Job summary
- Main area
- Ophthalmology
- Grade
- NHS Medical & Dental: Consultant
- Contract
- Fixed term: 3 months (N/A)
- Hours
- Part time - 7 sessions per week (Oncall)
- Job ref
- 193-MS2295PCG
- Employer
- Royal Berkshire NHS Foundation Trust
- Employer type
- NHS
- Site
- Royal Berkshire Hospital
- Town
- Reading
- Salary
- £113,565 - £150,569 Per anum
- Salary period
- Yearly
- Closing
- 13/11/2026 08:00
Employer heading
Locum Consultant in Vitreoretinal Ophthalmology
NHS Medical & Dental: Consultant
At the Royal Berkshire NHS Foundation Trust we put our patients at the heart of every element of health and care that we provide. The Trust works together as a community to deliver its vision which is “Working together to provide outstanding care for our community.”
Royal Berkshire Hospital are pleased to announce that following our CQC inspection we have been rated ‘Good’ with inspectors reporting that we have made significant improvements. The Trust’s overall rating has also improved to ‘good’.
We are Compassionate in our thoughts, words and actions
We are Aspirational and have a true desire to be dynamic and to innovate
We are Resourceful and responsible in the way we work and live
We are Excellent in our development, fairness and sharing best practice
At the Royal Berkshire NHS Foundation Trust, we value candidates who bring their unique personalities, skills, and experiences to the Trust. When completing your application, we encourage you to highlight your individual achievements and strengths, showing us how they align with the requirements outlined in the job description and person specification. While we recognise that some applicants may use AI tools during the process, please be mindful that AI-generated responses can often lack the personal detail and relevance needed to demonstrate your suitability for the role. AI generated content is discouraged by the Trust and may diminish the candidates chances of success.
Amazing things happen at the Royal Berkshire NHS Foundation Trust; delivered by amazing people so why don’t you come and join us. We offer a range of learning and development for all employees may you be clinical or non-clinical.
Please note: all vacancies automatically close when 50 applications have been received.
Job overview
We are seeking an enthusiastic and motivated Locum Vitreoretinal Consultant Ophthalmologist to join the Ophthalmology team at Royal Berkshire NHS Foundation Trust on a 3-month fixed-term basis to cover materity leave. This is an exciting opportunity to join a dynamic and forward-thinking department providing specialist ophthalmic services across the Royal Berkshire Hospital, Prince Charles Eye Unit, and West Berkshire Community Hospital.
The successful candidate will play a key role in delivering high-quality Vitreoretinal Ophthalmology services. The role offers a varied and rewarding job plan including vitreoretinal ophthalmology clinics, vitreoretinal ophthalmology surgery, on-call commitments, and participation in clinical governance, teaching, and service development.
Our Ophthalmology Department is one of the largest in the region, delivering approximately 100,000 outpatient attendances, 20,000 eye casualty attendances, and 7,000 day-case procedures annually, serving a population of around 1 million people. With modern facilities, dedicated ophthalmic theatres, advanced diagnostic equipment, and integrated digital systems, the department is well equipped to provide high-quality patient care and support service innovation.
This role is ideal for a consultant with strong experience in vitreoretinal ophthalmology, who is passionate about service development, multidisciplinary working, education, and delivering excellent patient-centred care.
Main duties of the job
The postholder will provide high-quality specialist ophthalmology care, with a focus on Vitreoretinal across both outpatient and inpatient settings. They will be responsible for assessing, diagnosing, and managing a wide range of acute ophthalmic conditions, while contributing to the delivery of safe, effective, and compassionate care.
The role includes delivering high-volume Vitreoretinal surgery, participating in the ophthalmology on-call rota, and supervising junior medical staff while supporting the teaching and development of trainees, nursing staff, and allied health professionals.
Working for our organisation
Diversity makes us interesting… Inclusion is what will make us outstanding.
Inequality exists and the journey to eliminate it is not easy. Every step we take will be a purposeful step forward to deliver a truly inclusive culture where all our people are enabled to deliver outstanding care, where background is no barrier, and where everyone can be their authentic self and we truly represent our patient community.
We are committed to equal opportunities and welcome applications from all sections of the community, regardless of any protected characteristics. Reasonable adjustments will be made for disabled applicants where possible. All applicants who have a disability and meet the minimum criteria for the post can opt for a guaranteed interview.
If you need additional help with your application please get in touch by calling the recruitment team on 0118 322 6997 or 0118 322 5342.
Our primary method of communication will be via email. However, if you would prefer to be contacted through a different method, please inform the recruitment team.
Detailed job description and main responsibilities
The postholder will also be expected to contribute to clinical governance, audit, and quality improvement activities, ensuring compliance with national standards and helping to identify opportunities for service development. Active participation in consultant meetings, departmental planning, and education programmes will be essential.
We are looking for a candidate with excellent clinical leadership, strong decision-making skills, and the ability to work effectively within a busy multidisciplinary environment. The ideal applicant will demonstrate a commitment to patient safety, service improvement, and teaching, alongside excellent communication, organisational skills, and a collaborative approach to care.
Person specification
Education and Qualifications
Essential criteria
- Full registration with the GMC/eligible
- And/or Within 6 months of CCST in (Speciality) at interview date
- Membership of the Royal College of Ophthalmology of the United Kingdom or equivalent
- Higher degree e.g. PhD/ MD submitted/awarded
Clinical Experience, Knowledge & Skills
Essential criteria
- Fully trained in VR eye care
- Previous responsibility for clinical governance and GMC Good Medical Practice
- Fully trained in further ophthalmology subspecialty area, if desired and complimentary to A&E work or the wider team
- All aspects of general ophthalmology and patient care
Patient Experience
Essential criteria
- Contributes to improving patients experience
- See patients as individuals and involve them in decisions about their care
- Ability to work in partnership to deliver a patient centred service
- Demonstrate an understanding and willingness to embrace user involvement
Employer certification / accreditation badges
Applicant requirements
You must have appropriate UK professional registration.
This post is subject to the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act 1974 (Exceptions) Order 1975 (Amendment) (England and Wales) Order 2020 and it will be necessary for a submission for Disclosure to be made to the Disclosure and Barring Service.
Documents to download
Further details / informal visits contact
- Name
- Shreya Halder
- Job title
- Clinical lead Ophthalmology
- Email address
- [email protected]
- Telephone number
- 01183227169
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