Resident Doctor - Ophthalmology

Job summary

This Vacancy is only available to current employees of STSFT.

An exciting opportunity has arisen to join the Ophthalmology team at Sunderland Specialist Eye Hospital as a Trust Grade Doctor (ST1 Equivalent).

This post has been created to support increasing demand for cataract services and offers an excellent opportunity to develop clinical and procedural skills within a busy, supportive ophthalmology department. The successful candidate will play a key role in the delivery of the cataract pathway, undertaking assessment and management of patients referred for cataract surgery whilst working alongside an experienced team of consultant ophthalmologists, specialty doctors, optometrists and nursing staff.

The post includes a dedicated programme of education and development, with opportunities to gain experience in cataract surgery under consultant supervision and, following appropriate training and competency sign-off, YAG laser procedures. Dedicated study, training and educational sessions are incorporated within the job plan to support professional development.

This is an ideal role for a doctor wishing to further develop their specialist ophthalmology experience, develop surgical skills and contribute to service improvement within a high-volume specialist eye service committed to delivering excellent patient care.

Main duties of the job

The successful candidate will contribute to the delivery of high-quality ophthalmology services, with a particular focus on cataract care and elective service delivery.

The indicative job plan includes five cataract assessment clinics per week, providing assessment and management of new patients referred into the cataract pathway. The post holder will typically review up to 10 new patients per clinic, supporting timely access to care and progression through the surgical pathway.

In addition, the post includes one supervised cataract surgery training session each week, providing the opportunity to develop operative skills within a structured training environment. Following completion of training and competency assessment, the post holder will also undertake a dedicated YAG laser session.

The role includes participation in clinical governance, audit, quality improvement, teaching and multidisciplinary team working. The post holder will work under consultant supervision, maintain accurate clinical records, communicate effectively with patients and colleagues, and support the delivery of safe, effective and patient-centred ophthalmic care across the department.

About us

Please add your telephone number to your application form so we can contact you quickly if required.

One Team One Trust - There are many reasons to work at our Trust. From our commitment to putting people first to our accessible services and award winning teams. We have a passion for research, innovation and tackling inequalities. We are committed to respect, fairness and civility and promote a compassionate, caring and positive culture / working environment.

We welcome all applications irrespective of peoples race, disability, gender, sexual orientation, religion/belief, age, gender identity, marriage and civil partnership, pregnancy/maternity and in particular those from under- represented groups. Looking after our workforces health and wellbeing is a priority for us. We also provide access to high quality education, training, career progression and support. Flexible working is supported via our Flexible Working Policy.

The Trust employs around 8,746 people and provides a range of hospital services to a local community of around 430,000 residents. We also provide a range of more specialised services outside this area. We offer our staff outstanding benefits - Fitness Centre (SRH), libraries at both hospital sites, chaplaincy support and access to a Care Co-ordinator to help staff with childcare arrangements.If you use AI, and it poses a risk to the integrity of your individual recruitment process, we may withdraw your application at any stage of the process.

Details

• Date posted: 12 October 2026
• Pay scheme: Hospital medical and dental staff
• Salary: £55,355 a year
• Contract: Fixed term
• Duration: 12 months
• Working pattern: Full-time
• Reference number: C9155-OPMD-1026-16
• Job locations: Sunderland Specialist Eye Hospital, Plater Way, SUNDERLAND, Tyne and Wear, SR1 3AE, United Kingdom

Job responsibilities

PLEASE REFER TO THE ATTACHED JOB DESCRIPTION FOR FULL DUTIES OF THE ROLE.

To provide high-quality clinical care on a daily basis within outpatient settings, inpatient areas, and theatre facilities. To ensure timely, effective and efficient quality patient care highlighting any concerns to senior staff as necessary. To complete consultation for new and review outpatients within a consultant led clinic. To contribute to research and development within the Directorate in Ophthalmology.

UK Registration

Applicants must have current UK professional registration. For further information please see NHS Careers website (opens in a new window).

Certificate of Sponsorship

Applications from job seekers who require current Skilled worker sponsorship to work in the UK are welcome and will be considered alongside all other applications. For further information visit the UK Visas and Immigration website (Opens in a new tab).

From 6 April 2017, skilled worker applicants, applying for entry clearance into the UK, have had to present a criminal record certificate from each country they have resided continuously or cumulatively for 12 months or more in the past 10 years. Adult dependants (over 18 years old) are also subject to this requirement. Guidance can be found here Criminal records checks for overseas applicants (Opens in a new tab).