Diabetic Eye Screener

• Please note interview date will be Tuesday 20th October 2026
• Interview will be held at University Hospital of North Durham, 1st Floor, Eye Department.
• no previous applicants need apply

An exciting opportunity has arisen for a band 4 screener/grader with the Diabetic Eye Screening Programme. The NHS Diabetic Eye Screening Programme aims to reduce the risk of sight loss among people with diabetes through the early detection and treatment of diabetic retinopathy. Screening using digital photography is currently offered to all eligible people with diabetes from the age of 12 years old who reside in County Durham and Darlington NHS Foundation Trust.

As well as digital photography using a fundus camera, the post-holder will be required to use Optical Coherence Tomography Eye Scanners (OCT) which is used to identify referable Maculopathy.

The post-holder will be the first contact for patients attending the screening service and will be expected to support service users through the screening process and to ensure they are fully informed as to the expectations/limitations of screening, to ensure that all service objectives and quality standards are upheld and screening is delivered in accordance with national targets. Working collaboratively with multi professional teams to ensure practice is efficient, effective, compassionate, evidence based and safe.

Main duties of the job

Responsible for installing equipment and setting up

allocated room(s) as required in accordance with proper and safe use.

Competence to obtain a brief clinical history and measure

and record visual acuities.

To safely administer eye drops within the departments

standard operating procedures

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.

Responsibility for maintaining internal quality assurance

processes for grading during primary diagnosis of disease/no disease.

Ensuring timely image grading and automatic generation of

results/referral letters as appropriate.

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.

About us

If you are being interviewed you must accept an interview slot in the system to continue, even if you have arranged with the manager.

You must be able to produce ALL certificates stated essential in the person specification or you will not be able to complete pre-employment checks.

We provide hospital services from two acute sites - Darlington Memorial Hospital and University Hospital of North Durham. We have a centre for planned care in Bishop Auckland and provide care from community hospitals in Chester-le-Street, Shotley Bridge, Barnard Castle, Sedgefield and Weardale as well as over 80 other community based settings and providing care in patients' homes.

Full Job Descriptions can be found in the adverts supporting documents.

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For the most up-to-date information on visa requirements and eligibility, please check online to determine whether you can apply.

Details

Date posted

01 October 2026

Pay scheme

Agenda for change

Band

Band 4

Salary

£28,392 to £31,157 a year

per annum, pro rata

Contract

Permanent

Working pattern

Full-time

Reference number

C9439-2627-RP-N478

Job locations

Darlington Memorial Hospital NHS Trust

Hollyhurst Road

Darlington

County Durham

DL3 6HX

United Kingdom

Job responsibilities

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.

Job responsibilities

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.

Person Specification

Statutory Registration

Essential

• National Screening Diploma for Health Screeners in Diabetic Eye Screening, MUST successfully complete qualification in paid protected time within one year of appointment.

Special Requirements

Essential

• Able to travel across Trust sites to meet the requirements of the post.
• Hold a full UK driving license.
• To change locations at very short notice and arrival punctually at required sites.
• Frequently work in darkened room (at least half of each shift).
• Carry out proficiently and safely the frequent movement of a digitalcamera (approx. 27kgs), on specially designed tables, often within confined spaces, being aware of and acting in accordance with Trust manual handling protocols.
• Able to work with vulnerable children and adults.
• In line with Trust seven day working commitment, the post holder will be expected to work autonomously on occasional Saturdays and Sundays in lieu of weekdays.

Special Skills & Knowledge

Essential

• Ability to manipulate technical equipment, i.e. digital fundus camera and prepare patients for screening.
• Ability to communicate where there may be barriers to understanding.
• Proficient IT skills including experience of windows based software, capture and grading software for diagnostic purposes and Microsoft Word.
• Responsibility for maintaining internal quality assurance processes for grading during primary diagnosis of disease/no disease.
• Ensuring timely image grading and automatic generation of results/referral letters as appropriate
• Ability to analyse and solve problems using a range of facts and variants.
• Enhanced levels of hand-eye co-ordination, sensory skills and dexterity for speed, accuracy and quality of photography.
• Ability to see fine detail and have visual pattern recognition of digital retinal images.

Desirable

• Able to use the Optical Coherence Tomography (OCT) machinery and capture good quality images.

Experience

Essential

• Used to working in isolation from other colleagues within clinic settings.
• Ability to communicate effectively, in a calm, sensitive, reassuring and persuasive way.
• Frequent use of VDU equipment (whole of shift).
• Planning and organising, using time-management skills.

Desirable

• Experience of working in healthcare setting.
• Experience of photography in healthcare setting.
• Experience of working in a screening programme.
• Experience of Optical Coherence Tomography (OCT) machinery and capture of good quality images.

Qualifications

Essential

• GCSE English and Maths (grade 4 or above) or equivalent
• NVQ Level 3 or equivalent preferably in a care related field.
• National Screening Diploma for Health Screeners in Diabetic Eye Screening, MUST successfully complete qualification in paid protected time within one year of appointment.
• Optical Coherence Tomography (OCT) qualification or willing to undertake.
• Current or very recent experience of working in an Ophthalmology or Optometry setting with direct patient contact and assessment of results obtained.
• Undertake formal training in use of diabetic eye screening equipment and train to become an accredited diabetic eye screener.
• Develop detailed knowledge of diabetic retinopathy through practical experience and by participating in further professional education and time with accredited mentors.
• Obtain comprehensive knowledge of diabetes and associated risk factors during first six months of employment.
• Have extensive previous experience of working with minimal supervision in a healthcare setting.

Desirable

• Knowledge of Diabetes
• Knowledge of Diabetic Eye Disease

Person Specification

Statutory Registration

Essential

• National Screening Diploma for Health Screeners in Diabetic Eye Screening, MUST successfully complete qualification in paid protected time within one year of appointment.

Special Requirements

Essential

• Able to travel across Trust sites to meet the requirements of the post.
• Hold a full UK driving license.
• To change locations at very short notice and arrival punctually at required sites.
• Frequently work in darkened room (at least half of each shift).
• Carry out proficiently and safely the frequent movement of a digitalcamera (approx. 27kgs), on specially designed tables, often within confined spaces, being aware of and acting in accordance with Trust manual handling protocols.
• Able to work with vulnerable children and adults.
• In line with Trust seven day working commitment, the post holder will be expected to work autonomously on occasional Saturdays and Sundays in lieu of weekdays.

Special Skills & Knowledge

Essential

• Ability to manipulate technical equipment, i.e. digital fundus camera and prepare patients for screening.
• Ability to communicate where there may be barriers to understanding.
• Proficient IT skills including experience of windows based software, capture and grading software for diagnostic purposes and Microsoft Word.
• Responsibility for maintaining internal quality assurance processes for grading during primary diagnosis of disease/no disease.
• Ensuring timely image grading and automatic generation of results/referral letters as appropriate
• Ability to analyse and solve problems using a range of facts and variants.
• Enhanced levels of hand-eye co-ordination, sensory skills and dexterity for speed, accuracy and quality of photography.
• Ability to see fine detail and have visual pattern recognition of digital retinal images.

Desirable

• Able to use the Optical Coherence Tomography (OCT) machinery and capture good quality images.

Experience

Essential

• Used to working in isolation from other colleagues within clinic settings.
• Ability to communicate effectively, in a calm, sensitive, reassuring and persuasive way.
• Frequent use of VDU equipment (whole of shift).
• Planning and organising, using time-management skills.

Desirable

• Experience of working in healthcare setting.
• Experience of photography in healthcare setting.
• Experience of working in a screening programme.
• Experience of Optical Coherence Tomography (OCT) machinery and capture of good quality images.

Qualifications

Essential

• GCSE English and Maths (grade 4 or above) or equivalent
• NVQ Level 3 or equivalent preferably in a care related field.
• National Screening Diploma for Health Screeners in Diabetic Eye Screening, MUST successfully complete qualification in paid protected time within one year of appointment.
• Optical Coherence Tomography (OCT) qualification or willing to undertake.
• Current or very recent experience of working in an Ophthalmology or Optometry setting with direct patient contact and assessment of results obtained.
• Undertake formal training in use of diabetic eye screening equipment and train to become an accredited diabetic eye screener.
• Develop detailed knowledge of diabetic retinopathy through practical experience and by participating in further professional education and time with accredited mentors.
• Obtain comprehensive knowledge of diabetes and associated risk factors during first six months of employment.
• Have extensive previous experience of working with minimal supervision in a healthcare setting.

Desirable

• Knowledge of Diabetes
• Knowledge of Diabetic Eye Disease

Disclosure and Barring Service Check

This post is subject to the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act (Exceptions Order) 1975 and as such it will be necessary for a submission for Disclosure to be made to the Disclosure and Barring Service (formerly known as CRB) to check for any previous criminal convictions.

Employer details

Employer name

County Durham & Darlington NHS Foundation Trust

Address

Darlington Memorial Hospital NHS Trust

Hollyhurst Road

Darlington

County Durham

DL3 6HX

United Kingdom

Employer's website

https://www.cddft.nhs.uk/ (Opens in a new tab)

Employer details

Employer name

County Durham & Darlington NHS Foundation Trust

Address

Darlington Memorial Hospital NHS Trust

Hollyhurst Road

Darlington

County Durham

DL3 6HX

United Kingdom

Employer's website

https://www.cddft.nhs.uk/ (Opens in a new tab)

Job responsibilities

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.

Statutory Registration

Essential

• National Screening Diploma for Health Screeners in Diabetic Eye Screening, MUST successfully complete qualification in paid protected time within one year of appointment.

Special Requirements

Essential

• Able to travel across Trust sites to meet the requirements of the post.
• Hold a full UK driving license.
• To change locations at very short notice and arrival punctually at required sites.
• Frequently work in darkened room (at least half of each shift).
• Carry out proficiently and safely the frequent movement of a digitalcamera (approx. 27kgs), on specially designed tables, often within confined spaces, being aware of and acting in accordance with Trust manual handling protocols.
• Able to work with vulnerable children and adults.
• In line with Trust seven day working commitment, the post holder will be expected to work autonomously on occasional Saturdays and Sundays in lieu of weekdays.

Special Skills & Knowledge

Essential

• Ability to manipulate technical equipment, i.e. digital fundus camera and prepare patients for screening.
• Ability to communicate where there may be barriers to understanding.
• Proficient IT skills including experience of windows based software, capture and grading software for diagnostic purposes and Microsoft Word.
• Responsibility for maintaining internal quality assurance processes for grading during primary diagnosis of disease/no disease.
• Ensuring timely image grading and automatic generation of results/referral letters as appropriate
• Ability to analyse and solve problems using a range of facts and variants.
• Enhanced levels of hand-eye co-ordination, sensory skills and dexterity for speed, accuracy and quality of photography.
• Ability to see fine detail and have visual pattern recognition of digital retinal images.

Desirable

• Able to use the Optical Coherence Tomography (OCT) machinery and capture good quality images.

Experience

Essential

• Used to working in isolation from other colleagues within clinic settings.
• Ability to communicate effectively, in a calm, sensitive, reassuring and persuasive way.
• Frequent use of VDU equipment (whole of shift).
• Planning and organising, using time-management skills.

Desirable

• Experience of working in healthcare setting.
• Experience of photography in healthcare setting.
• Experience of working in a screening programme.
• Experience of Optical Coherence Tomography (OCT) machinery and capture of good quality images.

Qualifications

Essential

• GCSE English and Maths (grade 4 or above) or equivalent
• NVQ Level 3 or equivalent preferably in a care related field.
• National Screening Diploma for Health Screeners in Diabetic Eye Screening, MUST successfully complete qualification in paid protected time within one year of appointment.
• Optical Coherence Tomography (OCT) qualification or willing to undertake.
• Current or very recent experience of working in an Ophthalmology or Optometry setting with direct patient contact and assessment of results obtained.
• Undertake formal training in use of diabetic eye screening equipment and train to become an accredited diabetic eye screener.
• Develop detailed knowledge of diabetic retinopathy through practical experience and by participating in further professional education and time with accredited mentors.
• Obtain comprehensive knowledge of diabetes and associated risk factors during first six months of employment.
• Have extensive previous experience of working with minimal supervision in a healthcare setting.

Desirable

• Knowledge of Diabetes
• Knowledge of Diabetic Eye Disease