Glaucoma Clinical Fellow (StR Higher)

Job overview

An excellent opportunity has arisen for the post of Glaucoma Clinical Fellow at the Royal Eye Infirmary, University Hospitals Plymouth NHS Trust , offering a 12‑month fixed‑term contract within our dynamic and expanding Ophthalmology department. We are seeking a motivated and enthusiastic clinician to join our dedicated Glaucoma team, contributing to high‑quality patient care and supporting the continued development of specialist glaucoma services across the region.

The successful candidate will work closely with our consultant glaucoma specialists at the Royal Eye Infirmary, gaining extensive experience in the management of complex glaucoma, including medical, laser and surgical care. The post provides a valuable opportunity to develop advanced clinical skills, participate in multidisciplinary team working, and engage in service improvement initiatives that enhance patient pathways and outcomes.

Our Ophthalmology unit delivers a comprehensive range of routine, urgent and specialist services. The post‑holder will be expected to play an active role in outpatient clinics, laser sessions, theatre lists, and the on‑call rota as appropriate. Opportunities for involvement in teaching, audit, and research are available and strongly encouraged.

Main duties of the job

This post is for a Glaucoma Clinical Fellow, supporting the continued development and delivery of high‑quality glaucoma services within the department. The role has been created to strengthen clinical capacity within the glaucoma team, and there may be potential for extension.

The post will be based at the Royal Eye Infirmary providing core glaucoma‑focused clinical activities including triaging referrals, managing outpatient clinics, delivering laser procedures, on call duties and assisting with glaucoma surgery. The post‑holder will work closely with the consultant glaucoma team and wider multidisciplinary staff to ensure timely, safe and effective care for patients with a wide spectrum of glaucoma and ocular hypertension.

Detailed job description and main responsibilities

This fellowship is designed for ophthalmologists approaching the end of their postgraduate training or for experienced clinicians seeking to further refine their practical and subspecialty expertise. Over the course of this one‑year post—with the possibility of extension to a second year for the right candidate—the successful applicant will gain advanced clinical exposure within ophthalmology, with particular emphasis on subspecialty training in Glaucoma. The role offers an excellent opportunity to consolidate high‑level clinical skills, develop confidence in managing complex glaucoma patients, and contribute meaningfully to a busy, forward‑thinking eye unit. Appropriately skilled candidates will have the opportunity to run their own cataract surgery lists, while additional supervised training can be provided for those wishing to further develop their surgical competencies.

The post‑holder will work collaboratively with consultant colleagues to deliver a high‑quality ophthalmic service that meets national standards and waiting‑time targets. They will be actively involved in glaucoma outpatient clinics, laser sessions, surgical activity, and multidisciplinary patient pathways, ensuring safe, efficient and patient‑centred care. A key component of the role is a commitment to education: the fellow will play an integral part in the training and supervision of junior doctors, medical students, and nursing or allied health staff both within the Royal Eye Infirmary and across associated clinical settings. Engagement in clinical audit, quality improvement initiatives, and service development projects is expected, contributing to the continuous enhancement of departmental standards and patient outcomes.

This appointment is made under Whitley Council terms and conditions, with the contract held by the Trust. The post offers a stimulating and supportive environment for a motivated clinician seeking to advance their subspecialty training and prepare for senior or consultant‑level roles in ophthalmology.