Diabetic Eye Screener/Grader


Company:	NHS Jobs
Salary:	£28,392 - £31,157
Hours:	Full-time
Location:	Darlington, DL3 6HX
Job type:	Permanent
Posting date:	14 Aug 2026
Closing date:	27 Aug 2026

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Summary

Communicate effectively with health professionals and frequently with patients, who may be in distressing and sensitive circumstances, using empathy and reassurance in the management of information regarding diabetes management, diabetic retinopathy, diabetic eye disease and possible loss of sight. Proven competence to work autonomously and effectively without access to supervision, in 11 locations, requiring the ability to plan travel time appropriately and to plan and organise own clinic time (screening on average 28 patients per day). Obtain a brief clinical history, measure and record visual acuities plus instillation of eye drops according to protocol and report immediately any changes in the patients condition to a senior member of staff. Carry out Routine Digital Screening clinics as well as Optical Coherence Tomography clinics (3D retinal scanner). Able to assist patients who may need some help transferring to the camera chair. Enhanced levels of dexterity and accuracy in the use of diagnostic equipment ie fundus camera / OCT scan in the direct examination of patients eyes. Reassure patients about the screening process, using tact, diplomacy and persuasive skills where appropriate to ensure that patients are fully prepared for screening. Encourage and re-assure patients the importance of screening Triage images and place in appropriate grading queue using traffic light grading queue. Gain the competence to grade unsupervised, sustain high levels of concentration over extended periods, to analyse and interpret diabetic retinopathy, accurately diagnosing small details of diabetic disease and other ocular lesions ensuring timely referrals when appropriate. Grading a minimum of 1500 patients image sets per annum. Ensuring timely image grading and automatic generation of results/referral letters as appropriate. To be accountable and make clinical decisions involving patients within local guidelines, without direct supervision from senior staff. Competence of accurate image and data handling, including image capture and retrieval if required. Competence to deliver effective one-to-one patient education, using their retinal images as a teaching tool, in a motivating and persuasive manner to encourage effective diabetes management and reduction in the risks of diabetic eye damage whilst encouraging annual screening attendance. Responsible for monitoring clinical and consumable stock levels daily and placing orders when required. Proactively seek and maintain up to date information and training to ensure that skills are sustained to a high standard. Participate in External Quality Assurance and participate in simple clinical audits. Act in a manner which illustrates respect for privacy, dignity, equality & diversity and confidentiality, and demonstrate excellent customer care. Maintain personal and professional development to meet the changing demands of the role, and participate in training activities. Excellent communications skills are essential to the post to be able to: Ensure good relationships are developed and maintained at all screening locations with other Trust staff who may be involved in associated patient care. Provide advice to patients and carers where there may be barriers to screening. Work collaboratively with the wider team, clinical lead, programme manager, clinical staff and failsafe department to ensure the smooth delivery of the screening programme. Proactively seek and maintain up to date information and training to ensure that skills are sustained to a high standard. Attend departmental meetings and participate in MDT providing feedback to the programme manager. Ensure all mandatory training is undertaken in line with Trust policy. Responsibility for maintaining internal quality assurance processes for grading during primary diagnosis of disease/no disease. To undertake any other duties that would be a reasonable expectation of the role.

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