our teams interact with the patients under our care.

We are at a pivotal point in our history and we require individuals who are ready to join a highly professional team and make a real, lasting difference to our patients and our people.

King's is committed to delivering Sustainable Healthcare for All via our Green Plan. In line with national Greener NHS ambitions, we have set net zero carbon targets of 2040 for our NHS Carbon Footprint and 2045 for our NHS Carbon Footprint Plus. Everyone's contribution is required in order to meet the goals set out in our Green Plan and we encourage all staff to work responsibly, minimising their contributions to the Trust's carbon emissions, waste and pollution wherever possible.

Job responsibilities
Clinical Care and Patient Support

• Support the delivery of safe, effective and person-centred care across ophthalmology services.
• Assist registered practitioners in the assessment, treatment and monitoring of patients throughout the care pathway.
• Undertake delegated clinical duties within assessed competency and scope of practice.
• Act as a chaperone when required.

Ophthalmic Diagnostic Procedures

• Perform a range of ophthalmic diagnostic investigations to support clinical decision-making and patient management.
• Undertake visual acuity assessments, visual field testing, retinal imaging, optical measurements and other diagnostic procedures appropriate to the role.
• Record and report investigation results accurately and escalate any concerns identified during assessment.

Clinical Pathway Support

• Support outpatient clinics, technician-led pathways, pre-assessment services and interventional room procedures.
• Contribute to the efficient flow of patients through diagnostic and treatment pathways.
• Support admission, discharge and follow-up processes as required.

Equipment and Resources

• Prepare, maintain and monitor clinical equipment to ensure safe and effective service delivery.
• Support stock control and ordering processes within the department.

Communication and Team Working

• Communicate effectively and professionally with patients, carers, relatives and members of the multidisciplinary team to support the delivery of high-quality patient care.
• Maintain patient confidentiality and handle information in accordance with Trust policies, professional standards and data protection requirements.
• Contribute to effective team working and support a positive patient and staff experience.

Education and Development

• Participate in mandatory, statutory and role-specific training required for the post.
• Undertake competency-based training and ongoing professional development to maintain and develop ophthalmic knowledge and skills.
• Participate in appraisal and personal development processes and maintain evidence of competence relevant to the role.

Governance and Quality

• Maintain accurate patient records in accordance with Trust and professional standards.
• Contribute to clinical governance, quality improvement and patient safety initiatives within the department.
• Support the collection and use of patient feedback to enhance services and improve patient experience.
• Assist in maintaining a safe, clean and effective clinical environment in line with local policies and procedures.

Person Specification
Essential

• Experience working in a healthcare, patient-facing, customer service or ophthalmic setting
• Experience working within an ophthalmology service

Desirable

• Experience communicating with the public in person and/or by telephone

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.

Applications from job seekers who require current Skilled worker sponsorship to work in the UK are welcome and will be considered alongside all other applications. For further information visit the UK Visas and Immigration website (Opens in a new tab).

From 6 April 2017, skilled worker applicants, applying for entry clearance into the UK, have had to present a criminal record certificate from each country they have resided continuously or cumulatively for 12 months or more in the past 10 years. Adult dependants (over 18 years old) are also subject to this requirement. Guidance can be found here Criminal records checks for overseas applicants (Opens in a new tab).