NHS Grampian
EG254598 Vision Screener/Orthoptic Assistant
Get notified of more jobs like this · No spam, ever
How your CV stacks up
Upload your CV to see how well it fits this job role
?%
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.
Reasons to use Rodeo
Start with a chat, not a search bar
Grad scheme, placement, apprenticeship? Not sure what you want yet — that's fine. Your agent talks it through with you and turns "I have no idea" into a shortlist.
It searches the market for you
Every day your agent scans the market matching roles against what actually matters to you, not just keywords on a CV.
Only hits
No noise. No "maybe this fits." Just roles with a clear explanation of why they're right — and where to focus when applying.
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.
Additional Information For Candidates
AI-generated content for the completion of Supporting Statements may lack specificity and fail to address key criteria outlined in the job description. Personalisation is essential to convey individual skills, knowledge, and experiences effectively.
Get help with your application
Your very own career expert that helps elevate your application to the next level.
As a disability confident employer we are committed to ensuring our recruitment processes are inclusive and accessible to all. If you need us to make any adjustments during the recruitment process, please let us know by contacting our recruitment team at the earliest opportunity. Email us at gram.recruitment@nhs.scot.
Shortlisted candidates will be invited to attend the interview in person. Alternative arrangements or adjustments will be considered in the event there are circumstances that may prevent candidates attending in person to ensure it is inclusive and accessible to all.
You should apply for this post by completing the application process on Jobtrain.
DO NOT upload a CV as this will not be used for short listing purposes.
Posts close at midnight on the indicated date unless the advert states otherwise. Post may close early due to volume of applications.
For help to complete an application on Job Train please follow this link:
To View Our Accessibility Statement, Please Follow This Link
Please note that our correspondence method is by e-mail, therefore please ensure you enter your email address accurately.
Please ensure that the address you provide on your application form is your current place of residence for your present workplace, and that your identification confirms this address.
Please check your e-mail regularly (including junk folders) and also your Jobtrain account for updates.
Please contact Jobtrain Candidate Support Hub - for advice and support with any system issues.
We recommend using the Internet Browser "Google Chrome" or "Microsoft Edge" when using Jobtrain.
Once you have submitted your application form you will be unable to make any amendments.
Some of our vacancies are for internal candidates only. If you are a member of staff, please ensure you update your Jobtrain profile to reflect that you are employed by NHS Grampian.
Please note - If this post operates within Aberdeen City Low Emission Zone, you will be responsible for all costs associated with entering.**
NHS Grampian forms one of the fourteen regional health boards of NHS Scotland and is responsible for providing health and social care services to a population of over 500,000 people living in Aberdeen, Aberdeenshire and Moray.
As a board we strive to ensure the environment is conducive to nurturing a positive culture, supported and delivered through our NHS and Social Care values.
“It took my CV and asked me questions relevant to understanding what kind of jobs to suggest for me. Suggestions were almost perfect. Jobs were exactly what I’ve been looking for.”
Jessica, London
Skills