Apprentice Ophthalmic Assistant

Who are we?

Newmedica are one of the leading providers of NHS ophthalmology services in England, providing outpatients appointments, diagnostic testing and eye surgery. We aim to change lives through better sight and eye health.

We care for thousands of NHS and private patients a year in our specialist eye clinics across the country. We have significant growth plans over the next few years as we look to establish a national footprint and open many new sites across the UK.

We are thrilled to say that following an independently conducted survey of Newmedica colleagues to tell us what it’s like to work here, we have been certified as a Great Place to Work for the second year running. The feedback has directly contributed to Newmedica being listed among the UK’s top 50 Best Workplaces™ for 2025.

Role overview
We are looking for an Apprentice Ophthalmic Assistant to join our Norwich site. This will be 40 hours per week, with 80% of time spent working on site and 20% of time spent studying.

Ophthalmic Assistants are the public face of Newmedica and are integral to the successful operation of the clinic. They are responsible for performing clinical tests and supporting the clinical assessment of each patient and for ensuring that all patients understand their treatment. Ophthalmic Assistants also play a role in our patients’ theatre journey, ensuring all paperwork is completed, drops instilled and supporting the Clinicians to ensure the procedures run as smoothly as possible.

Combining a friendly and accessible personal manner with basic clinical testing skills, they pride themselves in delivering great customer service and their ability to work within small teams to maintain and enhance processes to maximize quality and efficiency.

The post-holder will complete an 18 month apprenticeship in Healthcare Science (Level 2) with Dynamic Training alongside the position with the outcome being a Level 2 Diploma in Healthcare Science. Therefore it is expected that our Apprentice Ophthalmic Assistant will be adept at managing their own diary, ensuring that their study is completed to the best of their ability alongside the duties expected on site. 

What skills and experience do I need?

• A passion for delivering excellent service and exceptional customer care
  
• Excellent administration skills
• The ability to reassure and support patients in a healthcare setting where people may be nervous or anxious about treatment
• Excellent computer skills. Comfortable with Microsoft Office products and the ability to learn new systems
• Outstanding communication skills
• A good team player - happy to jump in and support others when required
  
• 5 GCSEs including Maths and English, or the willingness to undertake the functional skills programme
• A commitment to ongoing study with support from the Newmedica team

What we're offering

• A salary of £16,640 per annum.
• 200 hours annual leave plus bank holidays.
• An additional day annual leave for your birthday.
• Death in Service scheme.
• A company pension scheme.
  
• Access to a range of benefits including free eye tests, discounted or free glasses, a free 24/7 well-being/counselling/advice service.
• 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 Emily Pickersgill, HR Lead at 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 out 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 or social origin.