Job summary
Are you ready to take the next step in your ophthalmology career? We are looking for a motivated Clinical Practitioner to join our Medical Retina Unit at Sunderland Eye Infirmary as a Band 6 Intravitreal Injector. This is an exciting opportunity, which is includes development potential from Band 5 to Band 6, supported by structured training and mentorship.
Intravitreal injections are a vital treatment in ophthalmology, delivering medication directly into the eye to manage sight-threatening conditions such as age-related macular degeneration and diabetic retinopathy. These procedures help preserve vision and independence for thousands of patients every year.
You will be joining our team at an exciting time, as we prepare to move from Sunderland Eye Infirmary to the new Eye Hospital, which will be transformative for both patients and staff. The new facility will offer state-of-the-art clinical environments, purpose-built theatres, and modern diagnostic suites designed to enhance patient safety, comfort, and experience; this will support service expansion, reduce waiting times, and enable the Trust to meet growing demand for specialist ophthalmic care across the region, ensuring world-class treatment closer to home.
Candidates will be appointed at band 5 unless already undertaking a similar role externally. An in-house training programme and competency framework in relation to independent practice will be provided to enable progression to band 6.
Main duties of the job
If you are a Registered Nurse or Allied Health Professional with a passion for patient care and innovation, this role offers autonomy, advanced clinical skills development, and the chance to make a real difference. Youll work in a specialist environment, supported by a dedicated team, and contribute to shaping high-quality care for our local community.
As an Intravitreal Injector, you will lead practitioner-led injection clinics, assess and review patients, and deliver safe, effective intravitreal injections in line with national standards. Youll play a key role in optimising complex treatment regimes, facilitating timely treatment, and delivering a safe and sustainable service.
Your responsibilities will include:
- Performing clinical assessments and administering intravitreal injections.
- Providing expert advice and education to patients, carers, and colleagues.
- Supporting service development, clinical governance, and quality improvement.
- Acting as a patient advocate and ensuring harm-free care.
- Collaborating with multidisciplinary teams and representing the service at local and national forums.
This is a hands-on role requiring excellent communication, advanced clinical reasoning, and a commitment to continuous learning. Youll help deliver compassionate, evidence-based care that transforms lives.
About us
Please add your telephone number to your application form so we can contact you quickly if required.
One Team One Trust - There are many reasons to work at our Trust. From our commitment to putting people first to our accessible services and award winning teams. We have a passion for research, innovation and tackling inequalities. We are committed to respect, fairness and civility and promote a compassionate, caring and positive culture / working environment.
We welcome all applications irrespective of peoples race, disability, gender, sexual orientation, religion/belief, age, gender identity, marriage and civil partnership, pregnancy/maternity and in particular those from under- represented groups. Looking after our workforces health and wellbeing is a priority for us. We also provide access to high quality education, training, career progression and support. Flexible working is supported via our Flexible Working Policy.
The Trust employs around 8,746 people and provides a range of hospital services to a local community of around 430,000 residents. We also provide a range of more specialised services outside this area. We offer our staff outstanding benefits - Fitness Centre (SRH), libraries at both hospital sites, chaplaincy support and access to a Care Co-ordinator to help staff with childcare arrangements.If you use AI,
and it poses a risk to the integrity of your individual recruitment process, we
may withdraw your application at any stage of the process.
Job description
Job responsibilities
PLEASE REFER TO THE ATTACHED JOB DESCRIPTION FOR FULL DUTIES OF THE ROLE.
-
To coordinate the delivery and development of the
specialist service through the use of effective evidence-based practice in line
with agreed national standards for patient safety and monitoring.To be accountable for the planning and
delivery of safe, effective and compassionate patient care in relation to
dedicated pathways of care, working as an autonomous intravitreal injection practitioner.
- To continuously improve
clinical care standards in line with the clinical governance framework.
- To exercise
accountability as set out in the NMC/HCPC Code.
- To ensure effective
communication internally and externally regarding patient care and resources.
- Provide education and
training to clinical staff across the Trust.
- Provide specialist
clinical advice and support to patients and clinical staff within the Trust on
the management and care of patients within the specialist area.
- To provide direct access
for patients, either face to face or telephone consultation.
- To represent the service
nationwide.
- To play a key role in
ensuring that national and local standards/targets for the specialist area are
met.
- To manage/lead practitioner
led clinics in relation to reviewing patients and play a key role in optimising
complex treatment regimes, facilitating hospital discharge and preventing
avoidable hospital admissions.
- To undertake research
relevant to the needs of the specialist area.
- To comply with the trusts
vision, values and behavioural compact.
Job description
Job responsibilities
PLEASE REFER TO THE ATTACHED JOB DESCRIPTION FOR FULL DUTIES OF THE ROLE.
-
To coordinate the delivery and development of the
specialist service through the use of effective evidence-based practice in line
with agreed national standards for patient safety and monitoring.To be accountable for the planning and
delivery of safe, effective and compassionate patient care in relation to
dedicated pathways of care, working as an autonomous intravitreal injection practitioner.
- To continuously improve
clinical care standards in line with the clinical governance framework.
- To exercise
accountability as set out in the NMC/HCPC Code.
- To ensure effective
communication internally and externally regarding patient care and resources.
- Provide education and
training to clinical staff across the Trust.
- Provide specialist
clinical advice and support to patients and clinical staff within the Trust on
the management and care of patients within the specialist area.
- To provide direct access
for patients, either face to face or telephone consultation.
- To represent the service
nationwide.
- To play a key role in
ensuring that national and local standards/targets for the specialist area are
met.
- To manage/lead practitioner
led clinics in relation to reviewing patients and play a key role in optimising
complex treatment regimes, facilitating hospital discharge and preventing
avoidable hospital admissions.
- To undertake research
relevant to the needs of the specialist area.
- To comply with the trusts
vision, values and behavioural compact.
Person Specification
Experience
Essential
- Experience of care delivery.
- Experience of the specialist which would normally be gained through working as a Band 5.
- Experience of leading a team/supervising junior staff.
- Evidence of innovation in practice.
- Evidence of practice development.
- Experience of coordinating care for a caseload of patients.
Physical Skills
Essential
- Ability to assist patients to move as per Trust Moving and Handling Policy.
- Able to travel access sites.
Qualifications
Essential
- Registered Nurse or Allied Health Professional.
- Degree in nursing studies or other relevant clinical degree or evidence of currently working towards this (UK equivalent).
- Mentorship certificate/Practice Assessor training or demonstrable equivalent experience.
- Clinical skills accreditation or willingness to complete.
Desirable
- Leadership and Management course.
- Qualification in specialty.
- Non-medical prescribing or willingness to complete.
Skills and Knowledge
Essential
- Awareness of national health and social care policy.
- Knowledge of best practice in area of specialism.
- Thorough understanding of expanded roles/professional practice issues.
- Clinical teaching experience.
- Ability to provide and receive complex, sensitive or contentious information, where persuasive, motivational, negotiating, training, empathic or reassurance skills are required.
- Able to work without supervision.
- Competent in the use of IT packages.
- Proven interpersonal skills.
- Evidence of competency in relation to clinical practices appropriate to the post.
Desirable
- Project management skills.
Person Specification
Experience
Essential
- Experience of care delivery.
- Experience of the specialist which would normally be gained through working as a Band 5.
- Experience of leading a team/supervising junior staff.
- Evidence of innovation in practice.
- Evidence of practice development.
- Experience of coordinating care for a caseload of patients.
Physical Skills
Essential
- Ability to assist patients to move as per Trust Moving and Handling Policy.
- Able to travel access sites.
Qualifications
Essential
- Registered Nurse or Allied Health Professional.
- Degree in nursing studies or other relevant clinical degree or evidence of currently working towards this (UK equivalent).
- Mentorship certificate/Practice Assessor training or demonstrable equivalent experience.
- Clinical skills accreditation or willingness to complete.
Desirable
- Leadership and Management course.
- Qualification in specialty.
- Non-medical prescribing or willingness to complete.
Skills and Knowledge
Essential
- Awareness of national health and social care policy.
- Knowledge of best practice in area of specialism.
- Thorough understanding of expanded roles/professional practice issues.
- Clinical teaching experience.
- Ability to provide and receive complex, sensitive or contentious information, where persuasive, motivational, negotiating, training, empathic or reassurance skills are required.
- Able to work without supervision.
- Competent in the use of IT packages.
- Proven interpersonal skills.
- Evidence of competency in relation to clinical practices appropriate to the post.
Desirable
- Project management skills.
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.
Applications from job seekers who require current Skilled worker sponsorship to work in the UK are welcome and will be considered alongside all other applications. For further information visit the UK Visas and Immigration website (Opens in a new tab).
From 6 April 2017, skilled worker applicants, applying for entry clearance into the UK, have had to present a criminal record certificate from each country they have resided continuously or cumulatively for 12 months or more in the past 10 years. Adult dependants (over 18 years old) are also subject to this requirement. Guidance can be found here Criminal records checks for overseas applicants (Opens in a new tab).
UK Registration
Applicants must have current UK professional registration. For further information please see
NHS Careers website (opens in a new window).
Additional information
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.
Applications from job seekers who require current Skilled worker sponsorship to work in the UK are welcome and will be considered alongside all other applications. For further information visit the UK Visas and Immigration website (Opens in a new tab).
From 6 April 2017, skilled worker applicants, applying for entry clearance into the UK, have had to present a criminal record certificate from each country they have resided continuously or cumulatively for 12 months or more in the past 10 years. Adult dependants (over 18 years old) are also subject to this requirement. Guidance can be found here Criminal records checks for overseas applicants (Opens in a new tab).
UK Registration
Applicants must have current UK professional registration. For further information please see
NHS Careers website (opens in a new window).
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