Trust Ophthalmology Fellow

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 Glaucoma. The role offers broad general ophthalmology experience, including high-volume cataract surgery, and requires independent cataract surgery experience., As a senior employee of our Trust you will work in close co-operation with and support not just other clinical professionals but also our managerial colleagues in providing high quality healthcare to our patients. Key responsibilities include:o Providing a first-class clinical serviceo Offering effective leadership within the specialtyo Supporting teaching, quality improvement and researcho Working in line with Trust procedures and policieso Delivering clinical practice within contractual and service parameterso Maintaining confidence in business plans and development strategieso Demonstrating initiative, enthusiasm and flexibility Main duties of the job Clinical Responsibilities The postholder will work under the supervision of the Glaucoma consultants. Duties include theatre, clinics, virtual clinics, casualty, VEGF clinics, and study/administrative sessions. The role has fixed on-call commitments of 1:6 weekdays and 1:6 weekends. The postholder will coordinate Glaucoma emergencies in clinic and theatre and is expected to be flexible with additional out-of-hours duties. Training in afferent (non-glaucomatous) optic neuropathies with Mr Reynolds is available if desired. Professional Development, Education and Training Fortnightly departmental Glaucoma teaching is provided, and the postholder is expected to attend and support teaching for junior staff, including journal clubs and key topic discussions. They will contribute to Deanery training when Glaucoma is covered and participate in teaching during clinical sessions. By the end of the fellowship, the postholder should be confident in diagnosing and managing complex glaucoma, including MIGS, trabeculectomy, Preserflo, and large-bore drainage devices, as well as pre-operative planning and post-operative complication management. Research and Development Research opportunities, including commercial studies, are available. The postholder may join ongoing QI and service development projects, such as virtual service expansion, community optometry pathways, and new patient assessment models. Access to the cataract simulator and dry lab will support refinement of surgical skills.

Applicants must have previous Glaucoma experience and hold, or be eligible for, full GMC registration. FRCOphth or MRCOphth (or equivalent) is preferred. A minimum of 4 years postgraduate experience, including at least 2 years in ophthalmology at OST/SHO/higher level, is essential. The successful candidate would ideally be an independent cataract surgeon with at least 250 phaco procedures completed.,

• 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 Glaucoma surgery and the management of Glaucoma emergencies
• Specialist interest in Glaucoma 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 Glaucoma services
• Previous publications or research in Glaucoma, 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
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 Glaucoma surgery and the management of Glaucoma emergencies
• Specialist interest in Glaucoma 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 Glaucoma services
• Previous publications or research in Glaucoma, 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
  
  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.