Leeds Teaching Hospitals

Locum Consultant

The closing date is 06 April 2026

Job summary

Join one of the UKs largest and most dynamic ophthalmology services at Leeds Teaching Hospitals NHS Trust for a rewarding 6-month locum consultant opportunity in Medical Retina and Uveitis.

You will play a key role in supporting the Medical Retina and Uveitis services, helping to deliver high-quality outpatient care, treatment clinics and multidisciplinary management for complex retinal and inflammatory eye disease. The post also contributes to maintaining efficient patient pathways and supporting service delivery during a period of service development and demand management.

This is an excellent opportunity to work within a collaborative, academically active department with strong links to research, teaching and subspecialty expertise. You will join a supportive team of consultants, fellows and allied professionals committed to innovation and outstanding patient care.

We are looking for a motivated and team-focused consultant with strong clinical expertise in medical retina and uveitis, excellent communication skills and a commitment to high-quality, patient-centred care. Applicants should be adaptable, proactive and enthusiastic about contributing to service delivery within a busytertiary centre.

If you are seeking a stimulating short-term consultant role in a leading NHS teaching trust, with the opportunity to make an immediate impact while working alongside experienced colleagues in a vibrant department, we would be delighted to hear from you

Main duties of the job

The successful candidate will support the delivery of specialist Medical Retina and Uveitis services within a busy tertiary ophthalmology department. The role will primarily involve running outpatient clinics, assessing and managing patients with complex retinal and inflammatory eye disease, and contributing to treatment pathways including intravitreal therapy and multidisciplinary care where appropriate.

You will work as part of a large, supportive consultant team within the Ophthalmology department, alongside subspecialty colleagues in medical retina, uveitis, vitreoretinal surgery and other ophthalmic disciplines. The post holder will also work closely with specialty doctors, fellows, optometrists, specialist nurses, orthoptists and imaging teams to deliver efficient, high-quality care.

The main focus of the role will be maintaining timely patient access to specialist clinics, supporting established treatment pathways, and helping manage the clinical workload within the service. The post holder will be expected to contribute to a consistent clinic schedule, manage a high-volume outpatient caseload typical of a tertiary referral centre, and support safe and effective patient flow through clinics and treatment services.

This role would suit a consultant who enjoys collaborative working in a high-volume specialist service, is confident managing complex retinal and inflammatory conditions, and is able to contribute flexibly to service delivery during a six-month period.

About us

The Ophthalmology Department lies within the Head and Neck Clinical Service Unit at Leeds teaching Hospital Trust. It is the largest provider of specialist Ophthalmology services in the Yorkshire region and provides a specialist ophthalmology service for patients in Leeds, Yorkshire and from across the north of England. The Eye Department is based at St James University Hospital, Leeds with Ophthalmology Services also held at Seacroft Hospital and Wharfedale Hospital. There are 29 consultants in the wider Ophthalmology Department. The team also trains Ophthalmic specialist trainees from the region.

Leeds Teaching Hospitals is committed to our process of redeploying 'at risk' members of our existing workforce to new roles. As such, all our job adverts are subject to this policy and we reserve the right to close, delay or remove adverts while this process is completed. If you do experience a delay in the shortlisting stage of the recruit

Leeds Teaching Hospitals is committed to our process of redeploying 'at risk' members of our existing workforce to new roles. As such, all our job adverts are subject to this policy and we reserve the right to close, delay or remove adverts while this process is completed. If you do experience a delay in the shortlisting stage of the recruitment cycle, please bear with us while this process is completed, and contact the named contact if you have any questions.

Details

Date posted

16 March 2026

Pay scheme

Other

Salary

£109,725 to £145,478 a year

Contract

Locum

Duration

6 months

Working pattern

Full-time

Reference number

C9298-MED-957

Job locations

St. James's University Hospital

Beckett Street

Leeds

LS9 7TF


Job description

Job responsibilities

This locum consultant post offers the opportunity to work within one of the largest and most highly regarded ophthalmology departments inthe UK, delivering specialist care in Medical Retina and Uveitis at a major tertiary referral centre.

Specialist Clinical Practice

The post holder will manage a wide spectrum of complex retinal and inflammatory eye diseases, including age-related macular degeneration, diabetic retinopathy, retinal vein occlusion and complex uveitis. The role includes delivering specialist interventions such as intravitreal injections, retinal laser treatments and immunomodulatory therapy management, offering a varied and clinically rewarding workload.

Work in a Major Regional Referral Centre

Leeds Teaching Hospitals NHS Trust provides tertiary-level ophthalmology services to patients across West Yorkshire and beyond, meaning the successful candidate will be involved in the management of complex cases referred from across the region. The role also contributes to urgent pathways for sight-threatening retinal and inflammatory conditions, working closely with acute ophthalmology services.

Collaborative Multidisciplinary Environment

You will work as part of a large and supportive consultant team, alongside subspecialists in medical retina, vitreoretinal surgery, glaucoma, cornea and uveitis. The role also involves close collaboration with rheumatology, immunology, primary care and other specialties to support patients with systemic inflammatory disease affecting the eye.

Teaching and Academic Opportunities

As a major teaching hospital with strong links to the University of Leeds, the department is actively involved in undergraduate and postgraduate education. The post holder will contribute to training ophthalmology trainees, fellows and other healthcare professionals, and may participate in teaching linked to the medical school.

Research and Innovation

The Trust has a strong commitment to clinical research and innovation, supported by partnerships with the University of Leeds and national research programmes. Consultants are encouraged to participate in clinical trials, applied health research and innovation in ophthalmology, helping to shape future patient care.

Service Development and Quality Improvement

Applicants will have opportunities to contribute to service development, clinical governance, audit and quality improvement initiatives, supporting the continuous evolution of Medical Retina and Uveitis services and improving patient pathways.

Leadership and Professional Development

Consultants at the Trust are recognised as clinical leaders and are supported to contribute to areas such as education, governance, research and service improvement. New consultants joining the Trust are also supported through mentoring programmes and professional development opportunities.

Overall, this role offers the chance to work within a high-volume, academically active department, managing complex cases, contributing to regional specialist services, and working with a collaborative multidisciplinary team dedicated to delivering outstanding patient care.

Job description

Job responsibilities

This locum consultant post offers the opportunity to work within one of the largest and most highly regarded ophthalmology departments inthe UK, delivering specialist care in Medical Retina and Uveitis at a major tertiary referral centre.

Specialist Clinical Practice

The post holder will manage a wide spectrum of complex retinal and inflammatory eye diseases, including age-related macular degeneration, diabetic retinopathy, retinal vein occlusion and complex uveitis. The role includes delivering specialist interventions such as intravitreal injections, retinal laser treatments and immunomodulatory therapy management, offering a varied and clinically rewarding workload.

Work in a Major Regional Referral Centre

Leeds Teaching Hospitals NHS Trust provides tertiary-level ophthalmology services to patients across West Yorkshire and beyond, meaning the successful candidate will be involved in the management of complex cases referred from across the region. The role also contributes to urgent pathways for sight-threatening retinal and inflammatory conditions, working closely with acute ophthalmology services.

Collaborative Multidisciplinary Environment

You will work as part of a large and supportive consultant team, alongside subspecialists in medical retina, vitreoretinal surgery, glaucoma, cornea and uveitis. The role also involves close collaboration with rheumatology, immunology, primary care and other specialties to support patients with systemic inflammatory disease affecting the eye.

Teaching and Academic Opportunities

As a major teaching hospital with strong links to the University of Leeds, the department is actively involved in undergraduate and postgraduate education. The post holder will contribute to training ophthalmology trainees, fellows and other healthcare professionals, and may participate in teaching linked to the medical school.

Research and Innovation

The Trust has a strong commitment to clinical research and innovation, supported by partnerships with the University of Leeds and national research programmes. Consultants are encouraged to participate in clinical trials, applied health research and innovation in ophthalmology, helping to shape future patient care.

Service Development and Quality Improvement

Applicants will have opportunities to contribute to service development, clinical governance, audit and quality improvement initiatives, supporting the continuous evolution of Medical Retina and Uveitis services and improving patient pathways.

Leadership and Professional Development

Consultants at the Trust are recognised as clinical leaders and are supported to contribute to areas such as education, governance, research and service improvement. New consultants joining the Trust are also supported through mentoring programmes and professional development opportunities.

Overall, this role offers the chance to work within a high-volume, academically active department, managing complex cases, contributing to regional specialist services, and working with a collaborative multidisciplinary team dedicated to delivering outstanding patient care.

Person Specification

Eligibility, Fitness to practice, and Language Skills

Essential

  • Eligible for full registration with the GMC at time of appointment and hold a current licence to practice.
  • Eligibility to work in the UK.
  • Is up to date and fit to practise safely
  • Should have completed a recognised training programme in Ophthalmology
  • All applicants to have demonstrable skills in written and spoken English adequate to enable effective communication about medical topics with patients and colleagues.

Experience

Essential

  • Must be able to demonstrate a high level of clinical experience and competence in Medical Retina
  • Completed at least 4 years of a higher surgical training in ophthalmology
  • Completed at least 12 months of Medical Retina and/or Uveitis subspecialty training
  • Competent in retinal laser procedures
  • Competent in Intravitreal treatment procedures
  • Competent in managing Medical Retina and Uveitis conditions
  • Experience in the diagnosis and management of inflammatory eye disease
  • Experience in the use and monitoring of systemic immunosuppressive therapies
  • Evidence of continuous career progression consistent with personal circumstances

Desirable

  • Previous Fellowship in Medical Retina and/or Uveitis
  • Competence in cataract surgery is desirable

Qualifications

Essential

  • MB BS (or equivalent)
  • MRCOphth/FRCOphth or equivalent qualification
Person Specification

Eligibility, Fitness to practice, and Language Skills

Essential

  • Eligible for full registration with the GMC at time of appointment and hold a current licence to practice.
  • Eligibility to work in the UK.
  • Is up to date and fit to practise safely
  • Should have completed a recognised training programme in Ophthalmology
  • All applicants to have demonstrable skills in written and spoken English adequate to enable effective communication about medical topics with patients and colleagues.

Experience

Essential

  • Must be able to demonstrate a high level of clinical experience and competence in Medical Retina
  • Completed at least 4 years of a higher surgical training in ophthalmology
  • Completed at least 12 months of Medical Retina and/or Uveitis subspecialty training
  • Competent in retinal laser procedures
  • Competent in Intravitreal treatment procedures
  • Competent in managing Medical Retina and Uveitis conditions
  • Experience in the diagnosis and management of inflammatory eye disease
  • Experience in the use and monitoring of systemic immunosuppressive therapies
  • Evidence of continuous career progression consistent with personal circumstances

Desirable

  • Previous Fellowship in Medical Retina and/or Uveitis
  • Competence in cataract surgery is desirable

Qualifications

Essential

  • MB BS (or equivalent)
  • MRCOphth/FRCOphth or equivalent qualification

Disclosure and Barring Service Check

This post is subject to the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act (Exceptions Order) 1975 and as such it will be necessary for a submission for Disclosure to be made to the Disclosure and Barring Service (formerly known as CRB) to check for any previous criminal convictions.

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).

UK Registration

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

Additional information

Disclosure and Barring Service Check

This post is subject to the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act (Exceptions Order) 1975 and as such it will be necessary for a submission for Disclosure to be made to the Disclosure and Barring Service (formerly known as CRB) to check for any previous criminal convictions.

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).

UK Registration

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

Employer details

Employer name

Leeds Teaching Hospitals

Address

St. James's University Hospital

Beckett Street

Leeds

LS9 7TF


Employer's website

https://www.leedsth.nhs.uk/ (Opens in a new tab)


Employer details

Employer name

Leeds Teaching Hospitals

Address

St. James's University Hospital

Beckett Street

Leeds

LS9 7TF


Employer's website

https://www.leedsth.nhs.uk/ (Opens in a new tab)


Employer contact details

For questions about the job, contact:

Lead Clinician

Seema Anand

seema.anand3@nhs.net

01132065958

Details

Date posted

16 March 2026

Pay scheme

Other

Salary

£109,725 to £145,478 a year

Contract

Locum

Duration

6 months

Working pattern

Full-time

Reference number

C9298-MED-957

Job locations

St. James's University Hospital

Beckett Street

Leeds

LS9 7TF


Supporting documents

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