Consultant Ophthalmologist in Cataract Surgery: Sponsorship Available

Job summary

At Bristol NHS Foundation Trust we are passionate about delivering outstanding care and developing innovative services for the communities we serve. Bristol Eye Hospital (BEH) is looking to grow its talented team of consultants to help drive an ambitious future vision for ophthalmology services across Bristol and Weston. See Yourself at Bristol Eye Hospital (subtitles) on Vimeo

We are excited to offer an opportunity for a motivated and forward-thinking Consultant Ophthalmologist with a specialist interest in Cataract Surgery to join our expanding team. This is an excellent opportunity to lead and further develop a the cataract service within one of the UK’s leading specialist eye hospitals.

Main duties of the job

The substantive Consultant post has been designed to provide high quality sub-specialist cataract services for patients at the Bristol Eye Hospital (BEH). The successful candidate will complement the existing ophthalmology team and will be expected to play an active role in the running of the cataract service. They will also be expected to participate in the workload of the department should the need arise. Bristol Eye Hospital is a regional centre for ophthalmology and forms part of the Division of Surgery within Bristol NHS Foundation Trust. The hospital provides comprehensive secondary and tertiary ophthalmic services and is recognised as a specialist referral centre. Working within a highly skilled multidisciplinary team, the successful candidate will have the opportunity to contribute to both service development and the wider strategic ambitions of one of the UK’s most respected ophthalmic services.

Person Specification

Qualifications & Training

Essential

• Full and specialist registration with the General Medical Council (GMC)
• Holder of Certificate of Completion of Training in Ophthalmology (CCT), or evidence of within 12 months of award of CCT or equivalent by date of interview
• Eligible for specialist registration within 12 months of interview

Desirable

• Higher academic qualification e.g. MD, PhD or equivalent

Experience

Essential

• Evidence of thorough and broad training and experience in general ophthalmology and high volume cataract services
• Able to take responsibility for delivering service without direct supervision

Desirable

• Evidence of a special interest and expertise that complements those of other consultants in the department and is consistent with the Trust’s service strategy

Clinical Knowledge and Skills

Essential

• Up to date knowledge and experience of relevant specialty
• Knowledge of NHS priorities with reference to specialty

Desirable

• Broad range of IT skills

Clinical Governance and Audit

Essential

• Up to date knowledge and experience of relevant specialty
• Knowledge of NHS priorities with reference to specialty
• Knowledge of NHS priorities with reference to specialty

Research

Essential

• Knowledge of the principles involved in research
• Evidence of involvement in research

Desirable

• Additional academic experience and qualifications e.g. PhD
• Evidence of publication of peer reviewed academic papers

Teaching and Training

Essential

• Experience of teaching medical students and AHP’s
• Experience of supervising trainees.
• Knowledge of teaching to a multidisciplinary team

Desirable

• Formal teaching/ education qualification.
• Educational Supervisor training completed

Management & Leadership

Essential

• Evidence of management training and evidence of learning from it
• Ability to organise efficient and smooth running of a specialist service
• Ability to cope with and effectively organise the workload of a consultant
• Ability to practice independently as a consultant
• Ability to take on responsibility and show evidence of leadership
• Ability to work under pressure and cope with setbacks

Desirable

• Evidence of management/leadership experience and/or qualifications and courses

Interpersonal, communication and team working skills

Essential

• Ability to communicate effectively with patients, relatives, clinical colleagues, support staff and other colleagues
• Good knowledge of, and ability to use, spoken and written English.
• Ability to present effectively to an audience, using a variety of methods, and to respond to questions and queries
• Ability to develop effective working relationships on an individual and multi-professional basis with all levels of staff both within and across divisions
• Ability to be a flexible team member

Any other Personal Abilities and Aptitudes

Essential

• Ability to adapt and respond to changing circumstances
• Awareness of personal limitations

Desirable

• Additional professional responsibilities at local, regional or national levels

Other

Essential

• Meets professional health requirements
• Agreement to travel to and work in other Bristol NHS Foundation Trust sites necessitated by the role

Closing Date: 2 December 2026