Ophthalmology Consultant- Subspecialty Interest in Cornea and Cataract

Job summary

Somerset NHS Foundation Trust is seeking a dynamic and forward-thinking Consultant Ophthalmologist with a subspecialty interest in Cornea, Cataract, and Urgent Eye Care. This exciting opportunity is based primarily at Yeovil District Hospital, with some clinical activity at Musgrove Park Hospital, and offers the chance to lead and shape urgent ophthalmic services across the county.

You'll join a team of 14 consultants delivering comprehensive ophthalmic care to a population of over 600,000 across Somerset and West Dorset. The department is well-equipped with modern facilities including digital angiography, widefield imaging, multiple OCTs, and a dedicated ophthalmic theatre suite. The Trust is committed to innovation, virtual care expansion, and integrated service development.

VISITING ARRANGEMENTS

Candidates are welcome to visit the following people prior to short listing:

Miss Sudeshna Patra Consultant Ophthalmologist and CD for Ophthalmology

Mr Jon Park Consultant Ophthalmologist and Clinical Service Lead MPH

Mrs Brinda Shah Consultant Ophthalmologist and Clinical Service Lead YDH

Mr Indy Sian Consultant Ophthalmologist and Corneal Surgeon

Mr Pradeep Madhavan Assoc Medical Director and Consultant Spinal Surgeon Surgery Division

Mrs Abigail Robinson Service Manager Ophthalmology

Mrs Helen Evans Operational Support Manager

Please contact Abigail Robinson (Abigail.robinson1@somersetft.nhs.uk) to arrange.

All short listed candidates will be expected to visit the Division

Main duties of the job

Clinical Responsibilities

Provide high-quality specialist diagnosis, treatment, and care in ophthalmology, with a focus on cornea, cataract, and urgent eye conditions.

Lead and develop the Corneal Service at Yeovil District Hospital.

Act as Lead for Urgent Eye Care across Somerset FT, enhancing acute ophthalmic services.

Participate in the cataract surgery service and contribute to general ophthalmology clinics.

Join the on-call rota for emergency ophthalmology (1 in 8 or less frequent).

Teaching & Supervision

Supervise and support junior doctors, including education, appraisal, and professional development.

Contribute to departmental and regional teaching programs.

Engage in training of allied health professionals.

Audit & Clinical Governance

Initiate and participate in clinical audits, including national datasets and departmental quality standards.

Ensure compliance with clinical governance policies and contribute to service transformation.

Research & Innovation

Undertake and promote research relevant to cornea and urgent eye care.

Support innovation in virtual care and community-based ophthalmology services.

Administrative & Leadership Duties

Manage administrative tasks related to patient care and departmental operations.

Collaborate with clinical managers and service leads on strategic planning and resource use.

Represent the department in meetings and contribute to service development.

About us

At Somerset NHS Foundation Trust, we're committed to supporting our employees with a range of benefits designed to enhance your professional and personal life. We offer:

• Flexible working options to help you balance work and life
• NHS pension scheme for long-term financial security
• Generous annual leave allowance to recharge and relax
• A strong focus on career development to help you grow and achieve your potential

Additionally, you'll gain access to our Blue Light Card, unlocking exclusive discounts on shopping, dining, and leisure activities, as well as NHS-specific perks to support you both inside and outside of work.

We are proud to foster a diverse, skilled, and inclusive workforce, and we encourage applications from all backgrounds.

Why Somerset? Somerset offers the perfect blend of idyllic countryside, outstanding areas of natural beauty, and breathtaking coastlines, with vibrant cities like Bristol, Bath, and Exeter just a short drive away - and only two hours to London.

The region is home to excellent educational facilities, and with affordable housing compared to other parts of the country, it's a great place to build both your career and your future.

Somerset truly has it all - the peaceful countryside and cosmopolitan city life, with something for everyone to enjoy.