EG254598 Vision Screener/Orthoptic Assistant

Vision Screener / Orthoptic Assistant – Pre-School Vision Screening

NHS Grampian Orthoptic Department is seeking enthusiastic, reliable and caring Healthcare Support Workers / Orthoptic Clinical Assistants to join our Pre-School Orthoptic Vision Screening service.

These posts will support the delivery of the Orthoptic-led pre-school vision screening programme across Grampian. The role involves working with young children in nursery and community settings, helping to identify children who may require onward referral for further assessment. The post holder will also work as part of the wider paediatric ophthalmology and orthoptic multidisciplinary team.

We are looking for applicants who are able to communicate clearly, warmly and confidently with children, parents/carers, nursery and school staff, health visitors, GPs and colleagues across NHS and partner services. Excellent interpersonal skills, patience, empathy and a calm, friendly manner with young children are essential. Children may be shy, anxious, distracted or reluctant to take part in testing, so the ability to gain cooperation through encouragement, reassurance and age-appropriate communication is a key part of the role.

About the role

Successful candidates will be trained to undertake pre-school vision screening, including visual acuity testing using age-appropriate methods, and to work within agreed NHS Grampian protocols and referral pathways. The role requires accuracy, attention to detail and the ability to adapt your approach depending on the child’s age, understanding and cooperation on the day.

The post holder will be expected to work independently once trained, while remaining under the supervision and guidance of registered Orthoptic staff. Duties will include recording results accurately, escalating concerns appropriately, supporting the smooth running of the screening programme and maintaining confidentiality at all times.

Education, training and experience requirements

Applicants should normally have, or be working towards, appropriate education and experience for this level of HCSW / Orthoptic Clinical Assistant practice. For Scotland, BIOS guidance recommends that Orthoptic Clinical Assistant applicants should normally have, or be working towards, an SCQF Level 7 qualification in a health or social care related subject, with numeracy at SCQF Level 5 and literacy / communication at SCQF Level 6.

Previous experience of working with people is desirable. This may include experience in healthcare, childcare, education, customer care, volunteering, community work or lived experience that demonstrates the ability to communicate well and support others.

Applicants should also be able to demonstrate digital skills, including confidence using devices, handling information, using basic applications such as word processing, and working safely and responsibly online.

Full training will be provided. Successful candidates will undertake role-specific training using the BIOS Orthoptic Clinical Support Workforce education and training package, alongside NHS Grampian induction, HCSW learning requirements and local orthoptic vision screening competencies. BIOS guidance highlights the importance of appropriate education, training, supervision and delegation for orthoptic clinical support workers.

We are looking for candidates who can demonstrate:

• Excellent communication skills with children, families, carers and professionals.
• A kind, patient and encouraging manner with young children.
• Confidence working in nursery, community and clinical environments.
• The ability to put children at ease and gain cooperation in a calm and positive way.
• Good literacy, numeracy and digital skills.
• Accuracy when recording information and following protocols.
• The ability to work independently once trained, while recognising when to seek advice.
• Good organisation and the ability to manage workload across a busy screening programme.
• Respect for confidentiality, safeguarding, equality, diversity and inclusion.
• A positive attitude to learning and development.

Essential requirement

A car user is essential for this post. The role involves travelling across NHS Grampian to deliver screening in nursery, community and clinic settings.

Why join us?

This is an excellent opportunity to join a valued and developing clinical support workforce within Orthoptics. BIOS recognises orthoptic support workers as an integral part of the clinical team, contributing to safe and effective patient care and supporting rewarding career development within the service.

If you enjoy working with young children, have excellent communication skills and are keen to develop clinical skills within a supportive orthoptic team, we would be delighted to hear from you.

NHS Scotland is committed to encouraging equality and diversity among our workforce and eliminating unlawful discrimination. The aim is for our workforce to be truly representative and for each employee to feel respected and able to give their best. To this end, NHS Scotland welcomes applications from all sections of society.