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NHS Scotland

NHS Scotland

Health Care Support Worker - Ophthalmology/Orthoptics

Glasgow On-site 0-2 yrs exp Hospitals and Health Care 7,491 employees
Visual Acuity TestingColour Vision TestingVisual Field TestingPatient CareClinical Record Keeping

Requirements

Requires Standard Grades or National 5 qualifications in English and essential previous experience working with children. Candidates must demonstrate a compassionate approach and strong communication skills for interacting with patients and families.

Job Description

NHS Greater Glasgow and Clyde (NHSGGC) is one of the largest healthcare systems in the United Kingdom, employing approximately 40,000 staff across a wide range of clinical and non-clinical professions and roles. We deliver acute hospital, primary, community and mental health services to a population of over 1.15 million people, and to a wider population of 2.2 million when regional and national services are included.

The Role

Are you looking for a rewarding role where you can make a real difference to children and families every day? NHS Greater Glasgow and Clyde is seeking an enthusiastic and caring Orthoptic Health Care Support Worker to join our dedicated Ophthalmology and Orthoptics team within the Royal Hospital for Children. Working alongside Orthoptists, Ophthalmologists and multidisciplinary colleagues, you will support the delivery of high-quality patient care and clinical services. This is an exciting opportunity to develop specialist skills, work in a supportive environment and contribute to improving patient outcomes. As one of the UK's largest healthcare organisations, NHSGGC offers excellent training, development opportunities and the chance to build a fulfilling career within the NHS.

NHS Greater Glasgow and Clyde (NHSGGC) may be able to provide visa sponsorship for certain roles, subject to the post meeting the relevant eligibility criteria. Sponsorship is not guaranteed and will be determined on a case-by-case basis following interview and during the pre-employment verification process. Applicants must state their current right to work in their application.

Please See Below For More Details

and

Duration, Location, and Working Pattern:

  • Royal Hospital for Children
  • Full-time, permanent
  • Monday to Friday 08:30 to 16:12, or equivalent in a later start and finish time

Key Responsibilities

  • Support the delivery of clinical care for ophthalmology and orthoptic patients within hospital and community settings
  • Carry out visual acuity, colour vision and visual field testing following agreed procedures and protocols
  • Assist with pre-school vision screening clinics alongside Orthoptists within nursery settings
  • Accurately record patient information and maintain electronic and manual patient records
  • Provide administrative support including managing enquiries, maintaining databases and updating clinical systems
  • Maintain, clean and check specialist ophthalmic equipment to ensure it is safe and ready for use
  • Deliver a high standard of patient care while promoting dignity, confidentiality and patient safety

Knowledge, training, qualifications and/or experience required to do the job:

  • Standard Grades or National 5 qualifications including English, or equivalent experience
  • Previous experience of working with children is essential
  • A caring and compassionate approach with experience of working in a care, healthcare or customer-focused environment
  • Excellent written and verbal communication skills with the ability to build positive relationships with patients and families
  • Ability to work effectively as part of a multidisciplinary team and use initiative when required
  • Strong organisational skills with the ability to prioritise workload in a busy environment
  • Good IT and keyboard skills with experience using Microsoft Office applications and data entry systems
  • Willingness to undertake and complete all required Health Care Support Worker training and development programmes

What We Offer

We offer a wide range of supportive policies designed to enhance your employee journey, including a comprehensive Employee Assistance Programme, Cycle to Work Scheme, bursary scheme and extensive learning and development opportunities.

As an NHS Scotland employee, you will be entitled to:

  • A minimum of 27 days annual leave, increasing with length of service, plus public holidays
  • Membership of the NHS Pension Scheme, including life insurance benefits
  • Salary Sacrifice Car Benefit Scheme
  • Development opportunities including study bursaries, e-learning and classroom-based courses
  • Enhanced pay for working public holidays
  • NHS discounts on a wide range of goods and services
  • Confidential employee support and assistance, including counselling and psychological therapies

Interested?

If you would like to find out more, we would love to hear from you.

For An Informal Discussion, Please Contact

Elaine McCrossan on 0141 452 4089 or email elaine.mccrossan@nhs.scot

Details on how to contact the Recruitment Service and the Recruitment Process:

This post may close early due to the volume of response. Please submit your application form as soon as possible.

AI tools like ChatGPT or Copilot can be great for planning and preparing your application, but your answers must be your own.

  • Show us the real you: Your application should reflect your skills, experience, and motivations authentically.
  • Use AI wisely: It’s fine to use AI for ideas or to check spelling and grammar, but don’t let it write your answers.
  • Why this matters: Applications that rely on AI-generated content may be withdrawn. By applying, you confirm your responses are based on your own knowledge and achievements.

Tip: Think of AI as a helper, not a substitute. We want to understand you, not an AI tool.

NHS Greater Glasgow and Clyde (NHSGGC) recognises the importance of work-life balance and is committed to offering a range of flexible working options where service needs allow. For roles where less than full-time hours can be accommodated, and where the tenure is listed as “various”, we encourage applications from individuals seeking flexible working arrangements. Flexible working will be included as a topic for discussion during the recruitment process.

NHS Greater Glasgow and Clyde encourages applications from all sections of the community. We are committed to promoting equality, diversity and inclusion and are proud of the diverse workforce we employ.

By signing the Armed Forces Covenant, NHSGGC has pledged its commitment to being a Forces Friendly Employer. We welcome applications from across the Armed Forces Community and recognise military skills, experience and qualifications throughout the recruitment and selection process.

For application portal or log-in issues, please contact the in the first instance.

Education

High School

Skills

Visual Acuity TestingColour Vision TestingVisual Field TestingPatient CareClinical Record KeepingAdministrative SupportOphthalmic Equipment MaintenanceCommunication SkillsTeamworkOrganisation SkillsMicrosoft OfficeData Entry