South Tyneside and Sunderland NHS Foundation Trust

Ophthalmic Photographer

The closing date is 16 March 2026

Job summary

There are so many reasons to join our Ophthalmology team at STSFT. Aside from our fantastic staff, we have lots of exciting things going on. Work on our new Eye Hospital in Sunderland is underway, with plans to move into our new home in early 2026. The new hospital means Sunderland will remain home to the regions only dedicated standalone eye hospital. It will strengthen our excellent reputation across the NHS, both regionally and nationally as a centre of excellence for ophthalmology care.

We also never stay still when it comes to discovering new and better treatments. As one of the few specialist eye hospitals in the country, research and using developing technology is a key part of our work. If you share our vision for 'excellence in all that we do', wed love you to join us!

We are seeking to appoint an enthusiastic qualified Ophthalmic Photographer to join the dedicated Imaging team. This is an exciting opportunity where you will be essential in providing high quality diagnostic services to assist clinicians to diagnose, monitor and treat complex eye conditions. As technology has advanced and the imaging service is expanding this is a rare opportunity to join a knowledgeable and technically skilled team. The right individual will thrive in an environment which facilitates extensive learning and development.

Main duties of the job

This role will provide comprehensive diagnostic services across the Ophthalmology service as part of the imaging team. We are looking for a highly motivated, dynamic, enthusiastic individual with a keen interest in learning and developing. You should hold a degree level qualification in Clinical Photography/Ophthalmic Imaging or equivalent experience.

We are a very busy, faced paced service so you should be able to work calmly and confidently under pressure.

You should be technically minded, show a keen attention to detail and demonstrate a strong commitment to high standards of patient care. You should have a passion for patient-centred care and demonstrate behaviours that reflect our trust values.

You will work closely with all members of the multidisciplinary team, e.g. photographers, clinicians, and nurses. You should have experience and skills in teamwork and be able to demonstrate your ability to work effectively as part of a team.

The Ophthalmology Directorate, within which this post is based overall comprises 282 staff from a diverse set of professional backgrounds working into a number of sub specialities including: Cataract Treatment Centre, Theatres, Diabetic Retinal Screening, Eye Emergency Department, Macular, Paediatrics, Optometry and Orthoptists who provide a range of services within the inpatient and outpatient settings.

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.

Date posted

02 March 2026

Pay scheme

Agenda for change

Band

Band 5

Salary

£31,049 to £37,796 a year 2026/27 pay award pending (£32,073-£39,043)

Contract

Permanent

Working pattern

Full-time

Reference number

C9155-OPAHP-0326-03

Job locations

Sunderland Eye Infirmary

Queen Alexandra Road

Sunderland

SR29HP

Job description

Job responsibilities

PLEASE REFER TO THE ATTACHED JOB DESCRIPTION FOR FULL DUTIES OF THE ROLE.

To provide expert imaging services that are essential for the accurate diagnosis, treatment, and ongoing management of various ophthalmic conditions.
To make critical judgements about how best to produce the appropriate images for the benefit of the clinical staff and patients, based on a good understanding of the anatomy of the eye and common ophthalmic conditions.
Responsible for ensuring the highest quality of images through precise operation and maintenance of imaging devices such as fundus cameras, optical coherence tomography (OCT), and photo slit-lamp cameras.
To participate in clinical trials, completing the necessary certifications with the various clinical trial reading centres.
To provide day-to-day supervision to the Ophthalmic Imaging technicians.
Collaborate with healthcare professionals to enhance the service and improve patient outcomes.
To utilise advanced imaging techniques and specialised equipment to capture detailed images of the eye's structures, including the retina, cornea, and optic nerve.
To be mindful of patients limitations and physical constraints and adjust where necessary to enable imaging to be acquired.
To provide a professional, efficient clinical and non-clinical service ensuring a high technical standard for the purposes of clinical record, teaching and research.

Job description

Job responsibilities

PLEASE REFER TO THE ATTACHED JOB DESCRIPTION FOR FULL DUTIES OF THE ROLE.

To provide expert imaging services that are essential for the accurate diagnosis, treatment, and ongoing management of various ophthalmic conditions.
To make critical judgements about how best to produce the appropriate images for the benefit of the clinical staff and patients, based on a good understanding of the anatomy of the eye and common ophthalmic conditions.
Responsible for ensuring the highest quality of images through precise operation and maintenance of imaging devices such as fundus cameras, optical coherence tomography (OCT), and photo slit-lamp cameras.
To participate in clinical trials, completing the necessary certifications with the various clinical trial reading centres.
To provide day-to-day supervision to the Ophthalmic Imaging technicians.
Collaborate with healthcare professionals to enhance the service and improve patient outcomes.
To utilise advanced imaging techniques and specialised equipment to capture detailed images of the eye's structures, including the retina, cornea, and optic nerve.
To be mindful of patients limitations and physical constraints and adjust where necessary to enable imaging to be acquired.
To provide a professional, efficient clinical and non-clinical service ensuring a high technical standard for the purposes of clinical record, teaching and research.

Person Specification

Experience

Essential

Previous clinical photography experience.

Desirable

Experience working within an ophthalmic photography department.
Knowledge of IT systems, including HeyEx and Medisight.

Physical Skills

Essential

Ability to sit and stand in a restricted position.
Good hand-eye coordination.
Requirement for speed and accuracy.
Ability to meet the travel requirements of the role,
working across multiple Trust sites.

Knowledge & Skills

Essential

Detailed knowledge of all specialised clinical photography procedures and policies and legislation.
Knowledge of ophthalmic imaging modalities
Good team-working skills.
Good interpersonal and communication skills.
Effective time-management skills.

Desirable

Thorough knowledge of a wide range of ophthalmic conditions and how best to image them.
Experience of ophthalmic imaging techniques.

Qualifications

Essential

Degree in Photography or equivalent qualification.
Post-graduate degree in clinical photography or
equivalent qualification.

Desirable

Post-graduate qualification in Ophthalmic Imaging.

Person Specification

Experience

Essential

Previous clinical photography experience.

Desirable

Experience working within an ophthalmic photography department.
Knowledge of IT systems, including HeyEx and Medisight.

Physical Skills

Essential

Ability to sit and stand in a restricted position.
Good hand-eye coordination.
Requirement for speed and accuracy.
Ability to meet the travel requirements of the role,
working across multiple Trust sites.

Knowledge & Skills

Essential

Detailed knowledge of all specialised clinical photography procedures and policies and legislation.
Knowledge of ophthalmic imaging modalities
Good team-working skills.
Good interpersonal and communication skills.
Effective time-management skills.

Desirable

Thorough knowledge of a wide range of ophthalmic conditions and how best to image them.
Experience of ophthalmic imaging techniques.

Qualifications

Essential

Degree in Photography or equivalent qualification.
Post-graduate degree in clinical photography or
equivalent qualification.

Desirable

Post-graduate qualification in Ophthalmic Imaging.

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.