Locum Consultant Ophthalmologist interest in Vitreoretinal Surgery in Sheffield

We are seeking a Whole-Time Locum Consultant Ophthalmologist with a subspecialty interest in Vitreoretinal Surgery to join the Ophthalmology Department at Sheffield Teaching Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust, based at the Royal Hallamshire Hospital. This is a fixed term post for 12 months starting from December 2026. This is a fixed-term locum post to cover a 12 month gap in the service, we are looking for a candidate who brings not only strong clinical and surgical expertise, but also enthusiasm, drive, and a commitment to collaborative working. The successful applicant will join a supportive, friendly, and highly motivated team dedicated to delivering outstanding patient care.

In addition to their subspecialty work, they would also be expected to work with the rest of the Department in managing the on call commitments and they would contribute to the delivery of cataract surgery, primarily based at the Northern General Eye Centre (NGEC). We would welcome applications from candidates across the full spectrum of experience, from those who have recently completed training to those who have well-established careers. Should any further vacancies arise shortlisted applicants will be considered.

Main duties of the job

• The appointee will, together with consultant colleagues, be responsible for the provision of a comprehensive, effective and modern ophthalmology service, practicing the full remit of the specialty including a major contribution to the specialist Vitreoretinal service.
• They will take their equal share in providing sub-specialty Vitreoretinal emergency cover and will be required to cover for colleagues during periods of absence.
• They will have continuing responsibility for patients in their care and the proper functioning of the Department.
• They will be expected to take part in the support and training of junior Ophthalmologists and the development and training of medical students and ancillary allied professionals.

Appointments are made to the Sheffield Teaching Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust and the person appointed is required to be sufficiently flexible to undertake their main clinical duties at any of the sites within the Trust and/or to change their base hospital. The successful candidate will work according to the terms and conditions of the national consultant contract.

Working for our organisation

Located on rolling hills and dissected by river valleys, Sheffield is one of the greenest and most wooded cities in Europe. More than a third of the city lies inside the beautiful Peak District National Park, and it is virtually surrounded by open countryside. Its central location and excellent transport links also means it is less than two hours from most major metropolitan areas. Sheffield Teaching Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust is one of the UK’s busiest and most successful NHS foundation trusts. This is an exceptional opportunity to join an award winning and internationally recognised team, with a focus on innovation, research and high quality care, as well as family friendly working, and we are keen to discuss with individuals about how we can support their ambitions.

Detailed job description and main responsibilities

Please refer to the supporting job description and person specification which will outline the duties of the role including an indicative job plan. Applications from those unable, for personal reasons, to work on a whole time basis or a job share basis will be considered. The successful candidate must be registered with the GMC with a valid licence to practice.

Person specification

• Registered (or eligible to be registered) with the GMC with a licence to practice or eligible within 6 months of the date of the interview.
• FRCOphth or equivalent international ophthalmology qualification.
• MD or PhD or equivalent.
• Further qualifications in research methods, teaching and/or management.
• Name on the specialist register for relevant specialty or eligible within 6 months of the date of the interview.
• If an applicant is UK trained, they must also be a holder of a Certificate of Completion of Training (CCT) or be within six months of award of CCT by date of interview.

Clinical experience

• Evidence of appropriate clinical experience suitable for the post.
• Ability to work as an independent practitioner.
• Completed a minimum of 12 months post-CCT Vitreoretinal fellowship in a recognised centre at the time of starting this post.
• Evidence of competence in contemporary management strategies in VR surgery.
• Personal log demonstrating competence in Vitreoretinal Services with audited outcomes.
• Willingness to acquire/improve clinical skills & knowledge in Vitreoretinal sub specialty.
• Evidence of competence in small incision day case cataract surgery.

Research

• Ability to critically assess published research and incorporate it into clinical practice where appropriate.
• Ability to apply research outcomes to clinical and surgical problems.
• Publications in Peer reviewed journals.

Teaching and training

• Experience of teaching student doctors and doctors in training at all levels.
• To have ability to teach all groups of staff.
• Evidence of past training and on-going CPD as an Educator.
• Advanced Teaching Qualification.

Continuous Professional Development

• Evidence of participation in CME/CPD in the last 12 months.
• Maintenance of a CPD diary or portfolio.

Management and Administration

• Evidence of the understanding of the systems and structures of NHS Management.
• Clinical governance and audit.
• Experience in performing clinical audit.
• Completion and publication of a substantive audit project or service improvement project.

Personal attributes

• Demonstrates behaviour consistent with PROUD values.
• Ensures value for money is considered in all that they do.
• Good oral and written communication skills.
• The applicant must demonstrate skills in listening, reading, writing and speaking the English language that enables effective communication about medical topics with patients and colleagues as set out in the GMC’ good medical practice (2013).

Please note that in order to comply with the UK Government’s rules on Skilled Worker sponsorship, any applicants who do not meet the eligibility requirements or concessions on salary thresholds under the Skilled Worker visa will not be eligible to receive sponsorship from the Trust.