Diabetic Retinal Screener and Grader, Band 5

Go back Gloucestershire Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust

The closing date is 21 September 2026

We are looking for an diabetic Retinal Screener and Grader to join our team in providing diabetic eye screening services.

To provide a high quality systematic screening and grading service as part of the Diabetic Retinopathy Screening Programme for the whole of Gloucestershire against National Service Framework and National Quality Assurance Standards, to ensure the early detection of sight-threatening diabetic retinopathy and the reduction of blindness. To support the activities of the department to ensure that National Quality Standards and the Priorities and Planning Framework and other targets are met.

To maintain the reputation of the department as an award winning enterprise, which is high-profile being under the overall direction of the National Coordinator for the Diabetic Retinopathy Screening Programmes in England.

With a team of over 9,000 employees, we are proud to be the largest employer in Gloucestershire and rank among the top 10 largest Trusts in the South West region. By joining our Trust, you will benefit from an excellent package that includes exclusive benefits, flexible working opportunities and the chance to gain valuable experience in one of our innovative hospitals.

As well as generous annual leave allowance, access to the excellent NHS pension scheme, competitive bank rates, discounts at local shops and restaurants, access to two on-site nurseries, discounted public transport, reward and recognition and a range of health and wellbeing initiatives to support you.

Gloucestershire Diabetic Eye Screening Programme has the purpose of ensuring the early detection of sight-threatening diabetic retinopathy and the reduction of blindness. We are an award-winning team with an excellent professional reputation.

The department is closely linked with Research, Ophthalmology and Medical Photography to form a diverse and enthusiastic team.

Registered General Nurse qualification, or Ophthalmic photographic experience or Degree in relevant subject and National Qualification in Diabetic Eye Screening

Detailed knowledge of all aspects of diabetic retinopathy disease, sufficient to enable post holder to make accurate diagnosis both of the presence of disease and the level.

Good all round knowledge of diabetes and associated risk factors.

Ability to communicate effectively within a multidisciplinary team both Trust-wide and nationally and with diabetic patients in a calm, sensitive, reassuring and persuasive way.

Enhanced levels of dexterity and accuracy pertaining to clinical skills including the use of diagnostic equipment i.e. fundus cameras and direct ophthalmoscopes in the direct examination of patients eyes.

Ability to work autonomously, efficiently and professionally in county-wide General Practice Surgeries.

Enhanced IT skills including experience of windows based software, capture and grading software for diagnostic purposes and Microsoft word.

An up to date knowledge and understanding of key professional developments and recommended good practice

Demonstrate understanding of research based practice, and participate as required in audit.

Ability to respond flexibly, resourcefully and autonomously in emergencies, e.g. when equipment fails in outreach clinics whilst maintaining a calm environment for patients present.

Proven competence to work autonomously and effectively without access to supervision, in General Practice surgeries, requiring the ability to plan travel time appropriately and to plan and organise own clinic time, screening on average 24 patients per day under current workflows. To maintain a good throughput of patients in the event that workflow practices change. Capacity to work accurately whilst maintaining intense periods of concentration and competing claims on time.

To be accountable and make clinical decisions involving patients within local guidelines, without direct supervision from medical staff.

Proven competence in digital retinal photography and effective use of a direct ophthalmoscope sufficiently confidently, to recognize and diagnose and refer to clinic, advanced cases of diabetic retinopathy that requires urgent treatment. Retinal photographs should be of sufficient quality to meet the National Quality Assurance Standard.

Competence to grade…