Ophthalmic Vision Science Apprentice

Ophthalmic Vision Science Apprentice

The closing date is 17 February 2026

To be part of the Ophthalmic Imaging team and deliver Ophthalmic imaging clinics at Cheltenham, Gloucester and Community hospitals.

Additional contract details: 18 months - Apprenticeship until complete of course

The post holder will be required to undertake routine clinical duties as well as work towards achieving agreed objectives as identified as part of the BCs (hons) Healthcare Science (Ophthalmic Imaging) PTP Apprenticeship programme, working in close co-operation with the Departmental Line Manager, Practice Educator and the wider team.

There will expectation to ensure the quality of the service is maintained and guarantee all digital imaging is to a high standard and therefore assists clinicians in their decision-making process.

Most of the time will be spent working within the department with study and learning time allocated appropriate to the Education providers requirements.

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 and the chance to gain valuable experience in one of our innovative hospitals. Both core hospitals are located in the city centres with access to shops and cafes.

Ophthalmic imaging clinics are run predominately at Cheltenham, Gloucester with some virtual clinics held at Community hospitals sites.

• Candidate must be currently undertaking BCs (Hons) Healthcare Science (Ophthalmic Imaging) PTP course at the University of Gloucestershire.
• Previous experience in the ophthalmic imaging or placement clinics undertaking the following modalities:
• Optical Coherence Tomography (OCT)
• Confocal Scanning Laser Ophthalmoscopy Imaging (cSLO)
• Optical Coherence Tomography Angiography (OCT‑A)
• Visual Field Testing
• Previous experience in the following modalities is desirable:
• Indocyanine Green Angiography (ICG)
• Fundus Fluorescein Angiography (FFA)
• Corneal Topography
• To be able to recognise a range of ocular pathologies that may need urgent treatment and therefore need to be brought to the immediate attention of a clinician.
• Detailed knowledge of ophthalmic anatomy, ophthalmic imaging technical operations, ophthalmic imaging software and ophthalmic imaging instruments sufficient to enable post holder to capture accurate images and data.
• Good all round knowledge of ophthalmic disease and associated pathology. A good understanding of diabetes and diabetic retinopathy is desirable.
• Ability to communicate effectively within a multidisciplinary team Trust-wide, external stakeholders and with patients in a professional manner.
• Enhanced levels of dexterity and accuracy pertaining to clinical skills including the use of diagnostic equipment i.e. fundus cameras, OCT and other ophthalmic imaging instruments in the direct examination of patients eyes.
• To be able to use independently equipment such as Topcon and Heidelberg Spectral is OCT machines to obtain digital imaging to facilitate in the record-keeping, assessment, diagnosis and management of a variety of retinal/ocular pathologies.
• To recognise when OCT and invasive procedures such as Fluorescein Angiography and ICG is not acceptable or appropriate to attempt on certain patients.
• To understand the data management, archiving and exporting of data from the Fluorescein fundus camera, OCT machines, and the Spectral is HRA.
• To be able to discriminate between high and low quality OCT scans and understand the correct procedure for reporting faults.
• Ability to work autonomously, efficiently and professionally in a range of healthcare environments.
• Enhanced IT skills, including experience of Windows-based software, capture and review software for diagnostic purposes and competence in using Microsoft Office applications.
• Up-to-date knowledge and understanding of key professional developments and recommended good practice.
• Ability to demonstrate understanding of research-based practice, and to participate as…