About this role
Job summary Leeds Teaching Hospitals NHS Trust is seeking a motivated and experienced General Ophthalmology Trust Doctor to join our dynamic Eye Department at St James University Hospital (SJUH). This is a clinically rich role sitting within one of the largest and most respected ophthalmology teams in the North of England, comprising 29 consultants with wide-ranging subspecialty expertise. You will work alongside a highly skilled consultant team, contributing to outpatient clinics, theatre lists, and on-call duties; playing a central part in delivering outstanding patient care across elective and acute pathways. Candidates with a particular subspecialty interest are encouraged to apply. There will be opportunity to discuss the possibility of incorporating dedicated subspecialty sessions into the role.
Main duties of the job Whether you are a post-CCT doctor looking to consolidate and develop your skills, or an experienced ophthalmologist seeking a stimulating environment in a major teaching hospital, this role offers exceptional breadth. You will hold the FRCOphth (or equivalent), bring at least four years of higher specialist training, and share our commitment to excellence in patient care, teaching, and research. If you are driven, collaborative, and ready to make a real impact, we would love to hear from you.
Please note that this post is offered on a fixed-term basis for a period of 6 months, , due to limited funding availability. We are therefore seeking a candidate who is able to commit to the full duration of the contract. The post will commence August 2026.
About us The Leeds Teaching Hospitals NHS Trust is committed to delivering the highest quality and safest treatment and care to every patient, every time.
Our vision is to provide the highest quality specialist and integrated care.
We will do this through delivery of our multi-year goals and strategic priorities, which you can read about on this page.
Central to it all is The Leeds Way our values and behaviours that are at the heart of everything we do.
Job description Job responsibilities For questions about this job, contact:
Melissa Hepworth Service Manager [email protected]
Why you should join our Team Our Eye Department at SJUH is a vibrant, forward-thinking team with a strong culture of collaboration, innovation, and mutual support. We pride ourselves on delivering world-class ophthalmological care whilst maintaining a working environment where every team member feels valued and empowered. The department actively trains ophthalmic specialist registrars from across the region, meaning you will be part of a team that genuinely invests in the development of the next generation of ophthalmologists.
Leeds Teaching Hospitals is part of the West Yorkshire Association of Acute Trusts (WYAAT), one of the largest integrated care systems in the country, offering unrivalled opportunities for cross-site collaboration and career development. Our department has a proud track record of national and international research, with previous post-holders presenting at prestigious ophthalmology meetings worldwide. We are guided by our five core values; Patient-centred, Collaborative, Fair, Accountable, and Empowered; and these are not just words on a wall; they shape how we treat our patients, our colleagues, and ourselves every day.
What you will bring to the role We are looking for a candidate who can demonstrate the following:
Hold the FRCOphth or equivalent with at least 4 years of higher specialist training (or equivalent experience). Full GMC registration with a current licence to practise at the intended start date. Ability to independently manage outpatient clinics, including general and specialist ophthalmology patients. Competence and confidence in cataract theatre and surgical lists. Willingness to participate in on-call duties as part of the wider department rota. A commitment to high standards of patient care across inpatient, day case, and outpatient settings. Experience contributing to or a keen interest in clinical research, audit, and academic publication. Enthusiasm for teaching and supporting the development of ophthalmology trainees. Strong communication skills for effective liaison with multidisciplinary teams and referral networks. Alignment with the Leeds Way values: Patient-centred, Collaborative, Fair, Accountable, and Empowered. Please see the attached job description for further information about this vacancy.
About Leeds Teaching Hospital NHS Trust Our values are part of what make us different from other trusts, so we see this as a strength, as well as a responsibility. They have been developed by our staff and set out what they see as important to how we work. Our five values are:
Patient-centred Collaborative Fair Accountable Empowered
All our actions and endeavours will be guided and evaluated through these values
We’re committed to recruiting exceptional people to deliver outstanding services across Leeds Teaching Hospitals NHS Trust and helping every colleague reach their full potential. We’re looking for a compassionate, inclusive, and collaborative leader who shares our values and can build strong partnerships. We warmly invite applications from people from a variety of backgrounds and sectors, and are especially keen to hear from individuals from a minority ethnic background. We’re dedicated to creating a diverse and inclusive environment where everyone feels valued, supported, and has a true sense of belonging, as we work together to deliver the best in healthcare to the people of Leeds and beyond.
Sponsorship Eligibility To comply with UK Government regulations on Skilled Worker sponsorship, Leeds Teaching Hospital NHS Trust is unable to provide sponsorship to applicants who do not meet the eligibility criteria or the salary threshold concessions set out under the Skilled Worker visa route. Please take this into consideration before submitting your application. Full guidance on these concessions, including details of who may qualify, can be found here.
Person Specification
Qualifications Essential
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Desirable
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Experience Essential
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Desirable
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Disclosure and Barring Service Check This post is subject to the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act (Exceptions Order) 1975 and as such it will be necessary for a submission for Disclosure to be made to the Disclosure and Barring Service (formerly known as CRB) to check for any previous criminal convictions.
Employer details Employer name Leeds Teaching Hospitals
Address St James’s University Hospital
Leeds
West Yorkshire
LS9 7TF
Employer's website https://www.leedsth.nhs.uk/ (Opens in a new tab)