At a Glance
- Tasks: Assist in surgeries, conduct pre-operative tests, and support patients throughout their eye care journey.
- Company: Join Optical Express, the UK's leading provider of laser eye surgery with a focus on patient care.
- Benefits: Enjoy a competitive salary, 33 days annual leave, and free eye surgery for you and your family.
- Other info: Be part of a dynamic team with ongoing training and career growth opportunities.
- Why this job: Make a real difference in patients' lives while working in a supportive and innovative environment.
- Qualifications: Strong communication skills and a flexible approach to work are essential.
The predicted salary is between 27040 - 27040 £ per year.
Location: Chelmsford
Hours: 40 hours
Salary: £27,040
Optical Express is focused on delivering exceptional patient care, outstanding clinical outcomes and continued investment in our people and technology. For over 35 years, millions of patients have trusted Optical Express with their eye care. As the UK's leading private provider of laser eye, premium intraocular lens and cataract surgery, our Surgeons undertake more laser procedures collectively than any other provider. We look after thousands of patients in our clinics every week and it’s a privilege to transform the lives of so many. The Optical Express team work together, collectively and consistently striving for excellence. We support each other, respect each other and are committed to a culture of care, trust and integrity. The culture extends to our local communities, through our range of charitable and environmental projects. We focus on doing what is right for our patients, our colleagues, our local communities and our planet.
Due to continued growth, a fantastic opportunity has arisen to join Optical Express as a Healthcare Assistant (Surgery Assistant). The role involves travelling to cover other Optical Express surgery clinics and weekend working.
Key Responsibilities and Accountabilities:
- Following appropriate training, supervised practice and competency achievement assessments, you will be able to undertake all designated roles within the surgery team working across two surgical specialities: laser vision correction department (LVC) and ophthalmic (IOL) theatres.
- Pre-operative testing; conducting tests prior to examination and treatment and assisting during the consent appointment process, including providing information to patients prior to their IOL or LVC procedure.
- Patient discharging; instructing the patient pre and post procedure on the care of the eyes, updating medical records, making follow up appointments.
- Laser technician; preparation and calibration of the lasers, understanding data, loading and transferring data, safe running of the lasers.
- Co-ordinating: Controlling patient flow on the day of the consent appointment and surgery appointments to ensure minimum waiting times for patients and managing queries.
- Assisting the surgeon during consent appointments and treatments – acting as scrub assistant (LVC only); taking notes for the surgeon; instilling eye drops.
- Undertaking the role of ‘HCA’ (Healthcare Assistant) in IOL theatre to assist the surgical team and patients during surgery and associated tasks such as decontamination of instruments.
- Actively participating in the end of treatment day activities; updating patient files, filing, compiling ‘end of day’ reports for head office, cleaning the department, stock and lens ordering.
- Reporting untoward incidents – taking an active role in patient safety issues and quality and risk management.
Essential Skills:
- Excellent communication and presentation skills
- Ability to absorb and convey highly technical information
- Adaptable with a flexible approach to work
- Excellent time management skills and ability to prioritise tasks
- A confident and professional individual who has fantastic organisational skills
- Excellent telephone manner
- Demonstrate confidentiality, integrity and discretion
What’s in it for you?
- A market leading salary
- No night shift
- State of the art, modern working environments
- 33* days annual leave per year
- Pension scheme
- Free Laser Eye Surgery and Intraocular Lens Surgery
- Free eye tests
- Discounted prescription eyewear and sunglasses
- Generous Optical Express friends and family discount scheme
- Ongoing training and development opportunities
- An accessible management team and transparent management structure
- Working in a larger clinical team means less pressure on our staff and more time to spend with our patients
- Full visibility of 6 week rota
Please apply now by uploading your CV. This is a fantastic opportunity to join a global organisation where you will have the opportunity to grow and develop within a professional working environment. Optical Express is an equal opportunities employer.
Healthcare Assistant in Essex employer: Optical Express
Optical Express is an exceptional employer, dedicated to delivering outstanding patient care while fostering a supportive and collaborative work culture. With a focus on employee growth, we offer ongoing training and development opportunities, alongside a market-leading salary and generous benefits such as free laser eye surgery and a transparent management structure. Join us in Chelmsford, where you can make a meaningful impact in the lives of our patients while enjoying a modern working environment and a commitment to community and environmental initiatives.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Healthcare Assistant in Essex
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to current or former employees at Optical Express on LinkedIn. A friendly chat can give you insider info and maybe even a referral, which can really boost your chances.
✨Tip Number 2
Prepare for the interview by practising common questions related to patient care and teamwork. We all know that being a Healthcare Assistant is about more than just skills; it’s about showing you care and can work well with others.
✨Tip Number 3
Show your passion for patient care! During interviews, share personal stories or experiences that highlight your commitment to helping others. This will resonate with the values of Optical Express.
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets seen by the right people. Plus, it shows you’re serious about joining the Optical Express team.
We think you need these skills to ace Healthcare Assistant in Essex
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your CV:Make sure your CV is tailored to the Healthcare Assistant role. Highlight any relevant experience, skills, and qualifications that match what we’re looking for in the job description. This shows us you’re serious about the position!
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter:Your cover letter is your chance to shine! Use it to explain why you want to join Optical Express and how your values align with ours. Keep it concise but make sure it reflects your personality and passion for patient care.
Showcase Your Communication Skills:Since excellent communication is key in this role, make sure your application reflects this. Use clear and professional language, and don’t forget to proofread for any typos or errors. We want to see your attention to detail!
Apply Through Our Website:We encourage you to apply directly through our website. It’s the easiest way for us to receive your application and ensures you’re considered for the role. Plus, you’ll get to see all the other amazing opportunities we have!
How to prepare for a job interview at Optical Express
✨Know Your Role Inside Out
Before the interview, make sure you thoroughly understand the responsibilities of a Healthcare Assistant at Optical Express. Familiarise yourself with pre-operative testing, patient discharging, and the role of a scrub assistant. This will help you answer questions confidently and show that you're genuinely interested in the position.
✨Showcase Your Communication Skills
Since excellent communication is key in this role, prepare examples of how you've effectively communicated in past experiences. Think about times when you had to explain complex information clearly or handle patient queries. This will demonstrate your ability to convey technical information and reassure patients.
✨Demonstrate Adaptability
The job requires flexibility, especially with travelling to different clinics and working weekends. Be ready to discuss situations where you've had to adapt quickly to changes or manage multiple tasks. Highlighting your adaptability will show that you're a great fit for the dynamic environment at Optical Express.
✨Prepare Questions for Them
Interviews are a two-way street! Prepare thoughtful questions about the team culture, training opportunities, or how they ensure patient safety. This not only shows your interest in the role but also helps you gauge if the company aligns with your values and career goals.
