Trainee Diabetic Screener

Trainee Diabetic Eye Screener

The closing date is 19 January 2026.

The Brighton and Sussex NHS Diabetic Eye Screening Programme is looking for a person to train towards being a Diabetic Eye Screener Grader or a qualified Screener. The role involves a two‑year diploma and on‑the‑job support. The trainee will be based at Royal Sussex County Hospital and travel to various screening clinics in West and East Sussex.

The position is offered as band 3 for a qualified grader band 4. The trainee will work both as part of a team and independently, delivering the screening programme and meeting National Quality Assurance Standards. Tasks include data collection and analysis, liaison with internal and external contacts and involvement in service improvement projects. The post holder may be required to work evenings and weekends and must have a full UK driver’s licence and access to a vehicle.

• Accurate visual acuity testing and administration of dilation eye drops according to protocol.
• Patient education regarding the effects of dilating drops.
• Technical skill development with fundus camera and OCT imaging, capturing high‑quality images aligned correctly.
• Sympathetic and confidential patient interaction.
• Work towards qualification in the Diploma for Health Screening.
• Travel to different locations daily; access to own transport and a full UK driver’s licence.
• Concentration for long periods in a darkened room.

University Hospitals Sussex NHS Foundation Trust values diversity, inclusion and patient focus. We offer flexible working, extensive staff wellbeing programmes and a supportive learning environment. We are a Disability Confident Employer (Level
2) and a Veteran Aware Trust.

• Communicate with the Screening Team Leader on all aspects of screening, ensuring awareness of concerns and providing appropriate clinical guidance.
• Explain the importance of Diabetic Eye Screening to patients using excellent communication skills.
• Liaise with staff and managers over a range of issues and adapt communication styles to difficult situations, including dealing with verbal aggression.
• Work in a variety of clinic locations within West and East Sussex programme area.
• Assist in service development and carry out processes in line with department policies and protocols.
• Ensure compliance with all local screening and grading procedures and contribute to Brighton and Sussex DESP projects.
• Attend internal and external training and conferences as part of CPD.
• Manage rosters, support staff allocation and contribute to effective workforce planning.
• Record clinical observations accurately on the electronic patient record system (Opto Mize) and develop specialist knowledge and competence.
• Work evenings and weekends.

• Full UK driver’s licence and access to a vehicle for driving to various locations.
• Experience working within NHS diabetic eye screening programme.
• Experience working in a person‑facing role such as healthcare, retail or hospitality.

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

• Evidence of undertaking development to improve understanding of equalities issues.
• Experience championing diversity in previous roles (as appropriate).

This post is subject to the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act (Exceptions Order) 1975 and requires a Disclosure and Barring Service (formerly CRB) check.

University Hospitals Sussex NHS Foundation Trust (279)

Royal Sussex County Hospital, Sussex House