Trainee Diabetic Eye Screener

University Hospitals Sussex; Brighton; On-site; GBP 24,000 - 31,000; Full time

Job summary

A healthcare organization in Sussex is seeking a Diabetic Eye Screener (trainee) to join their team. This full-time position offers training towards a diploma while engaging in critical screening duties. Applicants should have a full UK driver's license and be able to work independently. The role involves traveling to various healthcare settings and ensuring compliance with national quality assurance standards. Flexibility and strong communication skills are essential, and prior experience in healthcare is preferred.

Benefits

Flexible working options

Ongoing professional development support

Qualifications

• Full UK driver's license and access to a vehicle.
• Experience in NHS diabetic eye screening programme is preferred.
• Experience in people-facing roles such as healthcare, retail, or hospitality.

Responsibilities

• Deliver the diabetic eye screening and grading service effectively.
• Administer eye drops as per protocol and manage patient referrals.
• Participate in service development and adhere to department policies.

Skills

Communication skills

Attention to detail

Ability to work independently

Education

GCSE passes (C and above) in English Language and Mathematics

City & Guilds Screening Diploma, Health Care Certificate, ECDL or equivalent

Job description

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Primary role: Diabetic Eye Screener (trainee) – Grade 3, Permanent, full time (37.5 hours per week). Will work within the East and West Sussex programme area, including weekend and evening clinics.

Employer: University Hospitals Sussex NHS Foundation Trust – Royal Sussex County Hospital, Brighton. Salary: £24,937–£30,162 per annum.

Job overview

We are looking for a person to train towards becoming a Diabetic Eye Screener/Grader. The training involves a two‑year diploma with on‑the‑job support. The trainee will be based at Royal Sussex County Hospital and will travel to various healthcare settings within West and East Sussex. The trainee position is offered at band 3; qualified graders are considered for band 4.

Key responsibilities include working independently or as part of a team, delivering the screening programme, and presenting excellent communication skills. You will be accountable for carrying out clinical duties in line with national quality assurance standards.

Main duties of the job

The trainee Screener is a key member of the screening team responsible for the effective delivery of a diabetic eye screening and grading service. Once accredited, you will be involved in diagnosing patients with sight‑threatening diabetic retinopathy, ensuring accurate visual acuity testing, administering dilating drops, and using fundus cameras and OCT imaging. You will also work, where required, with patients and maintain confidentiality.

You will be travelling daily to different locations (some not accessible by public transport) and will need your own vehicle and a full UK driver’s licence. Screening and grading require concentration for long periods in a darkened room and may involve lone working.

Working for our organisation

UHS Sussex values diversity and inclusion. We offer staff networks, a buddy system, and the support of our wellbeing programme. Our core values are compassion, inclusion, respect, and excellence in patient care. We support flexible working and ongoing professional development.

Detailed job description and main responsibilities

This role does not meet the minimum criteria for visa sponsorship under the current UK immigration rules, so we cannot offer sponsorship. Applicants must already have the right to work in the UK. If you are on a Graduate visa, at least 18 months must remain on the visa at the time of application.

Main duties and responsibilities

Communication

• Communicate with the Screening Team Leader on all screening aspects, raising concerns and seeking guidance.
• Handle complex and sensitive information.
• Use diabetes eye screening knowledge and excellent communication skills to explain screening importance to patients.
• Liaise with staff and managers on a range of issues.
• Adapt communication styles to difficult situations, including language, learning difficulties and verbal aggression.
• Support team communication via email and telephone.

Service delivery and improvement

• Work in various clinic locations within West and East Sussex.
• Travel by own car and hold a full UK driver’s licence.
• Assist in service development and follow department policies and protocols.
• Ensure compliance with all local screening and grading procedures.
• Contribute to regional DESP projects.

People management and development

• Train and work towards the Level 3 Health Screeners Diploma.
• Participate in the appraisal process and identify personal development needs.
• Comply with Trust policies, mandatory training, and CPD conferences.
• Manage rosters and support workforce planning.

Clinical duties

• Perform image capture (screening) in line with the National Screening Programme.
• Administer eye drops per protocol, recognising contraindications and side effects.
• Manage clinic timing for patients aged 12 and over, making decisions for referrals.
• Record observations electronically (OptiMize), protect data and use appointment systems.
• Carry out screening tests in challenging conditions (e.g. patients with poor hygiene or leg ulcers).
• Treat patients and carers with dignity and respect.
• Work evenings and weekends.

Learning and development

• Attend mandatory training updates.
• Pursue training aligned with the post and line‑manager agreement.
• Achieve agreed professional development standards.
• Plan training needs with line manager.
• Participate in the Trust’s appraisal process.

This job description outlines the role and responsibilities. Other duties may be assigned as needed.

Person specification

• Full UK driver’s licence and access to a vehicle.
• Experience in NHS diabetic eye screening programme.
• Experience in people‑facing roles (healthcare, retail, hospitality).

Qualifications

• GCSE passes (C and above) in English Language and Mathematics.
• Basic knowledge of diabetic eye screening and NDESP QA Standards and KPIs.
• City & Guilds Screening Diploma, Health Care Certificate, ECDL or equivalent.

Equality, Diversity and Inclusion

• Evidence of development to improve understanding of equalities issues.
• Evidence of championing diversity in prior roles.

Important information for applicants

Note on AI Use in Applications

We discourage the use of AI tools in completing your application. Your responses should reflect your own voice, experiences, and motivations. Applications reliant on AI may be rejected. We encourage genuine responses to ensure a fair selection process.

Closing adverts early

In exceptional interest, adverts may close earlier than specified. Some adverts are capped and will close once the cap is reached. Apply soon to avoid missing the opportunity.

Flexible working

Discuss flexible working options with the recruiting line manager.

DBS Checks

All new employees undergo a Disclosure and Barring Service check. Offers are made in line with the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act 1975.

Skilled Worker Visa

Applications for Skilled Worker sponsorship are welcome if they meet visa eligibility. Applicants must ensure they meet the criteria.

UHS Sussex reserves the right to close the role early for high application volume.

Further information

For nursing vacancies: email [e-mail].
For non-nursing vacancies: email [e-mail].

Employer certification / accreditation badges

This post is subject to the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act 1974 (Exceptions) Order 1975 (Amendment) (England and Wales) Order 2020. Disclosure to the Disclosure and Barring Service is required.

Contact information

Name: Stacey Mainwaring
Job title: Screening Team Leader
Email: [e-mail]
Telephone: [phone]

For any questions about this position, please do not hesitate to contact us.