Ophthalmology Consultant- Subspecialty Interest in Cornea and Cataract

Somerset NHS Foundation Trust; Yeovil; On-site; GBP 109,000 - 146,000; Full time

Job summary

An esteemed healthcare provider is seeking a Consultant Ophthalmologist with a subspecialty interest in Cornea and Cataract to lead urgent eye care services primarily at Yeovil District Hospital. This role involves high-quality clinical care, teaching responsibilities, and participation in clinical audits. The position offers a salary from £109,725 to £145,478 annually, reflecting the importance of the role in enhancing ophthalmic services across Somerset.

Benefits

Flexible working options

NHS pension scheme

Generous annual leave allowance

Career development opportunities

Blue Light Card for discounts

Qualifications

• Fellowship in Cornea or Anterior Segment Disease required.
• Experience in setting up or leading a cornea subspecialist clinic preferred.
• Evidence of publications and presentations is essential.

Responsibilities

• Provide specialist diagnosis, treatment, and care in ophthalmology.
• Lead and develop the Corneal Service at Yeovil District Hospital.
• Participate in teaching and clinical audits.

Skills

Clinical risk management

Cataract surgery competence

Teaching and training

Strong organizational skills

Education

Fellowship of the Royal College of Ophthalmologists (FRCOphth)

Inclusion on the GMC Specialist Register

Clinical training equivalent to CCT in Ophthalmology

Tools

Electronic patient records (EPR)

Job description

Ophthalmology Consultant- Subspecialty Interest in Cornea and Cataract

Somerset NHS Foundation Trust is seeking a dynamic and forward-thinking Consultant Ophthalmologist with a subspecialty interest in Cornea, Cataract, and Urgent Eye Care. This exciting opportunity is based primarily at Yeovil District Hospital, with some clinical activity at Musgrove Park Hospital, and offers the chance to lead and shape urgent ophthalmic services across the county.

​You’ll join a team of 14 consultants delivering comprehensive ophthalmic care to a population of over 600,000 across Somerset and West Dorset. The department is well‑equipped with modern facilities including digital angiography, widefield imaging, multiple OCTs, and a dedicated ophthalmic theatre suite. The Trust is committed to innovation, virtual care expansion, and integrated service development.

VISITING ARRANGEMENTS

Miss Sudeshna Patra Consultant Ophthalmologist and CD for Ophthalmology

Mr Jon Park Consultant Ophthalmologist and Clinical Service Lead MPH

Mrs Brinda Shah Consultant Ophthalmologist and Clinical Service Lead YDH

Mr Indy Sian Consultant Ophthalmologist and Corneal Surgeon

Mr Pradeep Madhavan Assoc Medical Director and Consultant Spinal Surgeon Surgery Division

Mrs Abigail Robinson Service Manager Ophthalmology

Mrs Helen Evans Operational Support Manager

Please contact Abigail Robinson ([e-mail]) to arrange.

All short listed candidates will be expected to visit the Division

Main duties of the job

Clinical Responsibilities

Provide high‑quality specialist diagnosis, treatment, and care in ophthalmology, with a focus on cornea, cataract, and urgent eye conditions.

Lead and develop the Corneal Service at Yeovil District Hospital.

Act as Lead for Urgent Eye Care across Somerset FT, enhancing acute ophthalmic services.

Participate in the cataract surgery service and contribute to general ophthalmology clinics.

Join the on‑call rota for emergency ophthalmology (1 in 8 or less frequent).

Teaching & Supervision

Supervise and support junior doctors, including education, appraisal, and professional development.

Contribute to departmental and regional teaching programs.

Engage in training of allied health professionals.

Audit & Clinical Governance

Initiate and participate in clinical audits, including national datasets and departmental quality standards.

Ensure compliance with clinical governance policies and contribute to service transformation.

Undertake and promote research relevant to cornea and urgent eye care.

Support innovation in virtual care and community‑based ophthalmology services.

Manage administrative tasks related to patient care and departmental operations.

Collaborate with clinical managers and service leads on strategic planning and resource use.

Represent the department in meetings and contribute to service development.

About us

At Somerset NHS Foundation Trust, we’re committed to supporting our employees with a range of benefits designed to enhance your professional and personal life. We offer:

• Flexible working options to help you balance work and life
• NHS pension scheme for long‑term financial security
• Generous annual leave allowance to recharge and relax
• A strong focus on career development to help you grow and achieve your potential

Additionally, you’ll gain access to our Blue Light Card, unlocking exclusive discounts on shopping, dining, and leisure activities, as well as NHS‑specific perks to support you both inside and outside of work.

We are proud to foster a diverse, skilled, and inclusive workforce, and we encourage applications from all backgrounds.

Why Somerset? Somerset offers the perfect blend of idyllic countryside, outstanding areas of natural beauty, and breathtaking coastlines, with vibrant cities like Bristol, Bath, and Exeter just a short drive away - and only two hours to London.

The region is home to excellent educational facilities, and with affordable housing compared to other parts of the country, it’s a great place to build both your career and your future.

Somerset truly has it all - the peaceful countryside and cosmopolitan city life, with something for everyone to enjoy.

Job responsibilities

For the detailed job description and full person specification please refer to the document attached.

Person Specification

Qualifications

• Fellowship of the Royal College of Ophthalmologists (FRCOphth) or equivalent
• Inclusion on the GMC Specialist Register (or within six months of eligibility)
• Clinical training and experience equivalent to UK Certificate of Completion of Training (CCT) in Ophthalmology
• Fellowship in Cornea or Anterior Segment Disease
• Experience in running an Urgent Eye Care service
• Independent clinical practice in cornea and urgent ophthalmology
• Competence in cataract and corneal surgery, with audited surgical outcomes
• Clear understanding of clinical risk management
• Participation in clinical audit and service transformation
• Technology and IT skills, including experience with electronic patient records (EPR)
• Experience in teaching and training medical and allied healthcare professionals
• Evidence of publications in peer‑reviewed journals and presentations at national or international forums
• Strong organisational skills, including time management, logical thinking, and teamwork
• Experience in setting up or leading a cornea subspecialist clinic
• Fellowship in Leadership or Healthcare
• Previous role as Lead for Urgent Eye Care
• Understanding of strategic clinical leadership
• Experience as a clinical or educational supervisor, college tutor, or training programme director
• Research experience, academic honours, or higher degrees

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.

£109,725 to £145,478 a yearOn call commitments detailed in job description