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This role is listed by an employer that holds a live Home Office sponsor licence on the Skilled Worker route.

Salary for this role£113,565 – £150,569 a year

Health and Care route minimum£25,000 a year

Pay basisNational pay scales (NHS bands)

NHS roles fall under the Health and Care Worker route. Salaries set by national pay scales (NHS bands) at or above the relevant band rate typically meet the occupation's requirement.

Individual eligibility depends on personal circumstances. These figures are public reference information, not advice or a verdict on this job.

Role description

Job summary

We are seeking an enthusiastic and motivated Locum Vitreoretinal Consultant Ophthalmologistto join the Ophthalmology team at Royal Berkshire NHS Foundation Trust on a 3-month fixed-term basis to cover materity leave. This is an exciting opportunity to join a dynamic and forward-thinking department providing specialist ophthalmic services across the Royal Berkshire Hospital, Prince Charles Eye Unit, and West Berkshire Community Hospital.

The successful candidate will play a key role in delivering high-quality Vitreoretinal Ophthalmology services. The role offers a varied and rewarding job plan including vitreoretinal ophthalmology clinics, vitreoretinal ophthalmology surgery, on-call commitments, and participation in clinical governance, teaching, and service development.

Our Ophthalmology Department is one of the largest in the region, delivering approximately 100,000 outpatient attendances, 20,000 eye casualty attendances, and 7,000 day-case procedures annually, serving a population of around 1 million people. With modern facilities, dedicated ophthalmic theatres, advanced diagnostic equipment, and integrated digital systems, the department is well equipped to provide high-quality patient care and support service innovation.

This role is ideal for a consultant with strong experience in vitreoretinal ophthalmology, who is passionate about service development, multidisciplinary working, education, and delivering excellent patient-centred care.

Main duties of the job

The postholder will provide high-quality specialist ophthalmology care, with a focus on Vitreoretinal across both outpatient and inpatient settings. They will be responsible for assessing, diagnosing, and managing a wide range of acute ophthalmic conditions, while contributing to the delivery of safe, effective, and compassionate care.

The role includes delivering high-volume Vitreoretinal surgery, participating in the ophthalmology on-call rota, and supervising junior medical staff while supporting the teaching and development of trainees, nursing staff, and allied health professionals.

About us

Diversity makes us interesting... Inclusion is what will make us outstanding.

Inequality exists and the journey to eliminate it is not easy. Every step we take will be a purposeful step forward to deliver a truly inclusive culture where all our people are enabled to deliver outstanding care, where background is no barrier, and where everyone can be their authentic self and we truly represent our patient community.

We are committed to equal opportunities and welcome applications from all sections of the community, regardless of any protected characteristics. Reasonable adjustments will be made for disabled applicants where possible. All applicants who have a disability and meet the minimum criteria for the post can opt for a guaranteed interview.

If you need additional help with your application please get in touch by calling the recruitment team on 0118 322 6997 or 0118 322 5342.

Our primary method of communication will be via email. However, if you would prefer to be contacted through a different method, please inform the recruitment team.

Date posted

06 November 2026

Pay scheme

Hospital medical and dental staff

Grade

Consultant

Salary

£113,565 to £150,569 a year Per anum

Contract

Fixed term

Duration

3 months

Working pattern

Part-time

Reference number

193-MS2295PCG

Job locations

Royal Berkshire Hospital

London Road

Reading

RG1 5AN

United Kingdom

Job description

Job responsibilities

The postholder will also be expected to contribute to clinical governance, audit, and quality improvement activities, ensuring compliance with national standards and helping to identify opportunities for service development. Active participation in consultant meetings, departmental planning, and education programmes will be essential.

We are looking for a candidate with excellent clinical leadership, strong decision-making skills, and the ability to work effectively within a busy multidisciplinary environment. The ideal applicant will demonstrate a commitment to patient safety, service improvement, and teaching, alongside excellent communication, organisational skills, and a collaborative approach to care.

Person Specification

Education and Qualifications

Essential

Full registration with the GMC/eligible
And/or Within 6 months of CCST in (Speciality) at interview date
Membership of the Royal College of Ophthalmology of the United Kingdom or equivalent
Higher degree e.g. PhD/ MD submitted/awarded

Clinical Experience, Knowledge & Skills

Essential

Fully trained in VR eye care
Previous responsibility for clinical governance and GMC Good Medical Practice
Fully trained in further ophthalmology subspecialty area, if desired and complimentary to A&E work or the wider team
All aspects of general ophthalmology and patient care

Patient Experience

Essential

Contributes to improving patients experience
See patients as individuals and involve them in decisions about their care
Ability to work in partnership to deliver a patient centred service
Demonstrate an understanding and willingness to embrace user involvement

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.