Consultant Ophthalmologist, Neuro-Ophthalmology

Job summary

Applications are invited for a substantive position as Consultant Ophthalmologist, with a specialist interest in Neuro-ophthalmology. It is an exciting opportunity for the post-holder to join a vibrant consultant team in a very desirable geographical location, to lead and develop the neuro-ophthalmology service across Somerset.

The successful applicant will join a team of Consultants and Specialty Doctors in providing a comprehensive ophthalmology service for the population of Somerset. The Ophthalmology Department in Taunton currently has 12 Substantive Ophthalmology Consultants, and in Yeovil there are currently 3, who between them provide a broad range of specialist Ophthalmology interests.

This is a 10PA position with fixed sessions in Ophthalmology, working across the two main acute hospitals in Somerset and with opportunities to also work in the peripheral hospitals. The post will be based at both the main hospitals within the Trust: Musgrove Park Hospital in Taunton, and Yeovil Hospital. It may also include clinics in the community.

The Eye unit is the busiest department at Somerset NHS Trust, carrying out over 5,000 operations every year.

The department has a dedicated Ophthalmic theatre suite in Taunton and access to a newly opened modular theatre unit at Yeovil, providing specialist care in excellent facilities. There are also two Ophthalmology Diagnostic Centres in the community, carrying out investigations for retinal and glaucoma patients in Somerset.

Main duties of the job

• To be the lead clinician in Neuro-ophthalmology for Somerset Foundation Trust.
• To provide, to a high standard, the full range of specialist diagnosis, treatment and care to patients requiring Ophthalmology services, including involvement in the Eye Health Network and cataract surgery.
• To be responsible for the diagnosis and treatment of patients in Musgrove Park Hospital and Yeovil Hospital, in conjunction with the Consultants in the Ophthalmology Department
• To deliver theatre commitments, including cataract surgery.
• To commit to the general on-call commitment for the service (approximately 1 in 8).
• The weekly timetable will include dedicated Neuro-ophthalmology clinics.
• To participate in all elements of the Ophthalmology departmental activity, including audit, teaching and clinical governance.
• To attend weekly teaching sessions on a Friday afternoon, as well as a monthly audit and clinical governance meeting.
• To participate in the Primary Care/Acute Referral Service for Ophthalmology at both sites.
• To participate in administration of the above.
• To have Involvement in Supervision / teaching of junior doctors and the wider MDT staff.

About us

As an organisation, Somerset NHS Foundation Trust offers employees a wide range of benefits including flexible working, NHS pension scheme, generous annual leave allowance and a commitment to career development.

You will be eligible for our Blue Light Card and a wide range of NHS exclusive shopping & leisure discounts.

We are proud of our skilled, diverse workforce and as an inclusive employer we welcome applications from all backgrounds.

Working in Somerset enables you to enjoy the idyllic countryside, areas of outstanding beauty and stunning coastlines whilst still only being a stone's throw away from bustling city centres like Bristol, Bath and Exeter and only two hours away from London.

There are excellent educational facilities in the area and, when compared to other regions, house prices are reasonable.