Job Description

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



This is a fixed term contract with the position commencing in the month of December 2025.



Please see below for detailed job description of the role.



The University Southampton Hospitals NHS Trust is recruiting for a Senior Fellow in Ophthalmology with a subspecialty focus on Cornea.



You are required to have completed advanced training in Ophthalmology, with emphasis on the anterior segment, cornea, and glaucoma management. The role involves developing primary, secondary, and tertiary level care in line with current NICE guidance. You will work alongside existing colleagues to enhance the clinical and academic excellence of care provided by University Hospital Southampton NHS Foundation Trust.



The unit specializes in lamellar keratoplasty and performs a high volume of endothelial keratoplasties (both routine and complex), penetrating keratoplasties, and DALKs annually. DMEK is currently being introduced. You will gain experience in refractive cataract surgery and secondary lens implantation, including toric lenses. Training will be provided in immunosuppression, and you should have a good understanding of general medicine, particularly the systemic side effects of immunosuppressants.



Additionally, training will be offered in advanced anterior segment imaging methods such as Corneal Confocal Microscopy, Specular Microscopy, and Anterior Segment UBM.

Working with the 3 consultant ophthalmologists, associate specialists, fellows, trainees, optometrists and specialist nurses on the corneal firm you would be involved with the continuous development of the service.



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.



The timetable will be made up of outpatient clinics on the main SGH site as well as community clinics at peripheral sites. There would be an opportunity for an independent or supervised theatre session depending on your experience. The service has recently set up virtual clinics and there would be sessions included in the timetable dedicated to this. You may also have independent collagen cross linking sessions and YAG laser sessions to include PI and SLT lasers.



The unit handles a high volume of corneal in-patient admissions. You will be expected to maintain regular reviews and coordinate with the appropriate consultant for these patients, including following up on pathology/microbiology results and managing infective complications such as corneal perforation.



For an overview of the position, please refer to the attached 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).



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)

Interviews will be held on 22nd October 2025

This vacancy closes on or before 6th October 2025