Locum Vitreoretinal Consultant

NHS; Southampton; On-site; GBP 109,000 - 146,000; Part time

Job summary

A large NHS Trust in the UK is seeking a motivated Locum Consultant Ophthalmologist for a part-time, fixed-term position. This role involves providing essential cover for a VR consultant sabbatical and supporting service demand in the Medical Retina clinic. Ideal candidates should have competence in Vitreoretinal emergency care, strong teamwork skills, and a commitment to effective patient communication. The position offers competitive pay and an opportunity to work within a supportive and specialized team in Southampton.

Qualifications

• Experience in Medical Retina pathways including diabetic eye disease.
• Ability to communicate effectively with patients and colleagues.
• Evidence of participation in undergraduate and postgraduate teaching.

Responsibilities

• Provide clinical practice hours of Vitreoretinal activity including outpatient clinics.
• Deliver Medical Retina activity supporting various clinics.
• Participate in teaching and supervision of trainees and fellows.

Skills

Competence in VR emergency and elective care

Strong teamwork

Adaptability

Effective communication

Good organisational skills

Education

BMBS or equivalent medical qualification

GMC registration with a licence to practise

Job description

Job Summary

University Hospital Southampton NHS Foundation Trust is delighted to offer a fantastic opportunity to work with us. Please see below for a detailed description of the role.

Position Overview

We are seeking a motivated Locum Consultant Ophthalmologist to join our Vitreoretinal and Medical Retina teams on a fixed‑term contract. This role provides essential cover for a VR consultant sabbatical with additional MR clinic capacity to support service demand.

About the Team: You will join a large, supportive and highly specialised Ophthalmology service at University Hospital Southampton, home to one of the region’s busiest Vitreoretinal units and a major Medical Retina hub. Our VR service provides 24/7 emergency cover for a wide geographical region, performing high-volume retinal detachment and macular surgery, supported by skilled nursing, theatre and imaging teams. The MR service treats a wide spectrum of macular and diabetic eye disease and is nationally recognised for high patient volumes, strong multidisciplinary pathways and excellent clinical outcomes.

Job Details

• Date posted: 15 December 2025
• Pay scheme: Hospital medical and dental staff
• Grade: Consultant
• Salary: £109,725 – £145,478 Pro Rota
• Contract: Fixed term
• Duration: 9 months
• Working pattern: Part‑time
• Reference number: 188-MB61225
• Job location(s): Southampton General Hospital, Southampton, SO16 6YD
• Proposed interview date: 14 January 2026
• Application deadline: 29 December 2025

Responsibilities

• Provide 5 clinical practice hours (PAs) of Vitreoretinal activity, including outpatient clinics, VR theatre lists and participation in the VR on‑call rota (1 in 3 weekends / Friday rota pattern alongside 1 in 12 general on‑call).
• Deliver 2 PAs of Medical Retina activity, supporting diabetic, AMD and macular clinics to enhance capacity and maintain timely patient pathways.
• Undertake clinical administration, MDT decision‑making, and effective communication with patients and colleagues across VR and MR services.
• Participate in teaching and supervision of trainees and fellows, clinical governance, audit and service improvement.
• Provide a nine‑month sabbatical leave cover with a 7‑PA structure (5 PA VR + 2 PA MR).

Qualifications & Experience

• Essential: Competence in VR emergency and elective care, including retinal detachment and macular surgery.
• Desirable: Previous experience as Vitreoretinal Consultant (Locum or Substantive).
• Experience in Medical Retina pathways (diabetic eye disease, AMD, macular pathology).
• Strong teamwork, adaptability and a commitment to training, audit and safe clinical practice.

Person Specification – Aptitudes & Skills

• Evidence and ability to work effectively in multi‑professional teams.
• Understanding of equality and diversity and how this affects patients, visitors and staff.
• Evidence and ability to communicate and liaise effectively with patients and colleagues (verbal and written communication skills in English).
• Demonstrate good organisational skills including ability to prioritise effectively and meet deadlines.
• Demonstrate the ability to be calm, compassionate, and able to respond efficiently to various circumstances, which may change rapidly.
• Evidence of participation in undergraduate and postgraduate teaching.

Person Specification – Desirable

• Ability to travel between hospital sites or for necessary patient visits.

Person Specification – Qualifications, Training & Experience

• BMBS or equivalent medical qualification.
• GMC registration with a licence to practise.
• Appropriate knowledge base and ability to apply sound clinical judgement to problems.
• Experience in Medical Retina pathways (diabetic eye disease, AMD, macular pathology).

Person Specification – Desirable (Training & Experience)

• CT in Ophthalmology with subspecialty fellowship training in Vitreoretinal surgery.
• Previous experience as Vitreoretinal Consultant (Locum or Substantive).
• MD or PhD.
• Publications in Ophthalmology.
• Publication in high impact journals.

Living Trust Values

• Patients First
• Always Improving
• Working Together

Disclosures & Checks

This post is subject to the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act (Exceptions Order) 1975 and a Disclosure and Barring Service check is required.

Sponsorship

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.

Employer

University Hospital Southampton NHS Trust
Southampton General Hospital
Southampton, SO16 6YD