The Trainee Ophthalmic Technician/Administrator plays a key role in the day‑to‑day delivery of clinical and administrative services within the clinic. This is a structured trainee position designed to develop individuals into a fully independent ophthalmic technician/administrator through hands‑on training, competency‑based assessment and progressive responsibility.

While full training is provided, individuals are expected to take ownership of their role, work to a consistently high standard and progress to independent working within a short timeframe once competencies are achieved and signed off.

Training & Progression

• Structured onboarding and role‑specific training will be provided across both clinical and administrative functions.
• Trainees will initially work under supervision, gradually progressing to independent responsibility as competence is demonstrated.
• Once trained and assessed as competent, individuals will carry out duties independently in line with clinic standards.
• Progression is based on competency, performance, reliability, and ability to manage responsibilities independently.

Key Responsibilities

Clinical Duties

Following training and competency sign‑off, the role includes:

• Carrying out patient pre‑screening and diagnostic testing, including: Visual acuity, Visual fields. Pupil checks, OCT, Biometry and Intraocular pressure testing.
• Administering eye drops.
• Taking accurate patient histories and supporting clinical assessments, ensuring documentation is complete, clear, and aligned with clinic standards.
• Scribing during consultations (in person and remotely), accurately documenting clinical findings and consultant instructions.
• Preparing patients for examinations and procedures to ensure a smooth and professional patient journey.
• Maintaining clinical rooms and equipment to required standards.
• Monitoring stock levels and supporting the management of clinical supplies.
• Adhering to all clinical protocols, safety standards, infection control, and data protection requirements.
• Maintaining strict patient confidentiality at all times.
• Supporting end‑of‑day clinic close‑down processes.
• Escalating patient concerns, incidents, or clinical risks promptly and appropriately.
• Supporting patient education (explaining tests, next steps, and post‑operative instructions once trained).

Patient Flow & Clinic Support

• Actively managing and prioritising patient flow within the clinic.
• Identifying delays or bottlenecks and escalating issues where required.
• Handling patient queries, concerns, or complaints in a professional and calm manner and escalating appropriately.
• Ensuring patients are kept informed of delays and next steps.
• Delivering a consistently high standard of patient experience throughout the clinic journey.
• Supporting the smooth and efficient running of clinics by preparing in advance and anticipating requirements.
• Working closely with consultants, technicians, and administrative staff to ensure clinics run to schedule.
• Assisting with clinic set‑up and room preparation between sessions.

Administrative Duties

• Managing and coordinating patient appointments across clinics through live scheduling.
• Updating patient records accurately using practice management systems.
• Supporting billing, insurance processing, and administrative workflows.
• Communicating effectively with patients via phone and email.
• Ensuring all documentation is completed accurately and in line with clinic standards.
• Working to defined processes to ensure consistency, quality, and compliance.
• Maintaining accurate records across both clinical and administrative systems.
• Supporting audit and compliance requirements through accurate documentation.
• Assisting with data quality checks and corrections where required.
• Carrying out any other reasonable duties in line with the needs of the business.

Requirements

• Ability to work in a fast‑paced, high‑volume clinical environment.
• Willingness to provide cover across different clinic locations when required.
• Ability to adapt quickly to different teams, consultants, and working styles.
• Strong reliability, timekeeping, and attendance.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills.
• Strong IT skills and high accuracy in data entry.
• Ability to manage multiple tasks and prioritise effectively.
• Willingness to learn quickly and take ownership of responsibilities.
• Confidence to ask questions and escalate concerns appropriately.
• Flexible approach to work.
• Full, clean driving licence (role may involve occasional travel).

Qualifications & Experience

• No prior clinical or ophthalmology experience required — full training will be provided.
• Previous people‑facing experience strongly preferred (e.g. retail, hospitality, customer service).
• Experience working in fast‑paced environments is advantageous.

Skills & Behaviours

• Professional, reliable, and organised.
• Strong interpersonal skills with the ability to build rapport with patients and colleagues.
• High level of accuracy, attention to detail, and consistency.
• Positive, proactive attitude with a willingness to take responsibility.
• Ability to work effectively as part of a multi‑disciplinary team.

Development & Progression

The Institute of Eye Surgery offers clear development pathways within a rapidly growing organisation.

Trainees are expected to:

• Engage fully with training and feedback
• Demonstrate continuous improvement
• Progress to independent working within a defined timeframe

Progression and salary increases are linked to:

• Skill development
• Demonstrated competency
• Performance and reliability

Professional certification (e.g. JCAHPO) will form part of ongoing development.

Job Types: Full-time, Permanent

Pay: From €31,000.00 per year

Benefits:

• Bike to work scheme
• Company pension
• Free or subsidised travel
• On-site parking

Ability to commute/relocate:

• Waterford, County Waterford: reliably commute or plan to relocate before starting work (required)

Work Location: In person