Job summary
- Main area
- Ophthalmology (Corneal)
- Grade
- NHS Medical & Dental: Junior Clinical Fellow
- Contract
- 12 months (12 months fixed term)
- Hours
- Full time - 10 sessions per week
- Job ref
- 318-25-CORN
- Employer
- Gloucestershire Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust
- Employer type
- NHS
- Site
- Cheltenham General Hospital
- Town
- Cheltenham
- Salary
- Dependent on experience
- Closing
- 08/07/2025 23:59
Employer heading

Trust Fellow in Ophthalmology (Corneal)
NHS Medical & Dental: Junior Clinical Fellow
Join us at an exciting time for Gloucestershire Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust! We have an ambitious plan for our journey to Outstanding and are looking for aspirational, committed individuals to join us, making a real difference to both staff and patients.
As a former winner of England for excellence award: Tourism destination of the year, the beautiful city of Gloucester and the scenic regency spa town of Cheltenham are fantastic places to work and live.
As a hospital Trust we are currently involved in over 100 clinical trials and studies, whilst also providing acute elective and specialist services to a population of over 620,000.
By joining Gloucestershire Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust new colleagues can look forward to a warm welcome and a future full of opportunities and support.
Job overview
We are looking for a Trust Ophthalmology Fellow to join our Acute District General Hospital team. We have a 12-month, fixed term post in cornea which is full-time. A broad range of general ophthalmology experience can be provided, including high volume cataract surgery and experience in independent cataract surgery is required. Previous experience in cornea is required.
Applicants should have or be eligible for full GMC registration and preferably the FRCOphth or MRCOphth (or equivalent). At least 4 years postgraduate experience with at least 2 years in ophthalmology at OST/SHO/Higher grade level is also essential. Successful candidate would ideally be an independent cataract surgeon having completed at least 250 phacoemulsification's.
Integral to the responsibilities of our posts are the following objectives:
· to ensure the delivery of a high-quality patient-centred clinical service
· to provide effective leadership to all staff engaged in that same task
· to sustain and develop teaching and research wherever appropriate
· to work in accordance with our trust’s procedures and operating policies
· to support the business plans and development strategies formulated for the specialty
· to work within the framework of team decisions
· to show initiative, enthusiasm and flexibility
Main duties of the job
1. Clinical Responsibilities/Key Responsibilities
The successful applicant will work closely under the supervision of the Corneal consultants (Mr Tomlins and Miss MacGregor) in the unit. The weekly timetable includes Corneal theatre sessions, Corneal Clinics, Casualty Clinics, injection clinic and study/administrative sessions. The post does not have any fixed-on call commitments. The post holder is expected to coordinate Corneal emergencies, both in the clinic, and in theatre. The post holder is also expected to be flexible and willing to undertake additional duties out of hours or in the event of unforeseen circumstances to ensure the smooth running of the department.
2. Professional Development, Education and Training
There are formal weekly departmental teaching sessions on Friday afternoon’s for all medical, orthoptic, optometric and nursing staff. The postholder is encouraged to attend these teaching sessions and provide formal and informal supervision/teaching to more junior members in the team. Further teaching will be performed in clinical sessions alongside Corneal Consultants. The post holder will have the opportunity to use the cataract simulator, and dry lab to improve and fine tune her or his surgical skills.
3. Research and Development
Research opportunities are available to interested post holder, including participating in commercial research projects.
Working for our organisation
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.
Detailed job description and main responsibilities
Provisional Job Plan
|
Mon |
Tue |
Wed |
Thu |
Fri |
AM |
Corneal Clinic WK 3 & 5 |
Theatre WK 1,2,3,5 |
SPA
|
Corneal Clinic WK 1-5 |
Corneal Clinic WK 1 & 5
Theatre WK 3 |
|
|||||
PM |
Corneal Clinic WK 1-5 |
Theatre WK 1-5 |
Casualty Clinic WK 1-5 |
Corneal Clinic WK 1-5 |
Theatre C WK 1,3,5 Teaching WK 2
Governance 4 |
Person specification
Qualifications & Training
Essential criteria
- Full or eligible for full GMC Registration
- Dip Ophth, MRCOphth or equivalent
Desirable criteria
- FRCOphth
- Higher Degree e.g. MSc, MD, PhD
- Within 6 months of completing CCT
Clinical Experience
Essential criteria
- 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 criteria
- Experience in corneal surgery and the management of corneal emergencies
- Specialist interest in corneal surgery
Knowledge & Skills
Essential criteria
- Experience and participation in departmental audit
- Ability to teach junior staff
- Good organisational skills and time management
Desirable criteria
- Pervious QIP or audit into corneal services
- Previous publications or research in corneal or ocular surface disease
Personal Attributes
Essential criteria
- 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 criteria
- Evidence of personal initiative
Applicant requirements
You must have appropriate UK professional registration.
This post is subject to the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act 1974 (Exceptions) Order 1975 (Amendment) (England and Wales) Order 2020 and it will be necessary for a submission for Disclosure to be made to the Disclosure and Barring Service.
Documents to download
Further details / informal visits contact
- Name
- Mr Paul Tomlins
- Job title
- Consultant Ophthalmologist (Corneal)
- Email address
- [email protected]
- Telephone number
- 0300 422 2529
List jobs with Gloucestershire Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust in Medical and Dental or all sectors