Locum Consultant in Vitreoretinal Ophthalmology

Royal Berkshire NHS Foundation Trust; Reading; On-site; GBP 110,000 - 140,000; Full time

Job summary

Royal Berkshire NHS Foundation Trust is inviting applications for a Locum Consultant in Vitreoretinal Ophthalmology. The role is a 3-month fixed-term position covering maternity leave across the Royal Berkshire Hospital, Prince Charles Eye Unit and West Berkshire Community Hospital.

The post holder will lead vitreoretinal clinics and surgery, participate in on-call duties and contribute to governance, teaching and service development within a large, modern ophthalmology department.

Qualifications

• Fully trained in vitreoretinal (VR) eye care.
• Experience or eligibility for GMC Good Medical Practice.
• Leadership and involvement in teaching/education programmes.

Responsibilities

• Deliver high-quality Vitreoretinal services in outpatient and inpatient settings.
• Perform high-volume Vitreoretinal surgery and participate in on-call rota.
• Supervise junior staff and contribute to teaching and service development.

Skills

VR eye care

Leadership

Teaching

Patient care

Education

GMC registration

CCST in Ophthalmology

Royal College of Ophthalmology membership

Higher degree (PhD/MD)

Job description

Locum Consultant in Vitreoretinal Ophthalmology

We are seeking an enthusiastic and motivated Locum Vitreoretinal Consultant Ophthalmologistto join the Ophthalmology team at Royal Berkshire NHS Foundation Trust on a 3-month fixed-term basis to cover materity leave. This is an exciting opportunity to join a dynamic and forward-thinking department providing specialist ophthalmic services across the Royal Berkshire Hospital, Prince Charles Eye Unit, and West Berkshire Community Hospital.

The successful candidate will play a key role in delivering high-quality Vitreoretinal Ophthalmology services. The role offers a varied and rewarding job plan including vitreoretinal ophthalmology clinics, vitreoretinal ophthalmology surgery, on-call commitments, and participation in clinical governance, teaching, and service development.

Our Ophthalmology Department is one of the largest in the region, delivering approximately 100,000 outpatient attendances, 20,000 eye casualty attendances, and 7,000 day-case procedures annually, serving a population of around 1 million people. With modern facilities, dedicated ophthalmic theatres, advanced diagnostic equipment, and integrated digital systems, the department is well equipped to provide high-quality patient care and support service innovation.

This role is ideal for a consultant with strong experience in vitreoretinal ophthalmology, who is passionate about service development, multidisciplinary working, education, and delivering excellent patient-centred care.

Main duties of the job

The postholder will provide high-quality specialist ophthalmology care, with a focus on Vitreoretinal across both outpatient and inpatient settings. They will be responsible for assessing, diagnosing, and managing a wide range of acute ophthalmic conditions, while contributing to the delivery of safe, effective, and compassionate care.

The role includes delivering high-volume Vitreoretinal surgery, participating in the ophthalmology on-call rota, and supervising junior medical staff while supporting the teaching and development of trainees, nursing staff, and allied health professionals.

About us

Diversity makes us interesting... Inclusion is what will make us outstanding.

Inequality exists and the journey to eliminate it is not easy. Every step we take will be a purposeful step forward to deliver a truly inclusive culture where all our people are enabled to deliver outstanding care, where background is no barrier, and where everyone can be their authentic self and we truly represent our patient community.

We are committed to equal opportunities and welcome applications from all sections of the community, regardless of any protected characteristics. Reasonable adjustments will be made for disabled applicants where possible. All applicants who have a disability and meet the minimum criteria for the post can opt for a guaranteed interview.

Our primary method of communication will be via email. However, if you would prefer to be contacted through a different method, please inform the recruitment team.

Job responsibilities

The postholder will also be expected to contribute to clinical governance, audit, and quality improvement activities, ensuring compliance with national standards and helping to identify opportunities for service development. Active participation in consultant meetings, departmental planning, and education programmes will be essential.

We are looking for a candidate with excellent clinical leadership, strong decision-making skills, and the ability to work effectively within a busy multidisciplinary environment. The ideal applicant will demonstrate a commitment to patient safety, service improvement, and teaching, alongside excellent communication, organisational skills, and a collaborative approach to care.

Education and Qualifications

• Full registration with the GMC/eligible
• And/or Within 6 months of CCST in (Speciality) at interview date
• Membership of the Royal College of Ophthalmology of the United Kingdom or equivalent
• Higher degree e.g. PhD/ MD submitted/awarded

Clinical Experience, Knowledge & Skills

• Fully trained in VR eye care
• Previous responsibility for clinical governance and GMC Good Medical Practice
• Fully trained in further ophthalmology subspecialty area, if desired and complimentary to A&E work or the wider team
• All aspects of general ophthalmology and patient care
• Contributes to improving patients experience
• See patients as individuals and involve them in decisions about their care
• Ability to work in partnership to deliver a patient centred service
• Demonstrate an understanding and willingness to embrace user involvement

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.