About this role
Job summary
We are seeking a Trust Ophthalmology Fellow to join our Acute District General Hospital team. This is a full-time, 12-month fixed-term post in Vitreoretinal. The role offers a broad range of general ophthalmology experience, including high-volume cataract surgery, and applicants must already be independent cataract surgeons. Previous Vitreoretinal experience is desirable.Applicants should hold, or be eligible for, full GMC registration and preferably the FRCOphth, MRCOphth, or equivalent. A minimum of four years postgraduate experience, including at least two years in ophthalmology at OST/SHO/higher level, is essential. Candidates should have completed at least 250 phacoemulsification procedures independently.As a senior member of the Trust, you will work closely with clinical and managerial colleagues to deliver high-quality patient care. Key objectives of the post include:o Ensuring the delivery of a first-class clinical serviceo Providing effective leadership within the specialtyo Supporting teaching, quality improvement, and researcho Working in accordance with Trust procedures and policieso Practising within contractual requirements and service planso Maintaining confidence in the Trust's strategic and business planso Demonstrating initiative, enthusiasm, and flexibility
Main duties of the job
The postholder will work under the supervision of Vitreoretinal consultants. The weekly timetable includes vitreoretinal and cataract theatre, vitreoretinal and casualty clinics and study/administrative time. There are no fixed on-call duties, but the postholder is expected to coordinate vitreoretinal emergencies in both clinic and theatre. Flexibility is essential, with a willingness to undertake additional duties out of hours or during unforeseen circumstances to support smooth departmental function.
Weekly department teaching takes place every Friday for medical, orthoptic, optometry and nursing staff. The postholder is expected to attend and contribute to teaching, offering both formal and informal supervision to junior colleagues through case-based discussions, journal clubs and vitreoretinal teaching. Further training will occur during clinical and theatre sessions with the Vitreoretinal Consultants. By the end of the fellowship, the postholder should have increased confidence in diagnosing and managing vitreoretinal disorders and emergencies, including medical and surgical care. Experience will include peri-operative management of retinal detachment, macular hole, epiretinal membrane, vitreous haemorrhage and other common conditions, alongside exposure to vitreoretinal theatre, laser procedures and intravitreal treatments. Increased independence in pre-operative planning, surgical decision-making and post-operative management.
About us
We take pride in placing people at the centre of everything we do, working together as a united team. Driven by a shared ambition to continually grow, develop, and learn, we recognise and value every contribution. By combining our experience and skills, we not only support our vibrant, diverse communities, but also support one another.
With a team of over 9,000 employees, we are proud to be the largest employer in Gloucestershire and rank among the top 10 largest Trusts in the South West region.By joining our Trust, you will benefit from an excellent package that includes exclusive benefits, flexible working opportunities and the chance to gain valuable experience in one or both of our innovative hospitals.
As well as generous annual leave allowance, you will have access to the excellent NHS pension scheme, competitive bank rates, discounts at local shops and restaurants, access to two on-site nurseries, discounted public transport, reward and recognition and a range of health and wellbeing initiatives to support you.
Job description Job responsibilities Provisional Job Plan
MON
TUES
WED
THURS
FRI
AM
Laser Clinic
VR clinic
Urgent VR Clinic wk 2,4. Theatre with Mr Clarke wk 1,3. Free Wk 5
VR Theatre wk 1,2,5 Mr Clarke. Wk 3,4 Mr Kaintatzis
VR Clinic
PM
Theatre with Mr Clarke
Theatre with Mr DellAversana
Free
VR Theatre wk 1,2,5 Mr Clarke. Wk 3,4 Mr Kaintatzis
Teaching 1,5, Admin 2,3
Clinical Governance wk 4
Person Specification
Qualifications & Training Essential
Full or eligible for full GMC Registration Dip Ophth, MRCOphth or equivalent
Desirable
FRCOphth Higher Degree e.g. MSc, MD, PhD Within 6 months of completing CCT
Clinical Experience Essential
A minimum of 4 years postgraduate experience with at leave 4 years ophthalmic StR1 or higher grade since registration Experience in independent phacoemulsification cataract surgery Experience working in busy outpatient and casualty clinics as well as theatre Ability to work in clinic and perform cataract surgery unsupervised
Desirable
Experience in Vitreoretinal surgery and the management of Vitreoretinal emergencies Specialist interest in Vitreoretinal surgery
Knowledge & Skills Essential
Experience and participation in departmental audit Ability to teach junior staff Good organisational skills and time management
Desirable
Pervious QIP or audit into Vitreoretinal services Previous publications or research in Vitreoretinal
Personal Attributes Essential
Acceptance that the post requires a strong service commitment Ability to travel independently between hospital sites Willingness to seek timely assistance from senior colleagues as appropriate Ability to establish good working relationships with staff and able to communicate well with patients Applicants whose primary professional qualification(s) were not taken in English and/or have spent less than 6 months in a substantive NHS post, will need to demonstrate their language competence by achieving a score of 7 in the International English Language testing system (ILETS) or equivalent
Desirable
Evidence of personal initiative
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 Gloucestershire Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust
Address Cheltenham General Hospital
Cheltenham
GL53 7AN
Employer's website https://www.gloshospitals.nhs.uk/ (Opens in a new tab)