Clinical Fellow in Acute Ophthalmology (Cornea & Cataract) in City of London

This is a full-time clinical post based at King’s College Hospital, Denmark Hill. The post holder will work within a multi-disciplinary team to provide and develop elective and emergency care for ophthalmology patients, including development of sub-specialty interests in cataract and cornea. This post is ideal for those looking to increase anterior segment experience and gain experience in complex cataract surgery. The post holder must be competent to perform independent routine cataract surgery. Previous anterior segment experience and high-volume cataract surgery is desirable.

Main duties of the job

• Together with other colleagues to provide a service for patients, including all aspects of treatment and relevant management duties for the proper functioning of the Care Group.
• Shared responsibility with other colleagues for providing 24/7 cover for the Unit on a rota basis, including covering colleagues’ periods of annual leave and short-term sickness.
• Participation in Multi-disciplinary Meetings.
• Contribution to audit and clinical governance programmes.
• Responsible for outpatient clinic commitments in peripheral hospitals as agreed with the Care Group management team.
• Contribute to the Care Group research interests in accordance with the Trust’s R&D framework.
• Contribute to the audit programmes, Morbidity and Mortality, clinical governance programs and learning from Deaths.
• Work with clinical and other professional colleagues to maintain staff productivity and job satisfaction; may include involvement in the appraisal process for peers and/or junior colleagues.
• Be aware of, and comply with, all Trust infection prevention and control policies, including hand hygiene, personal hygiene, environmental and food hygiene.
• Prepare for and undertake protective interventions in a manner consistent with evidence-based practice and patient safety.

Working for our organisation

King’s College Hospital NHS Foundation Trust is one of the UK’s largest teaching Trusts with a broad range of local and specialist services across its five sites. The trust-wide strategy focuses on outstanding care, research, education, diversity, equality and inclusion, and sustainability. We offer flexible working options to support a healthy work/life balance and service requirements. King’s is committed to delivering Sustainable Healthcare and has set net zero carbon targets as part of its Green Plan. All staff are encouraged to minimise carbon emissions and waste where possible.

Detailed job description and main responsibilities

The job plan includes participation in the on-call rota, with acute management of anterior segment conditions (notably corneal infections and trauma), providing senior support to the emergency service. The post holder will have the opportunity to be involved in the crosslinking service. In addition to clinical duties, the post holder is expected to engage in research projects with a view to peer‑reviewed publication. Tenure of the post is 1 year, renewable for one year by mutual consent. Applicants must have MRCOphth or equivalent, be eligible for full or limited GMC registration at the time of appointment, and be eligible to work in England. Informal enquiries or a visit to the Unit are encouraged for shortlisted candidates.

The post holder will be expected to take part in the on-call rota at King’s College Hospital, which may include ophthalmic care for patients at Lewisham, Sidcup and Farnborough. Urgent referrals are usually managed within the Kings Rapid Eye Service (KRES) at Denmark Hill or the Rapid Access Unit (RAU) at Queen Mary’s Hospital; patients may be referred to the on-call team for emergency management. The on-call rota includes a resident first on-call schedule until 10pm daily; after 10pm there is an overnight, non-resident on-call rota. The on-call doctor is required to see and discuss with the on-call Consultant any emergency patients requiring admission or surgery. All employees are expected to undertake work on any of the Trust’s sites as required.

Responsibilities include:

• Provision of a first-class clinical service.
• Effective leadership within the specialty.
• Sustaining and developing teaching and research in conjunction with King’s College London / KHP.
• Undertaking all work in accordance with the Trust’s procedures and operating policies.
• Conducting clinical practice in line with contractual requirements and service plans.
• Maintaining the confidence of business plans and development strategies for the specialty, Care Group or Trust.

Person specification

Qualifications

• MRCOphth or equivalent
• Full GMC registration with License to Practice
• Other higher degree or diploma (e.g., MD)

Training and Experience, Research, Administration

• Wide experience in all aspects of Ophthalmology, culminating in award of CCT or equivalent
• Ability to perform independent cataract surgery
• Experience in day-to-day organisation of ophthalmic services in a busy teaching hospital
• Experience of conducting or supporting clinical research
• Experience of undergraduate and post-graduate teaching and exam preparation
• Familiar with current structure of Health Service and recent initiatives and changes

Skills, Management and Leadership

• Effective communicator, able to work in a close-knit team and cooperate with all medical and para-medical staff
• Demonstrates leadership capability within multi-disciplinary teams
• Thorough understanding of medical audit and quality improvement
• Familiar with information technology and general computer skills

You must have appropriate UK professional registration. This post is subject to the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act 1974 (Exceptions) Order 1975 (Amendment) (England and Wales) Order 2020 and a submission for Disclosure to be made to the Disclosure and Barring Service.