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:
- Cork, County Cork: reliably commute or plan to relocate before starting work (required)
Work Location: In person
