Anterior Segment Fellow in Ophthalmology

University Hospitals Sussex NHS Foundation Trust (279); Shoreham-by-Sea; On-site; GBP 50,000 - 70,000; Full time

Job summary

University Hospitals Sussex NHS Foundation Trust (279) invites applications for a one-year Anterior Segment Fellowship in Ophthalmology with exposure to Cornea and Glaucoma. The fellow should be competent and independent in cataract surgery and will work across two sites in West Sussex.

The role covers MIGS and glaucoma procedures, corneal surgery, immunosuppression management, and contributes to audits and research. A supportive NHS environment awaits the successful candidate.

Qualifications

• Full GMC Registration with a licence to practise is required.
• Advanced Life Support certificate or equivalent is desirable.
• Higher degree (MD or PhD) is preferred.

Responsibilities

• Exposure and competency in MIGS, trabeculectomy and glaucoma drainage device surgery.
• Surgical management of corneal conditions including grafts and injuries.
• Immunosuppression management for inflammatory eye disease in clinic.
• Manage routine and complex glaucoma patients and develop shared care services.
• Lead and participate in audit and research projects; aim for publications.

Skills

Cornea and glaucoma management

Cataract surgery (unsupervised)

Communication skills

Multi-professional teamwork

Clinical leadership

Education

Full GMC Registration with licence to practice

Advanced Life Support Certificate (Resuscitation Council UK)

Higher Degree (MD or PhD)

Job description

University Hospitals Sussex NHS Foundation Trust (279)

Anterior Segment Fellow in Ophthalmology

The closing date is 13 November 2026

Applications are invited to a one year Anterior Segment Fellowship which is unique in offering exposure to two subspecialities: Cornea and Glaucoma. The fellow will gain experience in the medical and surgical experience in the management of glaucoma, cornea and the anterior segment. The candidate is expected to already be competent and independent in cataract surgery.

We are a small, friendly department and provide world class care in our two Ophthalmological surgical centres, at St Richard's, Chichester and Southlands Hospital which is a state of the art centre, built in 2017. There has been a substantial investment in the service in recent years to help us manage our workload.

Outside of work, West Sussex is an incredible place to live, offering a life on the South coast, with Southlands Hospital within walking distance of the sea. Life with us offers opportunities outside of work - please get in touch and come for a look around.

Main duties of the job

The post will involve travelling between the 2 sites on the basis of a set timetable, which may change after 6 months, depending on progress and departmental factors.

The doctor's timetable may need to be flexible, to allow for internal unexpected staff leave cover.

Participation in the on-call rota is expected 1:9

The post holder accepts that they will also perform duties in occasional emergencies and unforeseen circumstances at the request of the appropriate consultant, in consultation, where practicable, with their colleagues, both senior and junior. While it has been agreed between the professions that they will perform such duties, the Secretary of State stresses that additional commitments arising under this sub-section are exceptions and you should not be required to undertake work of this kind for prolonged periods or on a regular basis. Attend mandatory training updates as required. Undertake training as necessary in line with the development of the post and as agreed with the line manager as part of the personal development process. Achieve and demonstrate agreed standards of personal and professional development within agreed timescales. Identify own learning needs and jointly plan training requirements with your line manager.

About us

At UHSussex, diversity is our strength, and we want you to feel included to help us always put the Patient First. Your uniqueness and experiences will be part of our creative and innovative community where everyone is encouraged to succeed. We have a range of Staff Networks to help break down barriers, and can offer a buddy to help new members settle in. We're proud to be a Disability Confident Employer (Level 2) and a Veteran Aware Trust.

We treat our patients and staff with the same compassion and empathy we expect for ourselves. We're here for them when they need us, and we go above and beyond to meet their needs. This can be seen in ourWellbeing Programme for staff which is extensive and designed to support you when you need it, including where possible, flexible working to support work life balance - because we know that to look after others we must first look after ourselves.

As a university trust and a leader in healthcare research, we value learning, teaching and training so that we can be the best that we can be. From the moment you start with us and throughout your career we will help you to grow and develop. We hope that in choosing UHSussex you are choosing a long and happy career where you will be able to see the difference you make and feel valued for all that you do.

Job responsibilities

The training objectives of the fellowship include:

1. Exposure and competency in the surgery and post-operative care for MIGS (iStent), trabeculectomy and glaucoma drainage device surgery (Paul tube, Ahmed valve, Preserflo)

2. Surgical management of corneal conditions: Penetrating eye injury in its primary repair; Managing corneal perforations with cyanoacrylate and fibrin glue; Excision of pterygia with conjunctival autograft; Assist and perform corneal transplantations under supervision (PK, DALK, DSAEK and DMEK); Botulinum toxin injection for ptosis; Amniotic Membrane Transplantation.

3. Exposure to clinic for the instigation and maintenance of immunosuppression for inflammatory disease such as peripheral ulcerative keratitis and mucous membrane pemphigoid

4. Investigation, management and treatment of corneal conditions including: acute and chronic conjunctivitis, infective keratitis, Dry eye management, allergic disorders, contact lens related problems

5. Competency in assessment and management of both routine and complicated glaucoma patients

6. Competency in glaucoma lasers

7. Ability to plan and manage a shared care glaucoma service

8. Gain understanding of the evidence-base of glaucoma management

9. The doctor will be encouraged to develop and lead on research and audit projects within our department and a session will be allocated for these activities. By the end of the one year training period the fellow will be expected to have contributed by means of published papers in collaboration with both more senior and less experienced colleagues.

Experience/ Qualifications

• oFull GMC Registration with a licence to practice


• oAdvanced Life Support Certificate from the Resuscitation Council UK or equivalent


• oHigher Degree (MD or PhD)

Clinical Skills and Experience

• oExperience in the management of patients with corneal and glaucoma


• oAbility to undertake cataract surgery unsupervised


• oExtensive experience in the management of patients with cornea and glaucoma related pathology problems

Knowledge

• oBreadth of experience in and outside specialty

Organisation and Planning

• oExperience and ability to work in multi-professional teams


• oUnderstanding of: NHS / Clinical governance / Resource constraints


• oEvidence of managerial skills: Achievements / Course attended

Teaching Skills

• oEvidence of an interest and commitment to teaching


• oRecognised teaching qualification

Academic and Research

• oEvidence of participation in audit


• oResearch experience


• oPublications


• oPrizes and honours


• oAppropriate progression of career to date

Personal Attributes

• oEvidence of:- Good communication skills both oral and written

Disclosure and Barring Service Check

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.

University Hospitals Sussex NHS Foundation Trust (279)