Job summary
We are seeking an enthusiastic and committed Specialty Doctor in Ophthalmology to join the Ophthalmology Department at University Hospitals Plymouth NHS Trust. This post offers an excellent opportunity to work within a supportive multidisciplinary team, providing high-quality ophthalmic care across outpatient, inpatient, emergency, and surgical services.

The successful applicant will work alongside Consultant Ophthalmologists to deliver comprehensive ophthalmology services, including the management of general and urgent eye conditions, participation in subspecialty clinics, laser treatments, and theatre sessions. The role includes opportunities to contribute to teaching, clinical audit, quality improvement, research, and service development, while maintaining continuing professional development.

This is an ideal opportunity for an experienced ophthalmologist who is committed to delivering safe, effective, and patient-centred care, supporting the education and development of colleagues, and contributing to the ongoing improvement of ophthalmology services within a progressive NHS Trust.

Main duties of the job
The Specialty Doctor in Ophthalmology role is to deliver high-quality, patient-centred ophthalmic care across outpatient, inpatient, emergency, and surgical services at the Royal Eye Infirmry and Derriford Hospital, under the supervision of Consultant Ophthalmologists. The role also supports the continuous improvement of clinical services through active participation in clinical governance, audit, quality improvement, and research activities. The post holder will contribute to the education and training of junior doctors, nursing staff, and allied health professionals while maintaining their own continuing professional development in line with Royal College standards.

Working collaboratively within a multidisciplinary team, the successful applicant will help develop ophthalmology services, support service innovation, participate in the on-call rota where required, and contribute to the efficient use of departmental resources. The role requires commitment to delivering excellent patient care, maintaining high professional standards, and supporting the ongoing development of the Ophthalmology Department at University Hospitals Plymouth NHS Trust.

About us
We are a people business - where every member of staff matters and can make a difference. Patients are at the heart of everything we do. Joining University Hospitals Plymouth NHS Trust means becoming part of a team of dedicated staff, who are committed to leading the way through innovation, clinical excellence and great customer care. The Trust has great opportunities for career development in a highly progressive working environment. We offer all of this in a vibrant, modern city with a historic reputation for adventure. PLEASE NOTE THAT ALL COMMUNICATION WILL BE ELECTRONIC, PLEASE CHECK YOUR EMAIL ACCOUNT REGULARLY. If you have any issues with applying online and need additional support including reasonable adjustments with the application process please contact the recruitment manager for this post who will put you in touch with the recruitment team. We recognise that work life balance is important for our colleagues and so we invite requests from applicants around less than full time/flexible working for our advertised roles. Please contact the recruiting manager to discuss this prior to your application submission. We commit to giving this full consideration in each case. We encourage people from diverse backgrounds to apply for our roles, as diversity strengthens our teams. It is sometimes necessary to close vacancies before the closing date. If you have not heard from us within 4 weeks of the closing date, please assume that you have not been shortlisted.

Job responsibilities
The Specialty Doctor in Ophthalmology will work under the supervision of Consultant Ophthalmologists to provide high-quality, patient-centred ophthalmic care across outpatient, inpatient, emergency, and surgical services at the Royal Eye Infirmary and Derriford Hospital.

The post holder will:

• Independently manage general and urgent ophthalmology clinics and participate in subsspecialty clinics, laser treatments, and operating theatre lists within their competencies.
• Contribute to the delivery of safe, effective, and responsive ophthalmology services, including participation in the on-call rota where required.
• Provide inpatient care and work collaboratively with consultants, SAS doctors, trainees, nursing staff, allied health professionals, and the wider multidisciplinary team.
• Participate in clinical governance, audit, quality improvement, and research activities to support continuous service improvement.
• Contribute to the teaching, supervision, and training of junior doctors, medical students, nursing staff, and allied health professionals, while maintaining their own continuing professional development.
• Support service development, efficient use of departmental resources, and achievement of Trust quality standards and NHS waiting time targets.
• Comply with Trust policies, professional standards, and statutory requirements, undertaking any other duties appropriate to the grade of the post.

Person Specification
Qualifications
Essential

• Full GMC registration
• Equivalent of M/FRCOphth, M/FRCS, Overseas equivalent in Ophthalmology

Experience
Essential

• Demonstrate evidence of a sound ophthalmic training
• At least 4 years of experience in ophthalmology

Aptitude
Essential

• Communication skills, particularly in dealing with other medical teams and patients
• Ability to work with a multidisciplinary team

Other factors
Essential

• Ability to work hours of the job and participate in the 1st on call rota
• Flexibility in patient care provision

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.
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).
Applicants must have current UK professional registration. For further information please see NHS Careers website (opens in a new window).