Senior Medical Retina Fellow

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

Job summary

A leading acute teaching Trust is seeking a Senior Medical Retina Fellow to manage complex ophthalmology conditions and contribute to research. This role offers hands-on experience with world-renowned experts and the chance to participate in national clinical trials. Candidates should possess an MBBS or equivalent, GMC registration, and substantial experience in ophthalmology. The position includes a competitive salary ranging from £65,048 to £73,992 annually, with exceptional mentorship and career development opportunities.

Benefits

Minimum 35 days paid holiday

Generous pension scheme

NHS discounts

Qualifications

• Clinical judgment in managing retinal diseases.
• Experience in teaching and conducting research.
• Knowledge of medical retinal conditions and OCT interpretation.

Responsibilities

• Join a leading ophthalmology team managing complex conditions.
• Contribute to clinical trials and assist in cataract surgeries.
• Publish research papers during the fellowship.

Skills

Ability to perform intra-vitreal injections

Ability to perform pascal laser treatments for diabetic retinopathy

Effective communication skills (verbal and written)

Organizational skills

Ability to work in multi-professional teams

Education

MBBS or equivalent medical qualification

GMC registration with a licence to practise

Minimum of 12 months ophthalmology practice

Experience in Medical Retina

Job description

University Hospital Southampton NHS Trust

Senior Medical Retina Fellow

The closing date is 05 January 2026

University Hospital Southampton NHS Foundation Trust is delighted to offer a fantastic opportunity to work with us.

Please see below for detailed job description of the role.

Main duties of the job

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’ll work alongside world‑renowned experts, including Professor Lotery, a pioneer in the field, and contribute to national clinical trials. There's 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.)

Work in one of England’s largest acute teaching Trusts. Learn from clinicians who speak at international conferences. Access exceptional research and development opportunities. Be part of a team rated ‘Good’ by the CQC and ranked in the top 10 acute trusts for staff engagement.

This is more than a fellowship—it's a chance to shape your future in ophthalmology with unparalleled mentorship and networking opportunities.

About us

As one of the largest acute teaching Trusts in England, we offer learning and development opportunities to help you achieve the career you aspire to. UHS is rated ‘Good’ by the CQC and in the latest national NHS Staff Survey we were in the top 10 acute trusts for staff engagement and for staff recommending the hospital as a place to work or receive care.

We support flexible working and will consider requests taking into account the needs of the service. UHS employees are able to access a range of NHS discounts, are entitled to a minimum of 35 days paid holiday (pro‑rata), and we offer a generous pension scheme.

Southampton is an attractive place to live and work situated on the south coast, with an international airport and direct trains to London. The New Forest National Park and beaches of the Jurassic coast are also right on our doorstep. The city offers living costs 20% lower than London and 14 schools rated outstanding by Ofsted.

Job responsibilities

This post is an excellent opportunity for you to develop your clinical experience and research in ophthalmology. It is expected that you will publish research papers during your fellowship. You will also be expected to actively participate in the delivery of our teaching programmes and also complete audit projects.

For an overview of the position, please refer to the attached Job Description and Person Specification document. This includes a detailed breakdown of the key responsibilities, role expectations, and the qualifications we are looking for. It outlines the essential criteria for the role and is designed to support you in preparing your application by helping you evaluate how your skills, experience, and professional background align with the requirements of the role.

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 should ensure they meet the Home Office application criteria prior to submitting an application.

Successful candidates will have an educational framework equivalent to training grade doctors, and there will be a named educational supervisor assigned at the start of the post. The opportunity for Continued Professional Development (CPD) is highly supported and encouraged by the Trust, with options available to take study leave.

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. Basic salary plus any additional remuneration (as applicable) for hours set out in the doctors work schedule (e.g. additional hours, weekend allowance, and any hours which attract enhanced pay)

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)

A 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

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

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.

University Hospital Southampton NHS Trust

Depending on experience £65,048 - £73,992 per annum