Deputy Unit Leader and Pre-op Assessment for Ophthalmology in Wigan

Deputy Unit Leader and Pre-op Assessment for Ophthalmology NHS AfC: Band 6

Main area: Ophthalmology

Grade: NHS AfC: Band 6

Contract: Permanent

Hours: Full time, 37.5 hours per week (Monday to Friday with occasional Saturday session as required)

Job ref: 302-26-8138593S-SUS

Site: Boston House and Leigh Infirmary

Town: Wigan

Salary: £39,959 - £48,117 per annum pro rata

Salary period: Yearly

Closing: 04/08/2026 08:00

Interview date: 18/08/2026

Job overview:

Band 6, Ophthalmology Deputy Unit Leader and Pre-op Assessment working across sites, Boston House Eye Unit Wigan and Leigh Infirmary. We are looking for a motivated surgical nurse preferably with pre-op and or ophthalmology experience; however, training in all aspects of the pre-op and ophthalmology service will be given.

Main duties of the job:

• This is a new position; the successful candidate will be involved in the setting up, development and running of an ophthalmic pre-op assessment service at Leigh Infirmary.
• Health assessments of ophthalmology patients listed for a variety of procedures.
• Autorefraction and biometry measurements and evaluation of same.
• Accurate documentation of assessments and investigations.
• Communication with the multidisciplinary team including theatres, wards, general practitioners, opticians, infection control and the ophthalmology team on both sites.
• To provide managerial cover for the ophthalmology unit manager and deputy unit manager at Boston House.
• Supervision and training of junior staff and students.
• Running of ophthalmology clinics on both sites.

Detailed job description and main responsibilities:

This role will include duties ranging from supporting the unit leader in a deputy role and delivering direct patient care for patients who are to have elective ophthalmic surgical procedures and completing pre-operative assessments for these patients required. The role will also include general ophthalmic clinics including Cannulation skills, working in all aspects of the medical retina services, Urgent referral clinics, glaucoma, minor operations and the intra-vitreal injection service. This will be undertaken by demonstrating skills that are specific to pre-operative assessment that identifies the patient’s fitness for the elective procedure. The pre-operative role is a nurse led assessment process using electronic health assessment tools and observations, instigating and reviewing investigations and specialist ophthalmic tests/measurements which assess a patient’s health, fitness and wellbeing. The role will involve working across different hospital sites at Boston house, WWL Eye Unit and Leigh Infirmary. This will support the ongoing management of elective ophthalmic surgical patients throughout all stages of their pathway and all outpatient activity. The role will actively support the departmental manager and team to provide evidence-based patient centred care. The deputy unit leader duties will include co-ordinating in the Unit leads absence, roster and Annual leave issues and support. HR and staff management support, mentoring junior staff. Leading on initiatives and keeping the unit up to date on trust and the wider ophthalmic policies and care delivery. You will be expected to be included in the duty manager roster.

Person specification:

• Current NMC registration
• Relevant courses appropriate to clinical area
• Evidence of continued professional development
• Teaching and assessing/mentorship certificate

• Significant post registration experience at band 5 level or above within relevant specialty
• Experience of multi-professional working
• Experience of mentoring and supervising others
• Experience of managing change
• Experience of audit and research
• Leadership and management experience

• Excellent and effective verbal and written communication skills
• Able to support people with life changing news
• Ability to interpret data and utilise to improve practice
• Ability to support, encourage and motivate others
• Training/equivalent experience and willingness to undertake training

• Knowledge of eye anatomy and ophthalmic procedures
• Ability to work within an ophthalmology clinical environment
• Ability to work autonomously and as part of an effective MDT
• Ability to plan, organise, prioritise and delegate effectively
• Working knowledge of ophthalmology care and guidelines

• Ability to deal with complex and difficult emotional situations
• Act as a role model demonstrating appropriate behaviours in line with Trust values and adherence to policy and standards
• Remains calm and diplomatic under pressure
• Assertive and confident yet approachable
• Ability to recognise own limitations
• Ability to work under pressure
• Flexible to meet the needs of the service
• Demonstrates enthusiasm and a positive attitude
• Ability to travel between sites as required for the role

You must have appropriate UK professional registration. This post is subject to the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act 1974 (Exceptions) Order 1975 (Amendment) (England and Wales) Order 2020 and it will be necessary for a submission for Disclosure to be made to the Disclosure and Barring Service.