Job overview

Are you an experienced ophthalmologist with a specialisation or interest in glaucoma, looking for a new opportunity? Apply to join our dynamic & forward thinking eye department and trust as a Specialist Doctor (Associate specialist).

Why Us? - Established Department:

Our unit has a new outpatient department & operating theatres with state of the art kit. The glaucoma team is an enthusiastic, innovative team (4 substantive glaucoma consultants, 2 associate specialists, fellows & nurses) delivering complex traditional surgery and MIGS. 
Diverse Patient Base: With over 120,000 outpatient visits, 6000 inpatients, 24,000 eye casualty cases annually, you'll have the chance to work with a wide range of patients.

Southampton Eye Unit

Our purpose-built Southampton Eye Unit underwent an exciting expansion, offering state-of-the-art facilities for both inpatient and outpatient care. From fully equipped ophthalmic theatres to dedicated administrative areas and outpatient facilities, we provide a comprehensive suite of services. Our department boasts the latest imaging equipment, including OCTs, Optos, and digital slit lamps, ensuring we deliver the highest standard of care.

Main duties of the job

As a  Specialist doctor, you'll be responsible for managing complex glaucoma cases and performing independent surgical procedures.

Attached you will find the person specification document which provides more detail about the essential and desirable skills and experience needed for this role. We highly recommend you review this document and use it when completing your application as these criteria are used by hiring managers as guidance during shortlisting.

For an overview of the main duties of the role please see the ‘Job Description and Main Responsibilities’ section below. To understand the day-to-day responsibilities in more detail please read the full job description document attached.

Working for our organisation

Joining our team at University Hospital Southampton (UHS) opens doors to unparalleled learning and development opportunities, empowering you to achieve your career aspirations. As one of the largest acute teaching Trusts in England, we pride ourselves on fostering an environment where staff can thrive. Rated 'Good' by the CQC, we consistently rank in the top 10 acute trusts for staff engagement and recommendations.

• Employee Perks: employees can access to a range of NHS discounts, generous pension schemes, and a minimum of 35 days paid holiday (pro rata)
• Vibrant Location: Situated on the stunning south coast, Southampton offers a fantastic quality of life. With an international airport, direct trains to London, and attractions like the New Forest National Park and Jurassic Coast, there's something for everyone. Plus, living costs are significantly lower than in London, with 14 outstanding schools rated by Ofsted

Operating Theatres

Our four fully equipped ophthalmic theatres boast cutting-edge technology, including Alcon Phacoemulsification machines and Ngenuity 3D viewing systems. With Leica Proveo 8 microscopes and intraoperative OCT capabilities, we prioritize precision and innovation in surgical procedures. Our commitment to excellence extends to our electronic patient record systems, facilitating personal surgical audits and ensuring seamless patient care. We perform traditional penetrating glaucoma surgery as well as procedures such as OMNI, Hydrus, Miniject, ELIOS etc.

Detailed job description and main responsibilities

What you’ll do

• Utilize your expertise in managing complex glaucoma cases independently, encompassing both medical and surgical interventions, to provide comprehensive care to patients.
• Demonstrate proficiency in performing independent cataract and glaucoma surgical procedures, ensuring excellent outcomes and prioritizing patient well-being.
• Foster a collaborative spirit within the team, effectively communicating with colleagues, sharing insights, and working towards common goals in our multidisciplinary approach to patient care.
• Contribute to the education and training of medical staff and trainees through teaching and mentorship, both within the department and at regional and local meetings.
• Stay updated with the latest advancements in glaucoma management and surgical techniques, proactively seeking opportunities for learning and professional development to ensure continuous improvement in patient care.

What we’re looking for

• Specialized expertise in managing complex glaucoma cases independently, encompassing both medical and surgical interventions.
• Proven proficiency in performing independent cataract and glaucoma surgical procedures, ensuring optimal patient outcomes and safety.
• A collaborative mindset, capable of effective communication, sharing insights, and working harmoniously within our multidisciplinary team.
• Dedication to education and training, with a passion for teaching and mentoring medical staff and trainees at both departmental and regional levels.
• A commitment to continuous learning and professional development, staying updated with the latest advancements in glaucoma management and surgical techniques to enhance patient care.

Person specification

Qualifications and training

Essential criteria

• Full GMC registration
• Minimum of three years’ experience at SHO or higher level
• DRCOphth, MRCOphth, FRCOphth or equivalent
• Work experience in busy glaucoma clinics and eye casualty
• Work unsupervised
• Teaching experience

Desirable criteria

• Specialist Registration

Previous or relevant experience

Essential criteria

• Glaucoma subspecialty interest and experience
• Yag PI / SLT Laser
• Independent expertise in cataract surgery
• Service Improvement experience
• Exposure to surgery and surgical complications
• Manage and identify emergencies
• Audit experience

Desirable criteria

• Research experience

Living the Trust values

Essential criteria

• Patients First
• Always Improving
• Working Together

Aptitudes and skills

Essential criteria

• Evidence and ability to communicate and liaise effectively with patients and colleagues (verbal and written communication skills in English).
• Willingness to seek timely assistance from senior
• Establish good working Relationships with staff
• Leadership skills and Management skills
• Diplomatic attitude
• Stereopsis

Desirable criteria

• Able to travel to other sites when needed

Please be advised that this vacancy may close earlier than stated if large numbers of applications are received.

Due to the volume of applications we receive, we are unable to acknowledge receipt of your application. If you have not heard from us within four weeks of the closing date of this post, please presume that you have not been selected for interview.

Applicants from University Hospitals Southampton NHS Foundation Trust whose posts are considered to be ‘At Risk’ will be given prior consideration for this post

Our Trust runs the return to practice course each year for nurses who have been out of the profession and wish to return. To find out more please visit our website:

http://www.uhs.nhs.uk/WorkingHere/Typesofjob/Nurses/Returntonursing.aspx

http://www.discoversouthampton.co.uk/   Information on Southampton as a place to live and enjoy

https://www.uhs-vle.co.uk/   See what fantastic training and development we have on offer at UHS

http://www.youtube.com/user/SouthamptonHospitals learn about the Trust through visiting our YouTube channel 

Getting to Work

Application can be made for parking on site at UHS or through one of the park and ride schemes. This will be based on specific criteria to determine eligibility for site parking as this can be very limited.  UHS encourages staff to utilise other green methods of getting to work such as cycling or walking where possible. UHS is well connected through bus services to the city centre and other areas.

Please note that we will not accept any applications or queries via agencies, under any circumstances.

Our staff are positive about working at UHS and rate us above average compared to other NHS Trusts in the Staff Attitude Survey. We are rated strongly on a number of areas including teamwork, communication and engagement.

Equality remains at the centre of all Trust policy making, service delivery and employment practice with all employees being given equality of opportunity to develop, apply for promotion and have working arrangements that enable them to achieve a manageable work-life balance.

The Trust actively promotes a work environment free from harassment and discrimination and provides training for managers and staff to ensure this happens. The Trust also closely monitors recruitment activity, training and development and employment practices to ensure equality of practice with regard to race, colour, ethnic or national origin, religion or belief, gender, sexual orientation, disability, marital status and age.

As a service provider the Trust ensures equality of access and delivery of our services through the provision of interpreter services, facilities for the disabled and sensitivity for patients ethnic and religious differences and needs.

Relocating to Southampton

If you are thinking of moving to the Hampshire area, please find below a link to our website which offers guidance on finding accommodation:

http://www.uhs.nhs.uk/relocating-to-southampton

The Trust is under a duty to protect the public funds it administers, and to this end may use the information you have provided on this form for the prevention and detection of fraud. It may also share this information with other bodies responsible for auditing or administering public funds for these purposes.