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Job summary

Main area
Ophthalmology
Grade
Clinical Fellow
Contract
12 months (Fixed Term (12 months))
Hours
Full time - 40 hours per week
Job ref
188-MB61025
Employer
University Hospital Southampton NHS Foundation Trust
Employer type
NHS
Site
Southampton General Hospital
Town
Southampton
Salary
£52,656 - £73,992 per annum
Closing
05/11/2025 23:59

Employer heading

University Hospital Southampton NHS Foundation Trust logo

Clinical Vitreoretinal Fellow

Clinical Fellow

Job overview

University Hospital Southampton NHS Foundation Trust is delighted to offer a fantastic opportunity to work with us.

Please see below for detailed job description of the role.

Main duties of the job

We’re inviting applications for two exciting opportunities at the Southampton Eye Unit, University Hospitals Southampton NHS Foundation Trust, a Senior Vitreoretinal Fellow (12 month fixed term) and a Junior Vitreoretinal Fellow (12 month fixed term). It will provide you with a broad grounding in the diagnosis and management of retinal diseases. We’re seeking a driven, compassionate ophthalmologist with a keen interest in subspecialty excellence and a collaborative mindset. 

You’ll join a vibrant, forward-thinking team at University Hospital Southampton Hospitals, where innovation, mentorship, and camaraderie fuel our commitment to delivering outstanding care to patients. You will have the opportunity to attend 3-4 vitreoretinal theatre sessions per week and to be trained by three consultant Vitreoretinal surgeons. There is an active academic interest within the department and you would be allowed to do clinical research.
 
The Vitreoretinal team consists of 3 Consultant ophthalmologists, supported by 2 senior fellows and a trainee. The service has recently expanded with offsite virtual VR clinics and has a high throughput of VR surgical cases with plans to start operating in more off-site locations.

Working for our organisation

As one of the largest acute teaching Trusts in England, we offer learning and development opportunities to help you achieve the career you aspire to. UHS is rated ‘Good’ by the CQC and in the latest national NHS Staff Survey, we were in the top 10 acute trusts for staff engagement and for staff recommending the hospital as a place to work or receive care.  

 

We support flexible working and will consider requests taking into account the needs of the service. UHS employees are able to access a range of NHS discounts, are entitled to a minimum of 35 days paid holiday (pro rata), and we offer a generous pension scheme. 

 

Southampton is an attractive place to live and work situated on the south coast, with an international airport and direct trains to London. The New Forest National Park and beaches of the Jurassic coast are also right on our doorstep. The city offers living costs 20% lower than London and 14 schools rated outstanding by Ofsted.

Detailed job description and main responsibilities

- To manage the VR theatre diary overseeing all of the emergency cases.
- To attend theatre and clinic sessions alongside the consultants.
- To provide a subspecialty opinion to other colleagues within the department.
- To actively participate in research.
- To participate on the general on call for ophthalmology.


For an overview of the position, please refer to the attached Job Description and Person Specification document. This includes a detailed breakdown of the key responsibilities, role expectations, and the qualifications we are looking for. It outlines the essential criteria for the role and is designed to support you in preparing your application by helping you evaluate how your skills, experience, and professional background align with the requirements of the role.

ADDITIONAL INFORMATION
  
Appointment will be made under local contractual terms and conditions of service for Trust appointed (non-training fellow doctors and dentists).  Applicants requiring Skilled Worker sponsorship should ensure they meet the Home Office application criteria prior to submitting an application. 

Successful candidates will have an educational framework equivalent to training grade doctors, and there will be a named educational supervisor assigned at the start of the post. The opportunity for Continued Professional Development (CPD) is highly supported and encouraged by the Trust, with options available to take study leave. 

Grades for Trust appointed (non-training) fellows will be paid a basic salary at a nodal pay point linked to the grade, at the rate set out in the National Medical and Dental pay circular. Basic salary plus any additional remuneration (as applicable) for hours set out in the doctors work schedule (e.g. additional hours, weekend allowance, and any hours which attract enhanced pay)     

Senior Fellow salary will be assessed based on experience and skills. Eligibility criteria for appointment to a Nodal Point 5; 
•    Have a minimum of 6 years of Specialty training    
•    Hold relevant higher specialty exam (e.g FRCP, FRCA, FRCS) 
•    A portfolio of evidence that demonstrates they meet the criteria for progression (in line with the Curriculum for the speciality similar to deanery trainee)                     

Proposed interview date: 10th December 2025

This vacancy closes on or before 5th November 2025

 

Person specification

Qualifications, Training & Experience

Essential criteria
  • MBBS or equivalent medical qualification
  • GMC registration with a licence to practise
  • Appropriate knowledge base, and ability to apply sound clinical judgement to problems
  • Experience in Vitreoretinal clinics
  • Surgical experience in Vitreoretina
Desirable criteria
  • CCST or equivalent experience in specialist training
  • Further qualifications, research, publications, higher degree
  • Research interest/published papers

Aptitudes and skills

Essential criteria
  • Evidence and ability to work effectively in multi-professional teams
  • Understanding of equality and diversity and how this affects patients, visitors and staff
  • Evidence and ability to communicate and liaise effectively with patients and colleagues (verbal and written communication skills in English)
  • Demonstrate good organisational skills including ability to prioritise effectively and meet deadlines
  • Demonstrate the ability to be calm, compassionate, and able to respond efficiently to various circumstances, which may change rapidly
  • Evidence of participation in undergraduate and postgraduate teaching
  • Good knowledge of general ophthalmology
  • Ability to audit clinical results
  • Able to perform cataract surgery unsupervised
  • Able to perform independent laser pascal
  • Able to show team spirit, leadership skills and organisational skills

Trust Values

Essential criteria
  • Patients First
  • Always Improving
  • Working Together

Employer certification / accreditation badges

Apprenticeships logoNo smoking policyArmed Forces Covenant (Silver Award)Care quality commission - GoodDisability confident employerInclusion UK

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

Apply online now

Further details / informal visits contact

Name
Mr Serafeim Antonakis
Job title
VR Consultant
Email address
[email protected]
Telephone number
07794477049
Additional information

Additional Contact:
Bhaskar Gupta,

VR Consultant,

[email protected],

07891346906

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