Senior Medical Retina Fellow

University Hospital Southampton NHS Trust; Southampton; On-site; GBP 65,000 - 74,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading NHS healthcare provider in Southampton seeks a Senior Medical Retina Fellow to join their reputable ophthalmology team. This role offers the chance to manage complex medical conditions and participate in clinical trials, expanding surgical experience. Ideal candidates will hold an MBBS or equivalent, possess full GMC registration, and have significant knowledge in medical retina. This position provides a generous salary range based on experience and numerous benefits including holiday allowance and professional development support.

Benefits

Minimum of 35 days paid holiday

Generous pension scheme

Support for continuing professional development (CPD)

Qualifications

• MRCOphth or equivalent.
• Full GMC registration (or eligibility) required.
• Knowledge of medical retinal conditions and OCT interpretation.

Responsibilities

• Develop clinical experience and research in ophthalmology.
• Participate in the delivery of teaching programmes.
• Complete audit projects.
• Contribute to national clinical trials.

Skills

Ability to perform intra‑vitreal injections

Effective communication skills in English

Work effectively in multi‑professional teams

Organisational skills

Compassion and adaptability

Education

MBBS or equivalent medical qualification

GMC registration with a licence to practise

12 months ophthalmology practice

Experience in Medical Retina

Job description

Senior Medical Retina Fellow

Closing date: 05 January 2026

University Hospital Southampton NHS Foundation Trust is delighted to offer a fantastic opportunity to work with us. Join one of the UK's leading ophthalmology teams and take your career to the next level! Our Medical Retina Fellowship offers hands‑on experience at tertiary level in managing complex conditions including Uveitis, Age‑Related Macular Degeneration, Diabetic Retinopathy, Retinal Vein Occlusions, and inherited retinal diseases. You will work alongside world‑renowned experts, including Professor Lotery, and contribute to national clinical trials. There is also the chance to assist in cataract surgery lists, expanding your surgical exposure.

What we're looking for

• MRCOphth or equivalent
• Full GMC registration (or eligibility)
• Knowledge of medical retinal conditions and OCT interpretation
• Surgical experience is a bonus, not essential

Key responsibilities

• Develop clinical experience and research in ophthalmology, including publishing research papers during the fellowship.
• Actively participate in the delivery of teaching programmes.
• Complete audit projects.
• Contribute to national clinical trials and assist in cataract surgery lists.

Person Specification – Qualifications, Training & Experience

• MBBS or equivalent medical qualification
• GMC registration with a licence to practise
• Appropriate knowledge base and ability to apply sound clinical judgement to problems
• A minimum of 12 months ophthalmology practice
• Experience in Medical Retina
• NHS experience
• Post CCT
• Further qualifications
• Research experience
• Teaching experience

Aptitudes and 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
• Able to perform intra‑vitreal injections
• Able to perform pascal laser treatments for diabetic retinopathy

Living the Trust Values

• Able to demonstrate behaviours that meet the Trust Values: Patients First
• Able to demonstrate behaviours that meet the Trust Values: Always Improving
• Able to demonstrate behaviours that meet the Trust Values: Working Together

Additional Information

• Appointment will be made under local contractual terms and conditions of service for Trust appointed (non‑training fellow doctors and dentists).
• Applicants requiring Skilled Worker sponsorship must ensure they meet the Home Office application criteria prior to submitting an application.
• Grades for Trust appointed (non‑training) fellows will be paid a basic salary at a nodal pay point linked to the grade, at the rate set out in the National Medical and Dental pay circular, plus any additional remuneration (as applicable).
• Salary will be assessed based on experience and skills. Eligibility criteria for appointment to a Nodal Point 5: have a minimum of 6 years of Specialty training; hold relevant higher specialty exam (e.g. FRCP, FRCA, FRCS); portfolio of evidence that demonstrates they meet the criteria for progression (in line with the Curriculum for the speciality similar to deanery trainee).
• Proposed interview date: 22nd January 2026.
• This vacancy closes on or before 5th January 2026.

Closing Salary and Benefits

• Depending on experience £65,048 – £73,992 per annum.
• Minimum of 35 days paid holiday (pro rata).
• Generous pension scheme.
• Flexi‑working and flexible working requests will be considered.
• Access to a range of NHS discounts.
• Support for continuing professional development (CPD) and options to take study leave.

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.