Job summary
The Band 5 Ophthalmology Staff Nurse plays a vital role in delivering high-quality, patient-centred care within the Eye Unit. This position supports the clinical management and holistic treatment of patients with a wide range of ophthalmic conditions, ensuring safe, effective, and compassionate nursing practice. As part of a specialist multidisciplinary team, the post holder contributes to maintaining high clinical standards, coordinating patient care pathways, and ensuring that individual needs are met from admission through to discharge.
The role exists to enhance the smooth running of the ophthalmology service, supporting both planned and emergency pathways. Working closely with consultants, junior doctors, orthoptists, technicians, and wider MDT colleagues, the nurse helps deliver evidence-based interventions, supports patient education, and ensures continuity of care throughout the patient journey. Within the broader organisation, the role is integral to achieving the Trusts aims of providing safe, quality-driven care and improving patient experience.
Main duties of the job
Deliver safe, effective, patient-centred ophthalmic nursing care in line with Trust policies and the NMC Code.
Undertake comprehensive assessments, plan and implement evidence-based care, and evaluate patient outcomes across outpatient, diagnostic, and surgical pathways.
Administer medications safely, including ophthalmic preparations, controlled drugs, and medications for surgical and emergency care.
Assist with ophthalmic procedures, minor operations, diagnostic testing, and pre- and post-operative care.
Recognise, escalate, and respond effectively to signs of clinical deterioration or ophthalmic emergencies.
Act as shift coordinator when required, managing staffing, workflow, and patient allocation once competency is achieved.
Provide health promotion, patient education, and discharge planning, supporting patients and families in understanding their treatment and follow-up.
Maintain accurate, timely clinical documentation using Trust-approved systems and uphold information governance standards.
Collaborate effectively with the multidisciplinary team, including doctors, orthoptists, imaging teams, and administrative staff, to optimise patient flow and service delivery.
Support and supervise junior staff, healthcare assistants, and students, contributing to a positive learning environment.
Participate in quality improvement initiatives, audits, and service development projects within the Eye Unit.
About us
The Princess Alexandra Hospital NHS Trust (PAHT) is proud to care for the communities of West Essex, delivering safe, compassionate, and high-quality services. We are part of the Neighbourhood Wave; a national programme thats changing how care is delivered by focusing on prevention, early support, and more joined-up services across health, social care, and the voluntary sector.
This means were working more closely with local partners to bring care closer to home and support people to live healthier, more independent lives.
Were a supportive and inclusive organisation that values its people. We offer development opportunities, flexible working, and a strong focus on wellbeing. As a Disability Confident and equal opportunities employer, we welcome applicants from all backgrounds and experiences.
Join us and help shape the future of care in West Essex.
Job description
Job responsibilities
Detailed Job Description and Main Responsibilities
The Band 5 Ophthalmology Staff Nurse is responsible for delivering comprehensive specialist care to patients with acute and chronic eye conditions. This involves performing detailed assessments, conducting ophthalmic observations, preparing patients for surgical or diagnostic procedures, and providing posttreatment support. The post holder applies evidencebased practice to plan and implement care, ensuring that patients’ physical, psychological, and social needs are met throughout their treatment.
The nurse is expected to recognise changes in a patient’s condition and escalate appropriately, acting promptly in cases of ophthalmic emergency such as acute angleclosure glaucoma, postoperative complications, or sudden visual loss. They maintain competency in clinical skills including medication administration, aseptic technique, dressing care, and ophthalmic equipment use.
Collaborative working is central to this role. The nurse liaises daily with ophthalmologists, orthoptists, imaging teams, theatre staff, and administrative colleagues to ensure efficient patient flow and coordinated care. They support safe discharge planning, working with the Integrated Discharge Team for complex cases.
The post holder maintains high standards of communication, ensuring families and carers are involved, informed, and supported. They are responsible for accurate documentation, safeguarding practices, and maintaining dignified, respectful care environments.
Professional development is encouraged and expected. The nurse participates in mandatory training, clinical supervision, and appraisal, contributing to a culture of continuous improvement. They support junior staff and students, acting as a positive role model and promoting a safe learning culture.
Flexibility is essential, as the post may involve working across various ophthalmology settings and supporting wider Trust areas when required.
Job description
Job responsibilities
Detailed Job Description and Main Responsibilities
The Band 5 Ophthalmology Staff Nurse is responsible for delivering comprehensive specialist care to patients with acute and chronic eye conditions. This involves performing detailed assessments, conducting ophthalmic observations, preparing patients for surgical or diagnostic procedures, and providing posttreatment support. The post holder applies evidencebased practice to plan and implement care, ensuring that patients’ physical, psychological, and social needs are met throughout their treatment.
The nurse is expected to recognise changes in a patient’s condition and escalate appropriately, acting promptly in cases of ophthalmic emergency such as acute angleclosure glaucoma, postoperative complications, or sudden visual loss. They maintain competency in clinical skills including medication administration, aseptic technique, dressing care, and ophthalmic equipment use.
Collaborative working is central to this role. The nurse liaises daily with ophthalmologists, orthoptists, imaging teams, theatre staff, and administrative colleagues to ensure efficient patient flow and coordinated care. They support safe discharge planning, working with the Integrated Discharge Team for complex cases.
The post holder maintains high standards of communication, ensuring families and carers are involved, informed, and supported. They are responsible for accurate documentation, safeguarding practices, and maintaining dignified, respectful care environments.
Professional development is encouraged and expected. The nurse participates in mandatory training, clinical supervision, and appraisal, contributing to a culture of continuous improvement. They support junior staff and students, acting as a positive role model and promoting a safe learning culture.
Flexibility is essential, as the post may involve working across various ophthalmology settings and supporting wider Trust areas when required.
Person Specification
Qualifications
Essential
- Current NMC registration
- Evidence of recent Continuous Professional Development
Desirable
- Nursing degree or working towards a nursing degree
- Qualifications in mentorship
Experience
Essential
- Demonstrate knowledge of escalation and recognition the deteriorating patient
- Flexibility to work in other areas of Princess Alexandra Hospital Trust when/if required to ensure safe patient care
Desirable
- Experience of working in an acute care setting
- Experience of working in a respiratory care setting
Person Specification
Qualifications
Essential
- Current NMC registration
- Evidence of recent Continuous Professional Development
Desirable
- Nursing degree or working towards a nursing degree
- Qualifications in mentorship
Experience
Essential
- Demonstrate knowledge of escalation and recognition the deteriorating patient
- Flexibility to work in other areas of Princess Alexandra Hospital Trust when/if required to ensure safe patient care
Desirable
- Experience of working in an acute care setting
- Experience of working in a respiratory care setting
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.
