Job overview
TRUST FELLOW
Emergency Eye Care, Medical Retina & General Ophthalmology
Initially 6 months with option to extend to 12 months.
Full time or part time considered.
The post is suitable to those wishing to get additional experience to enter training at ST3 level, gain experience to count towards CESR accreditation, or gain UK based experience. Previous clinical fellows have secured fellowships at major UK institutions and successfully applied for RCO consultant accreditation.
We have an excellent track record in successful CESR applications and the current post holder is leaving to enter ST3 Training post. This post offers clinical and surgical experience equivalent to our training posts, including carrying out work based assessments suitable for a Royal College e-portfolio, and opportunities for ocular surgery. Time is also given to attend regular regional post-graduate teaching / educational events.
The post holder will participate in outpatient clinics, operating sessions and primary care session, including on-call.
Medical Practitioners applying for the post should be fully registered with the General Medical Council and will be expected to have had at least two years of experience in ophthalmology.
Main duties of the job
The post offers comprehensive experience in all aspects of ophthalmology in a well-supported and closely supervised environment. Appropriate clinical and educational supervision is provided within the department. Previous post holders have used the post to gain experience towards UK consultant accreditation. In addition, ophthalmologists with limited UK experience but on the GMCs specialist register have used the post to gain supervised training before progressing to further UK fellowships and subsequent consultant employment. The post holder will participate in outpatient clinics, operating sessions and primary care session, including on-call.
Working for our organisation
Medical Practitioners applying for the post should be fully registered with the General Medical Council and will be expected to have had at least two years of experience in ophthalmology.
The post is whole time and operates a first on-call 1:8 rota which includes prospective cover for annual and study leave.
Detailed job description and main responsibilities
Please see the full job description and person specification document(s) for main responsibilities of the role.
This vacancy may close once sufficient applications have been received.
Person specification
Qualifications & Training
Essential criteria
1. FRCOphth part 1 or equivalent
2. Full GMC registration with a licence to practice
Desirable criteria
3. FRCOphth or equivalent
Knowledge and Skills
Essential criteria
4. Completed general ophthalmology training
Desirable criteria
5. Some prior experience in medical retina
Experience
Essential criteria
6. 3 years as an ophthalmologist
Desirable criteria
7. 1 year in Medical retina
Disclosure and Barring Checks (DBS)
It is the policy of South Tees Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust that all successful candidates who are new to the Trust who require DBS clearance for the post they have been offered, are required to pay the cost of their DBS. The method of payment for this is via salary deduction from your first month's pay.
Equality, Diversity and Inclusion
Everything we do is shaped by our values: Respect, Support, and Collaborate.
At University Hospitals Tees we want our workspaces to be places where everyone feels welcome, valued and safe. We treat people with respect, and we celebrate the differences that make each of us unique.
We welcome applications from everyone, no matter your age, background, race, religion, disability, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, family circumstances or beliefs.
We are here to support you throughout your application and at every stage of your career with us. We believe we work best when we collaborate, learn from each other and build teams that reflect the communities we serve.
Supporting disabled people and people with longterm conditions
We are a Disability Confident committed employer aspiring to become a lead employer in 2026.
This means we give fair and full consideration to applicants and will offer reasonable adjustments during the recruitment process. If you need help with your application, or need the information in a different format, please contact our recruitment team and we will support you.
If you have any special requirements to help you with your application, email our team at or call us on 01642 854610
Right to Work in the UK
The Trust welcomes applications from all candidates who meet the criteria for the role. Please note that from January 2021, to work in the UK all candidates who are not UK or Republic of Ireland (RoI) nationals require sponsorship unless you have permission to work via another route. Non UK / RoI candidates wishing to apply can self-assess the likelihood of obtaining a Certificate of Sponsorship here Work in the UK - (.
Please provide full and accurate details of your current immigration status on the application form. Your current immigration status will not be considered as part of the shortlisting or interview process.
Please note that not everyone needs a Skilled Worker visa. If you are applying for a vacancy in health or adult social care, you may be eligible to apply for the Health and Care Worker visa instead.
We are able to offer sponsorship for a Health and Care Worker or Skilled Worker visa, subject to candidate and position eligibility. Please review the job eligibility guidance for skilled workers here: Skilled Worker visa: Your job - ( and for the Health and Care Worker visa here: Skilled Worker visa: eligible healthcare and education jobs - (
Please note: if the job you are applying for does not meet the eligibility criteria above, we will be unable to offer you sponsorship and you will need to explore whether you may be eligible to apply for an alternative immigration route which will secure your right to work in the UK before you apply. If you are in the UK already on a visa, please ensure you have no restrictions that would prevent you from taking this post.
The Trust encourages and supports all applicants to be fully vaccinated against both COVID19 and influenza.
Please be aware, there are occasions where some vacancies may close prior to the closing date advertised. This will only happen where sufficient applications are received AND will be made evident on the job advert.
Please note if you are successfully shortlisted, we will contact you via the email address that you have applied from so please ensure you check your emails regularly.
Existing employees of South Tees NHS Foundation Trust currently on the Redeployment Register, who meet the essential criteria for this post, will be shortlisted and interviewed prior to all other applicants.