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Job summary

Main area
Ophthalmology
Grade
NHS AfC: Band 2 moving to band 3 once competencies met
Contract
Secondment: 12 months (Fixed term for external candidates, to cover maternity leave cover)
Hours
Part time - 28.5 hours per week
Job ref
223-TOA-829
Employer
The Shrewsbury and Telford Hospital NHS Trust
Employer type
NHS
Site
The Royal Shrewsbury Hospital
Town
Shrewsbury
Salary
£25,760 - £27,476 per annum/pro rata
Salary period
Yearly
Closing
17/11/2026 23:59

Employer heading

The Shrewsbury and Telford Hospital NHS Trust logo

Trainee Ophthalmic Assistant - Ophthalmology Outpatients

NHS AfC: Band 2 moving to band 3 once competencies met

Job overview

An exciting opportunity has arisen to join our friendly team in the ophthalmology outpatients department at The Royal Shrewsbury Hospital as a Trainee Ophthalmic Assistant.

This role is a trainee opportunity, starting as a Band 2 Trainee Ophthalmic Assistant and moving to band 3 once competencies have been met.

We are looking for a caring and motivated individual who has a genuine interest in ophthalmology to join our team on a secondment/ fixed term basis in Ophthalmology Outpatients at The Royal Shrewsbury Hospital. 

The successful candidate must have good communication skills and be able to work well as part of a friendly team in a busy and dynamic environment.  In return, the post offers the opportunity for further development and training within ophthalmology.

Some weekend and evening working will be required.

Main duties of the job

•      This role supports patients as they move through the eye clinic, helping them feel safe, comfortable, and informed.

•      You will help nurses with basic care tasks, such as taking observations and assisting with mobility.

•      You will talk with patients and their families, helping them understand what is happening and where they need to go.

•      You will keep patient information private and help with simple admin tasks like checking clinic lists and keeping records up to date.

•      You will help keep the clinic clean, tidy, and well stocked, and prepare equipment for use.

•      You will learn new eye‑care skills, such as checking vision, helping with scans, and supporting minor eye procedures.

Working for our organisation

Our Poppy’s Promise Commitment

We believe that compassionate care sits at the heart of everything we do. Every member of our team —  clinical or non-clinical — plays a vital role in ensuring that patients, families, and colleagues are treated with dignity, empathy, and respect at all times.

We expect all staff to demonstrate compassion not only through their words, but through their actions: by listening attentively, communicating clearly and kindly, and recognising  individual needs, feelings, and circumstances of those in our care.

Effective communication is central to safe and high-quality healthcare. We value colleagues who take the time to understand others, explain information in a  meaningful way, and respond to concerns with patience and understanding.

By joining our team, you are committing to uphold these values — ensuring that every patient feels heard, respected, and valued, and that compassion is embedded in every interaction, every day.

Detailed job description and main responsibilities

For full duties and responsibilities please refer to the attached document entitled "Candidate Job Pack"

Person specification

Qualifications

Essential criteria
  • Maths and English at GCSE level 9 - 4 (or equivalent)
Desirable criteria
  • NVQ Level 3 in health related subject

Knowledge and Experience

Desirable criteria
  • Experience in ophthalmic setting
  • Previous experience of working in care

Aptitude and skills

Essential criteria
  • Ability to develop ophthalmic skills
  • Ability to work as part of a team
  • Able to adapt to a varying workload

Personal qualities

Essential criteria
  • Good verbal communication skills
  • Professional manner
  • Awareness of own limitations

Other requirements

Essential criteria
  • Ability to be flexible within working hours

Employer certification / accreditation badges

Apprenticeships logoPositive about disabled peopleAge positiveDisability confident leaderMindful employer.  Being positive about mental health.Pregnancy Loss PledgeDefence Employer Recognition Scheme (ERS) - Gold

Applicant requirements

This post is subject to the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act 1974 (Exceptions) Order 1975 (Amendment) (England and Wales) Order 2020 and it will be necessary for a submission for Disclosure to be made to the Disclosure and Barring Service.

Application numbers

In the event of a high response to this advertisement, this post will be closed. Early applications are advised.

Documents to download

Apply online now

Further details / informal visits contact

Name
Vicky Howells
Job title
Department Manager
Email address
[email protected]
Telephone number
01743 261000
Additional information

01743 261000 extn 3209

Sr Charlotte Chieza

01743 261000 Extn 3831

If you have problems applying, contact

Address
The Shrewsbury and Telford Hospital NHS Trust
Shrewsbury Business Park
1 Douglas Court
Shrewsbury
Shropshire
SY2 6LG
Telephone
01743 492402
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