Clinical Fellow in Vitreoretinal surgery

Integrated Care System; Exeter; On-site; GBP 30,000 - 45,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading healthcare provider in Exeter is seeking a Clinical Fellow in Vitreoretinal Surgery to provide high-quality patient care while developing surgical skills in a supportive environment. The role includes working closely with experienced consultants and participating in dedicated teaching sessions. The ideal candidate will have outstanding communication skills and a passion for ophthalmology. This position offers a chance to make a meaningful impact in a well-resourced teaching hospital.

Benefits

27 days paid annual leave

Cycling to work scheme

Access to occupational health services

Qualifications

• Strong clinical acumen and outstanding communication skills.
• Genuine passion for patient care.

Responsibilities

• Provide high-quality patient care and develop surgical skills.
• Work alongside vitreoretinal consultants gaining surgical exposure.
• Participate in teaching sessions and clinics.

Job description

Go back Royal Devon University Healthcare NHS Foundation Trust

Clinical Fellow in Vitreoretinal surgery

The closing date is 12 September 2025

An exciting opportunity has arisen for a Clinical Fellow / TSC in Vitreoretinal Surgery at the West of England Eye Unit, Royal Devon & Exeter Hospital, to start in February 2026. This post is RCOphth approved and offers comprehensive training in the assessment and surgical management of retinal disorders, with a strong emphasis on developing independent surgical skills in vitreoretinal procedures.

The successful candidate will provide high-quality patient care and develop skills and expertise in ophthalmology, with a strong clinical acumen, outstanding communication skills and a genuine passion for patient care.

Main duties of the job

For more detail about the main duties of this role, please see the job description section below. As a key member of the Royal Devon University Healthcare NHS Foundation Trust, you will be joining an exceptional team working together to help our patients to stay healthy, when they need it most.

About us

Stretching across Northern, Eastern and Mid Devon, we have a workforce of over 15,000 staff, making us the largest employer in Devon. Our core services, which we provide to more than 615,000 people, cover more than 2,000 square miles across Devon, while some of our specialist services cover the whole of the peninsula, extending our reach as far as Cornwall and the Isles of Scilly.

We deliver a wide range of emergency, specialist and general medical services through North Devon District Hospital and the Royal Devon and Exeter Hospital (Wonford).

Alongside our two acute hospitals, we provide integrated health and social care services across a variety of settings, including community inpatient hospitals, outpatient clinics, and within peoples own homes. We also offer primary care services, a range of specialist community services, and Sexual Assault Referral Centres (SARC).

Our state-of-the-art equipment, leading technologies and strong links to local universities put us at the forefront of research and innovations, enabling us to provide world-class care to our local communities.

Its never been a more exciting time to join the Royal Devon, as youll help to shape our services as we continue along our integration journey.

Job responsibilities

For more information on the Job Description and Responsibilities please click the link below.

More detail about the role

You will work closely with three vitreoretinal consultants: Mr Conor Ramsden, Mr Peter Simcock, and Mr Roland Ling, gaining high-volume surgical exposure, supported learning, and the chance to take a leading role in complex retinal care. This is an exceptional opportunity to gain broad-based experience in a busy and well-resourced teaching hospital environment.

The successful candidate will have the opportunity to work in a supportive and educational environment, with access to state-of-the-art facilities and equipment. Join our team and make a meaningful impact on the lives of others.

The fellowship is designed to prepare you for consultant-level practice with a sub-specialty interest in VR surgery. Training objectives include:

• Competency in vitrectomy and scleral buckling for retinal detachment
• Surgical management of macular holes and epiretinal membranes
• Mastery of indirect and endolaser retinal laser techniques
• Independent management of both emergency and elective surgical retina cases
• Understanding of evidence-based approaches to vitreoretinal conditions

Weekly activities include retinal theatres, clinics, fluorescein angiography meetings, and dedicated teaching sessions every Friday afternoon.

Working Pattern: Full time

Interview Date: To be confirmed

For further information please contact: Mr Conor Ramsden, Vitreoretinal Consultant on [e-mail] or Lauren Tyrer, Operations Manager on [e-mail]

As an inclusive employer, the Royal Devon values diversity and is committed to creating a culture of inclusivity where everyone can be themselves and reach their full potential. We believe in fostering a sense of belonging and actively encourage applications from individuals of all backgrounds, cultures, and abilities. We recognise the advantages of having a diverse workforce that reflects the communities we serve.

Preference will be given to staff with Priority and 'At Risk' status including NHS At Risk staff throughout Devon.

The Royal Devon University Healthcare NHS Foundation Trust reserves the right to close vacancy when sufficient applications have been received.

The Royal Devon University Healthcare NHS Foundation Trust was established in April 2022, bringing together the expertise of both the Royal Devon and Exeter NHS Foundation Trust and Northern Devon Healthcare NHS Trust.

We will work together to maintain a culture that develops and supports you and your team.

This might include funding for a care certificate, a degree or leadership qualifications. Or it might include days off to study, engage in CPD or rotational placements to help you hone your skills. Wherever you are heading in the NHS, we'll help you get there.

Looking after you is important to us.

We strive to help our staff create a healthy work-life balance through flexible working schemes and our family friendly policies.

If you're starting out in the NHS, you'll start with 27 days paid annual leave (plus bank holidays), rising to 33 days plus bank holidays.

You'll benefit from access to our own comprehensive occupational health services, including counselling, onsite wellbeing activities and groups.

Salary is not the only financial benefit

You'll have access to an extensive range of staff discounts on shopping, fitness and leisure options and you can spread the cost of technology and home appliance purchases from major retailers.

You will also have access to other benefits including:

National discount services such as the Blue Light Card and Health Service Discounts.

Salary sacrifice options including our OFSTED rated outstanding nursery onsite at Exeter

Car lease schemes.

The NHS Pension scheme (one of the most generous and comprehensive in the UK).

Cycle to work scheme

These are just a few of the benefits available if the role is something you are interested in, we'd love to hear from you.

Person Specification

General Requirements

• See job description text above, and (where applicable) you can download a copy of the full job description
• See job description text above, and (where applicable) you can download a copy of the full job description

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.

Employer name

Royal Devon University Healthcare NHS Foundation Trust

Address

Royal Devon University Healthcare NHS Foundation Trust

Royal Devon University Healthcare NHS Foundation Trust