Diabetic Retinal Screener

Diabetic Retinal Screener

The closing date is 02 March 2026

Department:
Diabetic Eye Screening Programme

Band 3

Hours:

37.5

We are looking for a motivated and compassionate Diabetic Retinal Screener to join our Diabetic Eye Screening Programme at Milton Keynes University Hospital. You will play an important role in helping to prevent avoidable sight loss by providing high quality retinal screening to people with diabetes across Milton Keynes and surrounding community locations.

The post holder will undertake retinal imaging clinics, prepare and support patients through the screening process, capture high quality retinal images using specialist equipment, and accurately record patient information in line with national screening standards. You will provide a professional, reassuring and patient focused service, ensuring individuals feel informed and supported throughout their appointment.

This is a community facing role that involves travelling between screening sites. You will work both independently and as part of a friendly, supportive team committed to delivering safe, effective and timely care.

This role offers comprehensive training in retinal imaging and screening pathways, with opportunities to gain nationally recognised competencies. There is scope to develop within the screening programme and wider clinical support roles, with ongoing supervision and continuing professional development encouraged.

Interview date: 12.03.2026

We are seeking someone with excellent interpersonal and communication skills who enjoys working directly with patients. You will be organised, reliable and have strong attention to detail, with the ability to follow clinical protocols and use IT systems confidently for data entry and record keeping.

Experience in a healthcare, customer service or patient facing environment is essential. Previous ophthalmic or screening experience is desirable but not required, as full training and accreditation within the Diabetic Eye Screening Programme will be provided. A willingness to learn, develop new skills and work flexibly across sites is important.

The post holder will deliver safe, effective and patient centred screening clinics across hospital and community settings, ensuring national screening standards, quality assurance requirements and local performance targets are consistently achieved.

We are unable to offer sponsorship for this role.

Communication and relationship skills

Communicate clearly and sensitively with patients, carers and relatives, explaining procedures and providing reassurance. Support patients who may be anxious, elderly, visually impaired or have communication barriers. Liaise effectively with colleagues and other healthcare professionals to ensure smooth clinic delivery. Provide clear written and electronic documentation.

Analytical skills

Assess image quality and determine whether images meet screening standards. Identify issues that may require repeat imaging or referral in line with protocols. Exercise judgement when prioritising workload and responding to clinic issues.

Planning and organisation skills

Plan, organise and set up community and hospital-based screening clinics. Manage own caseload and schedule to meet service targets. Prepare, transport and set up specialist equipment safely. Respond flexibly to changes in demand or clinic arrangements.

Responsibility, patient or client care

Undertake retinal photography using specialist fundus cameras. Prepare patients for screening and obtain consent. Maintain patient dignity, privacy and confidentiality. Follow infection prevention and control procedures. Escalate clinical or safeguarding concerns appropriately.

Please refer to the job description for further details.

• Basic understanding of patient confidentiality and data protection
• Knowledge of infection prevention and control principles
• Understanding of the importance of safeguarding and equality, diversity and inclusion
• Experience of ophthalmic or retinal screening equipment
• Knowledge of diabetes and its impact on eye health

• Experience of working in a patient facing or customer care environment
• Experience of working within a healthcare or clinical setting
• Experience using IT systems for data entry and record keeping
• Experience working as part of a team
• Previous NHS or community screening experience
• Experience handling sensitive or anxious patients

• Ability to follow clinical protocols and standard operating procedures
• Good attention to detail and accuracy when capturing images and recording data
• Competent IT skills including use of databases
• Ability to prioritise workload and manage time effectively
• Ability to work independently with minimal supervision
• Good manual dexterity and ability to operate specialist screening equipment
• Ability to maintain infection control and safe working practices

• Willingness to undertake training and continuous professional…