Consultant Ophthalmologist with interest in Paediatrics & Strabismus

Job summary

This is a substantive clinical post based at The Royal Eye Unit, Kingston Hospital, to provide elective and emergency care for ophthalmology patients, with a specialist interest in Paediatric Ophthalmology and Strabismus, as part of a multidisciplinary team.

Main duties of the job

The successful candidate will provide specialist diagnosis, treatment, and surgical management of eye conditions in children, particularly strabismus (squint), amblyopia, congenital eye disorders, and other developmental vision problems. The role includes running paediatric ophthalmology and strabismus clinics, performing and supervising relevant surgeries, and managing complex referrals. The consultant works closely within a multidisciplinary team that includes orthoptists, optometrists, paediatricians, and specialist nurses to deliver coordinated care. Additional responsibilities include supervising and teaching trainees and medical students, contributing to clinical governance activities such as audits and quality improvement, participating in departmental meetings and on-call rotas where required, supporting service development within the Trust, and maintaining professional standards through appraisal, continuing professional development, and GMC revalidation.

About us

Development and staff wellbeing matter to [Employer hidden — sign up to reveal] (KRFT). The Trust offers extensive resources including an on-site staff nursery at Kingston Hospital, wellbeing practitioners, regular classes, staff physiotherapist, occupational health services, 24/7 employee assistance programme, and recognition through shoutouts and awards. Flexible working arrangements are supported.

Job responsibilities

• Provide a first-class service in ophthalmology.
• Carry out teaching and accreditation duties as required and contribute to post-graduate activities.
• Carry out audit and clinical governance activities as required by the Trust and the Royal College of Ophthalmologists.
• Accept responsibilities and roles such as Educational supervisor, Clinical Governance lead, DTC lead, Audit lead, etc.
• Provide a general ophthalmological service and offer subspecialty skills.
• Be proficient in paediatric management and adult motility with experience of administering extraocular muscle botox injections and ROP screening.
• Contribute to active management and educational supervision within the Department.
• Provide one session per week to clinical support for junior doctors and allied healthcare professionals in the Acute Referral Clinic (ARC).
• Participate in the Consultant of the week (C/W) rota for emergency patients.

Person Specification

Clinical Experience

Essential: Wide range of general Ophthalmology and paediatric Ophthalmology; at least one year paediatric/adult motility fellowship; ROP screening experience.

Desirable: Experience in Botulinum Toxin administration; Experience in Neuro Ophthalmology; Paediatric cataract surgery.

Qualifications

Essential: FRCOPhth or equivalent; Full GMC registration with licence to practice; Possession of CCT or equivalent in Ophthalmology; On GMC Specialist Register or within 6 months of obtaining by date of interview.

Desirable: Higher degree (MD, PhD or equivalent).

Management Skills

Essential: Able to communicate at strategic and operational level.

Desirable: Attended management training course; knowledge of finance/budgets; setting up a service.

Training, Audit and Research

Essential: Understanding of clinical governance and its implications; Understanding and experience of audit; Relevant research articles in peer-reviewed journals; Demonstrable commitment and ability to teach and train undergraduates and junior doctors.

Desirable: Completed train the trainers course; Evidence of teaching.

Personal Qualities

Essential: Leadership skills within a multidisciplinary team; Ability to motivate staff, facilitate appropriate changes, and work as part of a team; Excellent written and verbal communication skills, enthusiasm and approachability; Commitment to continuing professional development and clinical governance; Organisational skills and experience; Team player; Flexible.

Additional Information

Disclosure and Barring Service Check required. Certificate of Sponsorship: Applications from job seekers who require current Skilled worker sponsorship to work in the UK are welcome. For further information visit UK Visas and Immigration website. Applicants must have current UK professional registration.

Employer details

Employer name: [Employer hidden — sign up to reveal]

Address: Kingston Hospital, Galsworthy Road, Kingston, KT2 7QB

Employer's website: https://www.kingstonandrichmond.nhs.uk/

Contact

For questions about the job, contact Consultant Emily Cabourne: [contact hidden], [contact hidden]