Specialist Doctor in Ophthalmology

University Hospitals Sussex NHS Foundation Trust; Kemp Town Estate; On-site; GBP 60,000 - 80,000; Full time

Job summary

A healthcare trust in the United Kingdom is seeking a qualified medical professional for independent outpatient clinics and subspecialty support in Ophthalmology. The role involves performing surgical procedures, mentoring junior staff, and contributing to patient management and data collection. Strong collaboration with healthcare teams and adapting to flexible working options are essential. Opportunities exist for skilled worker visa sponsorship.

Responsibilities

• Carry out independent outpatient clinics based on skills and experience.
• Support subspecialty clinics in Glaucoma, Cataract, and A&E.
• Participate in the first on-call rota if necessary.
• Provide clinical supervision to junior medical staff and support staff.
• Perform autonomous surgery and support trainees during surgical lists.
• Accountability for patients during operations with consultant oversight.
• Participate in pre- and post-operative management of patients.
• Contribute to national data collection for surgical procedures.
• Cover for colleagues during unforeseen absences collaboratively.
• Deputize for absent colleagues and perform additional duties in emergencies.
• Work with healthcare professionals across organizational boundaries.
• Contribute in the Senior Medical Doctor Meetings.
• Act as a role-model for the medical and multi-professional team.
• Manage own caseload and ensure completed clinical correspondence.
• Perform additional professional activities to maintain hospital standards.

Job description

The Sussex Eye Hospital is a specialist eye hospital and the teaching hub of the newly formed Kent, Surrey and Sussex Deanery and KSS School of Ophthalmology. We serve a population of approximately 750,000, through the hub at the Sussex Eye Hospital and the spoke unit at Princes Royal Hospital. The retinal referral population is close to 1 million. The Sussex Eye Hospital is in close proximity to the Royal Sussex County Hospital which provides specialist investigations and liaison with other disciplines.

Responsibilities

• The candidate is expected to carry out independent outpatient clinics based on appropriate skills and experience.
• Subspecialty clinic support will include Glaucoma clinics, Cataract clinics and A&E.
• The number of clinics will be negotiated with the successful candidate.
• It may be necessary for the successful candidate to take part in the first on‑call rota.
• The candidate is expected to provide clinical supervision and support to junior medical doctors, optometrists, nurses, technicians and orthoptists who run clinics at the same time in the Ophthalmology unit.
• The candidate is expected to perform autonomous surgery lists, and at the same time to provide support to trainees for dedicated surgical lists.
• Have overall accountability for the patients they operate on with oversight from a consultant.
• To participate in the pre– and post‑operative management of patients they operate on.
• To participate in any national data collection requirement for surgical procedures performed.
• To participate in the provision of cover on a shared basis with colleagues when unforeseen short‑notice absences occur.
• The Doctor may be required to deputise from time to time for absent colleagues, and exceptionally to perform additional duties in occasional emergencies and unforeseen circumstances to ensure the safe running of the Department.
• Work in close collaboration with the other health‑care professionals across organisational boundaries to ensure the service meets the needs of the patient.
• To attend and contribute in the Senior Medical Doctor Meetings.
• Act as a role‑model for the Medical and the wider multi‑professional team.
• Manage own caseload and ensure all clinical correspondence/actions for patients is completed.
• Consider performing additional professional activities to contribute to the maintenance of acceptable standards of conduct and performance of the hospital.

Please see the job description and person specification attached to the advert for further details of the post.

Important information for applicants

A Note on AI Use in Applications
We value the individuality and authenticity that each candidate brings to the application process. While AI tools are increasingly accessible, we strongly discourage their use in completing your application. Your responses should reflect your own voice, experiences, and motivations‑elements that are essential to a fair and accurate evaluation.
Applications that rely heavily on AI‑generated content may misrepresent your abilities and could result in your application being rejected. We encourage you to take the time to present your genuine self, as this helps us better understand your potential and ensures a transparent selection process.

Closing Adverts Early:
In the event of exceptional interest, we may close adverts earlier than specified.
Some of our adverts are capped for a limited number of applications; therefore, the advert will close once the cap has been reached. We therefore encourage you to submit your application as soon as possible if you are interested in the position to prevent you from missing out on applying for the opportunity.

Flexible Working:
If you would like to explore potential options regarding flexible working please speak with the appropriate recruiting/line manager.

DBS Checks:
As part of our commitment to a safe working environment, we undertake a Disclosure and Barring Service check on all new employees where the role is eligible for a criminal record check. We make offers in line with the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act 1975.

Skilled Worker Visa:
Applications for Skilled Worker sponsorship are welcome for the roles that meet the Visa and Immigration eligibility criteria. For further information please visit the gov.uk website searching for Skilled Worker. It is your responsibility as the applicant to ensure that you meet this criteria.

UHSussex reserves the right to close the role early if we receive a high volume of applications.