Job Description

This role is eligible for visa sponsorship under the UK Visas & Immigration (UKVI) Skilled Worker route however sponsorship can only be provided where applicants meet the specific requirements set by UKVI, including the relevant skill and salary thresholds, and any role-specific criteria. Applicants for the Senior HCA role must be able to evidence a minimum of 2 years' experience in the same role (Band 3 HCA within the NHS) to meet the salary requirements to qualify for sponsorship.
To work as a Senior Ophthalmic Health Care Assistant under the supervision of Staff Nurses and Sister, predominantly within the OPD service, but with the skills to rotate to all areas of ophthalmology as required. To set up clinics, carry out and record Visual Acuity, Intra ocular pressure measurement, Auto-refraction, Foci meter, Visual Field Testing, occasional venepuncture and cannulation and to assist in Minor operation and Intravitreal injection clinics.
Main duties of the job
This role supports the ophthalmic team in outpatient clinics, assisting with visual acuities, patient flow, and clinical procedures. Key responsibilities include conducting visual field tests, instilling eye drops, performing hand held tonometry, and recording vital signs like blood pressure, temperature, and blood glucose. The post-holder will assist with routine tasks such as venepuncture, cannulation, urinalysis, and wight measurement . Supervision of junior staff and training of new team members are expected. The role also involves administrative tasks like assisting in direction where to book appointments, managing patient transport, and supporting patient inside the department.
The job includes assisting in minor ophthalmic procedures, ensuring correct eye drops administration, maintaining patient comfort, and adhering to infection control protocols. The post-holder is responsible for supporting patient care, including personal hygiene, feeding, mobility assistance, and communication support, ensuring patient dignity and privacy. Effective communication with patients, families, and multidisciplinary teams is essential.
Staff development is a key focus, with duties including mentoring junior colleagues and ensuring a positive, non-discriminatory work environment. The role may involve other duties aligned with the team's needs. Flexibility is expected as the job description evolves to meet service requirements.
About us
Working for our organisation
At UHSussex, diversity is our strength, and we want you to feel included to help us always deliver Excellent Care Everywhere, as shown in our Outstanding for Caring CQC rating. Your uniqueness and experiences will be part of our creative and innovative community where everyone is encouraged to succeed. We have a range of staff networks to help break down barriers, and can offer a buddy to help new members settle in. We're proud to be a Disability Confident Employer (Level 3) and a Veteran Aware Trust.
Candidate Pack https://www.uhsussex.nhs.uk/resources/candidate-information-pack/
Details
Date posted
17 October 2025
Pay scheme
Agenda for change
Band
Band 3
Salary
24,937 to 26,598 a year per anum
Contract
Permanent
Working pattern
Part-time
Reference number
279-7421286-OCT25
Job locations
Sussex Eye Hospital with Occasional Travel to Princess Royal Hospital
Eastern Rd, Kemptown
Brighton
BN2 5BF
Job description
Job responsibilities
Please see attached document for further information regarding the job description and main responsibilities. Job description
Job responsibilities
Please see attached document for further information regarding the job description and main responsibilities.
Person Specification
Essential and Desirable
Essential

• Substantive experience within ophthalmology speciality
• Teamwork/Leadership Experience
• Evidence of completed Band 2 competencies in Ophthalmology
• Evidence of Level 3 Diploma in Clinical healthcare Support, Health & Social Care or relevant equivalent qualification
• Care Certificate from a Ofqual regulated awarding organisation
• Able to travel across sites (SEH, PRH, HPC)
• Understanding of the hospital environment and of a patient centred approach to care and teamwork.
• Understanding of visual acuity, visual fields testing, using auto refraction, to assist in minor operations and intra vitreal injections, accurate use of focimeter, record patient's blood pressure, pulse, respiration, temperature, blood glucose, take bloods, Electrocardiogram
• NHS experience or NHS primary care experience is required or an internationally educated nurse/midwife/doctor who has worked in an acute NHS Trust within recent years.

Desirable

• Evidence of completed Band 2 competencies in general areas/ward
• Venepuncture and Cannulation
• Evidence of personal development in the Band 2 role

Equality, Diversity, and Inclusion
Essential

• Evidence of having undertaken own development to improve understanding of equalities issues
• Evidence of having championed diversity in previous roles (as appropriate to role)

Person Specification
Essential and Desirable
Essential

• Substantive experience within ophthalmology speciality
• Teamwork/Leadership Experience
• Evidence of completed Band 2 competencies in Ophthalmology
• Evidence of Level 3 Diploma in Clinical healthcare Support, Health & Social Care or relevant equivalent qualification
• Care Certificate from a Ofqual regulated awarding organisation
• Able to travel across sites (SEH, PRH, HPC)
• Understanding of the hospital environment and of a patient centred approach to care and teamwork.
• Understanding of visual acuity, visual fields testing, using auto refraction, to assist in minor operations and intra vitreal injections, accurate use of focimeter, record patient's blood pressure, pulse, respiration, temperature, blood glucose, take bloods, Electrocardiogram
• NHS experience or NHS primary care experience is required or an internationally educated nurse/midwife/doctor who has worked in an acute NHS Trust within recent years.

Desirable

• Evidence of completed Band 2 competencies in general areas/ward
• Venepuncture and Cannulation
• Evidence of personal development in the Band 2 role

Equality, Diversity, and Inclusion
Essential

• Evidence of having undertaken own development to improve understanding of equalities issues
• Evidence of having championed diversity in previous roles (as appropriate to role)

Skills Required