At a Glance
- Tasks: Assist patients with eye tests and provide support in a clinical environment.
- Company: Join Newmedica, a leading NHS ophthalmology provider recognised as a Great Place to Work.
- Benefits: Enjoy a competitive salary, 25 days leave, and various employee benefits.
- Other info: Be part of a friendly team dedicated to ending avoidable sight loss.
- Why this job: Make a real difference in patients' lives while developing your clinical skills.
- Qualifications: No experience needed; customer service skills and tech-savviness are a plus.
Who are we?
Newmedica is one of the leading providers of NHS ophthalmology services in England, delivering outpatient appointments, diagnostic testing and eye surgery to change lives through better sight and eye health.
We’re proud to have been certified as a Great Place to Work for the third year running and listed among the UK’s top 30 Best Workplaces™ for 2026 —recognition that reflects how colleagues feel about working here.
Our Purpose is to change lives through better sight and eye health, and our Vision is to end avoidable sight loss in every community we serve; we live our values every day—Commercial, Courageous, Compassion, Collaborative and Curious.
Role overview
We are looking for an Ophthalmic Assistant to join our Norfolk site. This will be 40 hours over 4 days per week, incluind weekends on a rota basis.
Our Ophthalmic Assistant are the face of Newmedica – they’re often amongst the first people that our patients interact with on clinic visits and so having a welcoming, friendly, empathetic approach is vital.
It’s a busy role - you’ll be seeing a number of patients each day to take them through a range of diagnostic tests. These will be passed onto a senior clinician to ascertain if surgery or further treatment is required. You’ll be using a variety of different equipment and systems so we’re looking for someone who is comfortable using systems and is fairly tech savvy.
The thought of eye surgery can be a daunting prospect for patients to deal with, so our Ophthalmic Assistants need to be able to put patients at ease. They also need strong communication skills to be able to explain the purpose of the different tests to ensure the patient understands their treatment.
This is a great role to progress your clinical skills or to take the first step on a clinical career path. Newmedica is committed to the growth and development of all our colleagues and the Ophthalmic Assistant is a great platform to potentially explore a career in diagnostic (clinic) or theatre teams.
What skills and experience do I need?
We’ll provide training so experience isn’t always needed, but the following things will be advantageous:
- Previous experience of working with patients or in a customer facing role.
- Knowledge of eye physiology and treatment or a keen interest to build knowledge in this area.
- A competent user of all Office 365 programmes & comfortable working on new systems such as patient record systems or diagnostic programmes.
- An excellent grasp of the English language both verbally and in written format.
- Experience of dealing with a variety of data for example patient records, GP and patient correspondence and diagnostic test results.
- A good team player – happy to jump in and support others when required.
What we’re offering
- A salary of £28,009 per annum
- 25 days annual leave plus bank holidays.
- A company pension scheme.
- Access to a range of benefits including free eye tests, discounted or free glasses, a death in service scheme, a free 24/7 well-being/counselling/advice service and a retail/technology discount scheme.
- An environment where your learning and development is supported through a range of various learning tools and courses.
- Working with a friendly multi-disciplinary team passionate about improving the lives of our patients.
- A bright, spacious and modern working environment, built to the highest standards.
If you would like an informal chat about the opportunity or to request a job description, please contact HR Lead - emily.pickersgill@newmedica.co.uk
Our employment offers are subject to receipt of satisfactory pre-employment checks. Applicants must have the right to work in the UK and a Disclosure and Barring Service check will be necessary in the event of a successful application which we will pay for.
At Newmedica, we actively promote diversity and equal opportunities, and we are committed to this in both the running of our services and how we recruit our staff. We actively encourage applications from everyone with the essential requirements of the job, regardless of any protected characteristics.
Newmedica is fully committed to safeguarding the welfare of all people, irrespective of gender, age, disability, sexual orientation, race, language, religion, ethnic or social origin.
Ophthalmic Assistant in Norwich employer: Newmedica
Newmedica is an exceptional employer, recognised as a Great Place to Work for three consecutive years, offering a supportive and collaborative work culture that prioritises employee growth and development. As an Ophthalmic Assistant at our Norfolk site, you will enjoy a competitive salary, generous annual leave, and access to a range of benefits including free eye tests and a well-being service, all while working in a bright, modern environment with a passionate team dedicated to improving patient lives.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Ophthalmic Assistant in Norwich
✨Get Involved with Local Health Initiatives
Join local community health events or volunteer for organisations like public health agencies. This not only builds your experience but also helps you network with industry professionals who might know of openings at places like Newmedica.
✨Tap into Professional Associations
Check out associations like the Institute of Healthcare Management. They often have job boards, networking events, and conferences that are perfect for connecting with potential employers in health sciences administration.
✨Stay Updated with Industry Trends
Follow health policy news and trends—being knowledgeable about the current landscape will not only help you in interviews but also make you stand out as a candidate. You can discuss recent developments and their implications when chatting with folks at Newmedica.
✨Apply Through Our Website for Better Visibility
When you find roles that excite you, especially at places like Newmedica, don’t forget to apply through our website. This can sometimes give you an edge by showing the employer you’re savvy and committed to finding the right fit.
Some tips for your application 🫡
Highlight Your Relevant Experience:When applying for a role in health sciences administration, it's super important to spotlight any relevant experience you have in healthcare settings. Whether you've worked in a hospital, a clinic, or any related environment, make sure to detail those roles in your CV – focusing on your responsibilities and achievements that align with the job at Newmedica.
Showcase Your Administrative Skills:Administrative skills are key in this field, so don’t hold back! Make sure your CV reflects your proficiency in things like scheduling, data management, and compliance with health regulations. Mention specific software you’ve used, such as patient management systems, as this will demonstrate your hands-on abilities and readiness for the role at Newmedica.
Craft a Meaningful Cover Letter:Your cover letter should reflect your passion for the health sciences field and your eagerness to contribute to Newmedica. Share a bit about why you’re drawn to this sector, any impactful situations or challenges you’ve encountered, and how they’ve shaped your desire to work in health sciences administration. This personal touch can really set you apart!
Tailor Your Documents to the Job:Don't use a one-size-fits-all approach! Make sure your CV and cover letter are specifically tailored for this role. Highlight any certifications you have relevant to health administration, and ensure you clearly connect your previous roles to the skills needed for the full-time position at Newmedica. This way, you're showing them you’ve done your homework and are genuinely interested in being a part of their team.
How to prepare for a job interview at Newmedica
✨Showcase Your Administrative Skills
In health sciences administration, being organised is key. Make sure you can demonstrate your skills in managing schedules, paperwork, and data accurately. Be ready to discuss specific tools you've used, like electronic health record systems or scheduling software, and how they improved efficiency in your past experiences.
✨Know Your Regulations
Familiarity with healthcare regulations and compliance is crucial. Brush up on HIPAA, GDPR, or other relevant policies before your interview. We recommend preparing examples of how you've ensured compliance or handled sensitive information in past roles—this will show you're not just knowledgeable but also responsible.
✨Prepare for Scenario Questions
Interviews for administrative roles often involve scenario-based questions to assess your problem-solving skills. Practice responses to common situations you might face, such as dealing with a challenging patient or managing a sudden schedule change. This will not only demonstrate your ability to think on your feet but also highlight your interpersonal skills.
✨Align Your Goals with the Organisation
As a full-time candidate, employers will want to know how your long-term career goals align with their mission. Take some time to research Newmedica’s values and be ready to tie your passion for health sciences administration into their objectives. Demonstrating enthusiasm and career alignment can be a game-changer in this competitive field!
