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Trust Fellow in Ophthalmology (Glaucoma & Cataract)

Gloucestershire Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust

Cheltenham, GL53 7AN Fixed-Term Posted 24 August 2026 Apply by 13 September 2026

Home Office register entry: Gloucestershire Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust, Gloucester

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Role description

Job summary

We are seeking a Trust Ophthalmology Doctor to join our Acute District General Hospital team in a full-time, 12-month fixed-term Glaucoma/Cataract post. The role offers broad general ophthalmology experience, including high-volume cataract surgery. Experience in cataract surgery and glaucoma assessment is essential; independent cataract surgery is desirable but not required.

Applicants must have, or be eligible for, full GMC registration and preferably hold the FRCOphth, MRCOphth, or equivalent qualification. A minimum of 4 years' postgraduate experience is required, including at least 2 years in ophthalmology at OST, SHO, or higher grade level.

As a member of our Trust, you will work collaboratively with clinical and managerial colleagues to deliver high-quality patient care.

Key responsibilities include:

o Providing a first-class clinical serviceo Supporting and leading staff within the specialtyo Contributing to teaching, quality improvement and research activitieso Working in accordance with Trust policies and procedureso Delivering clinical practice in line with contractual requirements and service planso Supporting the development objectives of the specialty, Surgical Division and Trusto Demonstrating initiative, enthusiasm and flexibility throughout the role.

Main duties of the job

The successful applicant will work closely under the supervision of the Glaucoma consultants (Mr Reynolds, Mr Anand, Mr Al-Rubiay and Mr Dean) and Cataract Consultant Lead (Mr Dean) in the unit.

The weekly timetable includes Glaucoma and Cataract theatre sessions, Glaucoma and Cataract Clinics, Virtual Glaucoma sessions, Casualty Clinics and study/administrative sessions.

The post has fixed-on call commitments of 1:8 for weekdays, and 1:8 weekends. The postholder is expected to coordinate Glaucoma emergencies, both in the clinic, and in theatre. The postholder is also expected to be flexible and willing to undertake additional duties out of hours or in the event of unforeseen circumstances to ensure the smooth running of the department.

This post is a junior post designed to enhance basic skills and assessment of routine and emergency glaucoma patients as well as develop a full understanding of cataract patient assessment and work up with development opportunities within the service. Theatre sessions will be predominantly cataract focused with some opportunity for Glaucoma surgical teaching.

About us

We take pride in placing people at the centre of everything we do, working together as a united team. Driven by a shared ambition to continually grow, develop, and learn, we recognise and value every contribution. By combining our experience and skills, we not only support our vibrant, diverse communities, but also support one another.

With a team of over 9,000 employees, we are proud to be the largest employer in Gloucestershire and rank among the top 10 largest Trusts in the South West region.By joining our Trust, you will benefit from an excellent package that includes exclusive benefits, flexible working opportunities and the chance to gain valuable experience in one or both of our innovative hospitals.

As well as generous annual leave allowance, you will have access to the excellent NHS pension scheme, competitive bank rates, discounts at local shops and restaurants, access to two on-site nurseries, discounted public transport, reward and recognition and a range of health and wellbeing initiatives to support you.

Details

Date posted

24 August 2026

Pay scheme

Hospital medical and dental staff

Grade

Doctor - other

Salary

Depending on experience Dependent on experience

Contract

Fixed term

Duration

12 months

Working pattern

Full-time

Reference number

318-26-GLACAT

Job locations

Cheltenham General Hospital

Cheltenham

GL53 7AN

United Kingdom


Job description

Job responsibilities

Provisional Job Plan

Glaucoma/Cataract TRUST DOCTOR AM Theatre with SR/YA 1-5 Tewkesbury Hosp RSTA Theatre WD 2,3,4,5 Cataract Clinic Eye Emergency Clinic 1-5 PM Theatre with SR/YA 1-5 Tewkesbury Hosp Stroud with YA if no room supernumary AM GRH RSTA (cover of SR Cat clinic) Cataract Clinic Teaching 1,2,3 and 4 Theatre wk 5

Person Specification

Qualifications & Training

Essential

  • Full or eligible for full GMC Registration
  • Dip Ophth, MRCOphth or equivalent

Desirable

  • FRCOphth
  • Higher Degree e.g. MSc, MD, PhD
  • At least 2 years Ophthalmology experience

Clinical Experience

Essential

  • A minimum of 4 years postgraduate experience with at leave 4 years ophthalmic StR1 or higher grade since registration
  • Experience in phacoemulsification cataract surgery
  • Experience working in busy outpatient and casualty clinics as well as theatre
  • Exposure to emergency Ophthalmology on call

Knowledge & Skills

Essential

  • Experience and participation in departmental audit
  • Ability to teach junior staff
  • Good organisational skills and time management

Desirable

  • Pervious QIP or audit
  • Previous publications or research

Personal Attributes

Essential

  • Acceptance that the post requires a strong service commitment
  • Ability to travel independently between hospital sites
  • Willingness to seek timely assistance from senior colleagues as appropriate
  • Ability to establish good working relationships with staff and able to communicate well with patients
  • Applicants whose primary professional qualification(s) were not taken in English and/or have spent less than 6 months in a substantive NHS post, will need to demonstrate their language competence by achieving a score of 7 in the International English Language testing system (ILETS) or equivalent

Desirable

  • Evidence of personal initiative

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.

Certificate of Sponsorship

Applications from job seekers who require current Skilled worker sponsorship to work in the UK are welcome and will be considered alongside all other applications. For further information visit the UK Visas and Immigration website.

From 6 April 2017, skilled worker applicants, applying for entry clearance into the UK, have had to present a criminal record certificate from each country they have resided continuously or cumulatively for 12 months or more in the past 10 years. Adult dependants (over 18 years old) are also subject to this requirement. Guidance can be found here Criminal records checks for overseas applicants.

UK Registration

Applicants must have current UK professional registration. For further information please see NHS Careers website (opens in a new window).

Employer details

Employer name

Gloucestershire Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust

Address

Cheltenham General Hospital

Cheltenham

GL53 7AN

United Kingdom


Employer's website

https://www.gloshospitals.nhs.uk/

Job description

Job responsibilities

Provisional Job Plan


Last verified against our ingestion on 1 September 2026; sponsor register dataset 2026-08-25.