About this role
Job summary
This is a substantive clinical post based at The Royal Eye Unit, Kingston Hospital, to provide elective and emergency care for ophthalmology patients, with a specialist interest in Paediatric Ophthalmology and Strabismus, as part of a multidisciplinary team.
Main duties of the job
The successful candidate will provide specialist diagnosis, treatment, and surgical management of eye conditions in children, particularly strabismus (squint), amblyopia, congenital eye disorders, and other developmental vision problems. The role includes running paediatric ophthalmology and strabismus clinics, performing and supervising relevant surgeries, and managing complex referrals. The consultant works closely within a multidisciplinary team that includes orthoptists, optometrists, paediatricians, and specialist nurses to deliver coordinated care. Additional responsibilities include supervising and teaching trainees and medical students, contributing to clinical governance activities such as audits and quality improvement, participating in departmental meetings and on-call rotas where required, supporting service development within the Trust, and maintaining professional standards through appraisal, continuing professional development, and GMC revalidation.
About us
Developmentand staff wellbeing
Your growthand personal happinessmattersto us.After all, we can't expect the best from you if we don't invest in your development and nurture your wellbeing.From the moment you join us, we're committed to fostering your professional and personal development within a supportive, empowering environment. Whether you're just starting your career or looking to advance further, we provide you with the tools and opportunities you need to succeed.We actively support colleagues to take part in research, quality improvement and innovation, whatever their role or level in the organisation.
To support your wellbeing, we offer an extensive range of resources, including an on-site staff nursery at Kingston Hospital, wellbeing practitioners, regular wellbeing classes, dedicated staff physiotherapist, comprehensive occupational health services, 24/7 employee assistance programme, and a range of other support and activities.
We also take every opportunity to thank and recognise the work our teams do, through weekly 'shoutouts' and patient feedback, monthly and annual awards.
Wherever you work across our organisation, we look forward to welcoming you.
At KRFT we are committed to supporting flexible working arrangements. Applicants are encouraged to discuss any flexibility they may need during the recruitment process.
Job description Job responsibilities
The post holder will be expected to provide a first-class service in ophthalmology.
The post holder will be expected to carry out teaching and accreditation duties as required and to contribute to post-graduate activities within the hospital.
The post holder will be expected to carry out audit and clinical governance activities as required by the Trust and by the Royal College of Ophthalmologists.
The post holder can consider accepting responsibilities and roles (such as Educational supervisor, Clinical Governance lead, DTC lead, Audit lead etc.), which will be divided and shared between consultants and other specialist doctors and recognised in their job plan.
Future discussions regarding agreeing and modifying job plans in line with changes in models of service delivery are inevitable with all posts.
The post holder will provide a general ophthalmological service and offer subspecialty skills.
The post holder must be proficient in paediatric management and adult motility with experience of administering extracoular muscle botox injections and ROP screening.
A contribution to the active management and educational supervision within the Department is expected.
The Unit offers an acute referral clinic (ARC) which sees close to 14,000 ophthalmic emergencies a year. The successful post holder will be expected to provide one session per week to provide clinical support for the junior doctors and allied healthcare professionals working alongside them during that session.
The Royal Eye Unit has a weekly rota (Consultant of the week or C/W) whereby all emergency patients are under a nominated consultant and who can be contacted for support. The post holder will be expected to be part of this rota.
Person Specification
Clinical Experienece Essential
Wide range of general Ophthalmology and paediatric Ophthalmology At least one year paediatric/ adult motility fellowship ROP screening experience
Desirable
Experience in Botulinum Toxin administration Experience in Neuro Ophthalmology Paediatric cataract surgery
Qualifications Essential
FRCOPhth or equivalent Full GMC registration with licence to practice Possession of CCT or equivalent in Ophthalmology On GMC Specialist Register or within 6 months of obtaining by date of interview
Desirable
Higher degree (MD,PhD or equivalent)
Management Skills Essential
Able to communicate at a strategic and operational level
Desirable
Attended management training course knowledge of finance/ budgets Setting up a service
Training, Audit and Research Essential
Understanding the principles of clinical governance and its implications Understanding and experience of audit Relevant research articles in peer-reviewed journals Demonstrable commitment and ability to teach and train undergraduates and junior doctors
Desirable
Completed train the trainers course Evidence of teaching
Personal Qualities Essential
Demonstrate leadership skills within a multidisciplinary team. Ability to motivate staff, to facilitate appropriate changes in clinical practice and to work as part of a team. Excellent written and verbal communication skills, enthusiasm and approachability. Commitment to continuing professional development and clinical governance Organisational skills and experience Team player Flexible
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.
Certificate of Sponsorship Applications from job seekers who require current Skilled worker sponsorship to work in the UK are welcome and will be considered alongside all other applications. For further information visit the UK Visas and Immigration website (Opens in a new tab).
From 6 April 2017, skilled worker applicants, applying for entry clearance into the UK, have had to present a criminal record certificate from each country they have resided continuously or cumulatively for 12 months or more in the past 10 years. Adult dependants (over 18 years old) are also subject to this requirement. Guidance can be found here Criminal records checks for overseas applicants (Opens in a new tab).
UK Registration
Applicants must have current UK professional registration. For further information please see NHS Careers website (opens in a new window).
Employer details Employer name Kingston and Richmond NHS Foundation Trust
Address Kingston Hospital
Galsworthy Road
kingston
KT2 7QB
Employer's website https://www.kingstonandrichmond.nhs.uk/ (Opens in a new tab)