Vacancy: Senior Clinical Fellow in Ophthalmology (Vitreoretinal) – NHS Medical & Dental.
- Grade NHS Medical & Dental: Senior Clinical Fellow
- Contract: 24 months (Fixed term)
- Hours: Full time – 40 per week, including 1:7 on call
- Site: Royal Blackburn Hospital, Town Blackburn (also duties at Burnley General Teaching Hospital and outreach sites)
- Salary: £61,825 per annum (Yearly). Closing 22/06/2026 23:59
Job Overview
Applications are invited for the position of Vitreoretinal Fellow. The successful candidate will join the Ophthalmology team at East Lancashire Hospitals NHS Trust and carry out clinical duties across multiple sites, providing comprehensive ophthalmology services.
Main Duties
- Attend and manage outpatient clinics (Cataract, Medical Retina, Cornea, Diabetic Eye Disease, Macular, Glaucoma, Paediatric Ophthalmology, Oculoplastics, Intravitreal injections) at Royal Blackburn, Burnley General, and outreach locations.
- Perform surgical procedures including but not limited to vitreo‑retinal surgery, corneal transplantation, glaucoma surgery, and cataract surgery under topical anaesthesia.
- Provide emergency eye care and participate in A&E teaching sessions.
- Take part in intra‑operative and post‑operative care for patients receiving intravitreal injections.
- Collaborate with nursing, orthoptic, optometry and technical staff for visual field assessments, OCT, photography, and glaucoma screening.
- Attend monthly clinical audit meetings and support ongoing in‑service training.
Qualifications & Experience
- Registered GMC.
- MBBS or equivalent; Specialist Training (or equivalent) in Ophthalmology; Diploma or higher degree in Ophthalmology.
- Fellowship of the Royal College of Ophthalmologists (or equivalent) preferred.
- Minimum 2‑3 years as an Ophthalmic SHO or equivalent, and 4 years as Ophthalmic Registrar/ST or equivalent.
- Experience in an emergency eye clinic setting and broad general ophthalmic training.
- Demonstrated surgical skills including independent cataract surgery and vitreoretinal procedures.
- Research experience and subspecialty interest in Vitreoretinal surgery.
Benefits & Working Conditions
- Fixed term contract of 24 months.
- Full‑time hours with 1:7 on call.
- Salary of £61,825 per annum, pro‑rated for part‑time.
- Provision for DBS checks with cost covered for volunteers.
- Training and development opportunities across subspecialty services.
- Supportive team environment with nurse practitioners and orthoptic department.
Equal Opportunities
The Trust is an equal opportunities employer, welcoming applications from all individuals irrespective of ethnicity, gender, age, gender identity, sexual orientation, religion, marital status, disability, or social background. Recruitment is on merit and where applicable a Guaranteed Interview Scheme will be offered for disabled candidates that meet essential criteria.
Application Notes
Salary is based on full‑time hours; if the post is less than 37.5 hours per week, salary will be pro‑rated. The role may close early if sufficient applications received. Candidates will be assessed anonymously against essential criteria.
Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS) checks are required for controlled or regulated activity and may be paid by the candidate if employed. DBS costs: Enhanced – £55.38; Standard – £27.38. Volunteer posts are exempt from DBS charges.
