Visa Information
This position offers a Certificate of Sponsorship for eligible international candidates. However, all applicants must verify their specific visa eligibility requirements directly with the employer before applying. Please note that UK immigration regulations may change, and final approval is subject to individual circumstances and current UK Visas and Immigration policies.
Job Overview
We are delighted to offer an opportunity for a highly motivated, ambitious individual to join our well-integrated team at The Newcastle upon Tyne Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust. This is a unique position supporting the uveitis service, which serves as a tertiary referral centre in the North East of England. The post is a proleptic appointment as our main uveitis specialist is due to retire, providing an excellent career development opportunity.
About the Role
The position involves working in and developing the uveitis and medical retina service with a 1:21 on call commitment. You will be expected to manage complex uveitis cases and collaborate closely with other medical specialties, particularly rheumatology, for managing systemic conditions associated with uveitis. The post is suitable for doctors with a certificate of training in either surgical ophthalmology with an interest in uveitis and another sub-specialty or those who have completed medical ophthalmology training.
Key Responsibilities
As a Consultant Ophthalmologist, you will provide clinical expertise in line with an agreed job plan, including specialist uveitis and medical retina work in clinic and laser procedures. You will be responsible for patients under your care, including those seen by your team. The role involves working collaboratively with the entire team and wider department, handling both internal and external referrals. You will also participate in virtual imaging reviews of medical retina patients and may be required to cover general clinics or eye emergency department sessions as needed.
Clinical Duties
The post holder will be involved in the ophthalmology consultant on-call rota for emergencies, taking overall responsibility for patients coming through the eye emergency department on allocated days. This includes triaging general referrals. You will be expected to perform retinal laser procedures and intravitreal injections. The role requires maintaining up-to-date knowledge of ophthalmic practice and adhering to GMC good medical practice guidelines.
Work Location
This position is primarily based at the Royal Victoria Infirmary in Newcastle upon Tyne, with potential involvement in clinics and operating at outreach sites. All routine cataract surgery takes place at the Newcastle Westgate Cataract Centre, located approximately one mile from the RVI. The department provides comprehensive ophthalmology services across all specialties.
Our Organisation
The Newcastle upon Tyne Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust is a flexible working-friendly organisation committed to accommodating working arrangements that best serve our patients, our organisation, and our staff. Our staff oversee over 6,500 patient contacts daily, delivering high standards of healthcare across multiple sites including Freeman Hospital, Royal Victoria Infirmary, Health Innovation Neighbourhood, Newcastle Dental Hospital, Newcastle Fertility Centre, and more.
Professional Development
We encourage involvement in and leadership of clinical trials. The post offers excellent opportunities for professional growth, with close working relationships with other medical specialties. Our trust provides cutting-edge care supported by state-of-the-art diagnostic services and serves as a catalyst for innovation to support pioneering clinical practice in the NHS.
Person Specification – Education and Qualifications
Essential qualifications include a Primary Medical Qualification, full GMC Registration, FRCOphth or equivalent qualification, and entry onto the GMC Specialist Register within 6 months from the date of the AAC. Desirable qualifications include a Higher Degree, medical retina fellowship or specialist training, NHS experience, and medical ophthalmology training.
Clinical Experience Requirements
Essential clinical experience includes extensive experience in general ophthalmology and sub-specialty experience in medical retina. You must be able to perform retinal laser and intravitreal injections, demonstrate evidence of experience in uveitis management, and show substantial commitment to the specialty. You should be able to offer expert clinical opinions within the specialty and take independent responsibility for patients referred to a tertiary centre.
Management and Administrative Skills
Essential management competencies include involvement with management and project leadership within the specialty, ability to take on responsibility and demonstrate leadership, capacity to work under pressure and cope with setbacks, and ability to effectively organise a consultant’s workload. You should also have an understanding of Clinical Governance. Desirable experience includes proven management and administrative experience, evidence of leadership/project management, and experience implementing change.
Teaching Experience
Essential teaching experience includes supervising junior medical staff, participation in undergraduate and postgraduate teaching, ability to teach clinical/technical/practical skills, and knowledge of teaching multidisciplinary teams. Desirable qualifications include attendance at courses to develop teaching skills, postgraduate qualification in medical education, and evidence of training non-medical practitioners.
Research and Audit Requirements
Essential research requirements include evidence of involvement in research methodology, understanding of publication processes, and critical review of literature. Essential audit requirements include evidence of participation in audit. Desirable research achievements include a higher degree and publications in the last five years. Desirable audit experience includes evidence of changing practice as a result of audit and revisiting audits to assess improvement.
Salary and Benefits
This permanent, full-time position offers a competitive salary ranging from £109,725 to £145,478 per annum, depending on experience and qualifications. The trust offers a comprehensive benefits package including pension schemes, flexible working arrangements, and opportunities for professional development. Our staff benefits package includes various wellness programs and support services.
Equal Opportunities
We are an equal opportunities employer and value diversity in our workforce. As a Disability Confident Employer and holder of various accreditations including Age Positive, Stonewall Gold Employer, and Living Wage Employer, we are committed to creating an inclusive working environment where all staff can thrive regardless of background, identity, or circumstances.
Certificate of Sponsorship
The trust offers a Certificate of Sponsorship for eligible international candidates who require skilled worker sponsorship to work in the UK. Applications from international job seekers are welcome and will be considered alongside all other applications. Please note that from 6 April 2017, skilled worker applicants must present criminal record certificates from each country where they have resided continuously or cumulatively for 12 months or more in the past 10 years.
Disclosure and Barring Service
This post is subject to the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act (Exceptions Order) 1975, requiring a submission to the Disclosure and Barring Service (formerly CRB) to check for any previous criminal convictions. All employment offers are made subject to satisfactory clearance through this process.
How to Apply
To apply for this position, please follow these steps:
Application Instructions
Apply via the NHS Jobs website. Complete applications must include all relevant qualifications, experience details, and supporting documentation as specified in the person specification. International applicants should ensure they include verification of their medical qualifications and GMC registration status.
International Applicant Checklist
For international candidates, please check:
- Verify your eligibility for UK skilled worker visa sponsorship with the employer
- Prepare criminal record certificates from all countries where you have resided for 12+ months in the past 10 years
- Ensure your medical qualifications are recognised by the GMC
- Prepare evidence of English language proficiency if required
- Contact the HR advisor for any specific queries regarding international applications
Contact Information
For questions about the job, contact Victoria Cowan (HR Advisor) at [email protected]. Please note that phone contact details were not provided in the job posting. For more information about The Newcastle upon Tyne Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust, visit https://careers.nuth.nhs.uk/why-us.
Application Deadline
The closing date for applications is 17 October 2025. Late applications will not be considered. Reference number for this position is 317-CON-25-236. Please ensure you quote this reference number in all correspondence.
Privacy Notice
Your personal data will be processed in accordance with The Newcastle upon Tyne Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust’s privacy policy. Please review their privacy notice at https://www.newcastle-hospitals.nhs.uk/help/privacy/ for information on how your data will be handled, used, and protected during the recruitment process.
