Vacancies

Clinical Fellow (Glaucoma)

Role Summary

Join a Leading Teaching Eye Unit in the South West

The West of England Eye Unit (WEEU) at the Royal Devon Hospital is seeking a motivated and enthusiastic Clinical Fellow in Glaucoma to join our dynamic and forward-thinking team.

WEEU is a major teaching unit affiliated with the University of Exeter Medical School and delivers comprehensive ophthalmic services to a population of approximately 450,000 across Exeter, Mid and East Devon. The Unit includes 16 consultant ophthalmologists covering all subspecialties and benefits from strong multidisciplinary and academic support.

About the Role

For more information on the Job Description and Responsibilities please click the link below.

More detail about the role:

The Glaucoma Unit

The Glaucoma Unit is based at Heavitree Hospital and supported by an experienced team of glaucoma practitioners and technicians. The Fellow will gain extensive experience in both routine and complex glaucoma care, with additional emergency clinic exposure and surgical experience within the main Eye Unit.

Low-risk patients are managed through innovative technician-led pathways at Exeter Nightingale Hospital, with virtual review by practitioners and consultants, offering valuable insight into modern shared-care models.

Training Opportunities

This fellowship offers structured, consultant-supervised training with Mr Michael Smith, Mr Daniel Byles and Mr Andrew Cowdray.

You will develop:

• Competency in assessment and management of routine and complex glaucoma
• Surgical skills in trabeculectomy and glaucoma drainage devices
• Experience in glaucoma laser procedures (SLT, YAG)
• Skills in planning and delivering shared-care glaucoma services
• Strong understanding of the evidence base underpinning glaucoma management

The post includes dedicated study, teaching, research and audit sessions.

Teaching & Academic Opportunities

As part of a major teaching hospital, you will:

• Participate in weekly Friday teaching sessions (term time)
• Contribute to regional and sub-regional ophthalmology meetings
• Teach undergraduate medical students from the University of Exeter
• Engage with optometry and orthoptics trainees

On-Call Commitment

Participation in the 1:8 first on-call ophthalmology rota (subject to staffing levels).

Working Pattern: Full-time

Interview Date: To be confirmed 

For further information please contact: Mr Michael Smith, Consultant Ophthalmologist on michael.smith26@nhs.net, Nicolas Blandini, Head of Glaucoma Services on nicolas.blandini@nhs.net or Lauren Tyrer, Operations Manager on lauren.tyrer@nhs.net.

As an inclusive employer, the Royal Devon values diversity and is committed to creating a culture of inclusivity where everyone can be themselves and reach their full potential. We believe in fostering a sense of belonging and actively encourage applications from individuals of all backgrounds, cultures, and abilities. We recognise the advantages of having a diverse workforce that reflects the communities we serve.

Preference will be given to staff with ‘Priority’ and 'At Risk' status including NHS At Risk staff throughout Devon.

The Royal Devon University Healthcare NHS Foundation Trust reserves the right to close vacancy when sufficient applications have been received.

The Royal Devon University Healthcare NHS Foundation Trust was established in April 2022, bringing together the expertise of both the Royal Devon and Exeter NHS Foundation Trust and Northern Devon Healthcare NHS Trust.

About Us

Stretching across Northern, Eastern and Mid Devon, we have a workforce of over 15,000 staff, making us the largest employer in Devon. Our core services, which we provide to more than 615,000 people, cover more than 2,000 square miles across Devon, while some of our specialist services cover the whole of the peninsula, extending our reach as far as Cornwall and the Isles of Scilly.

We deliver a wide range of emergency, specialist and general medical services through North Devon District Hospital and the Royal Devon and Exeter Hospital (Wonford). Alongside our two acute hospitals, we provide integrated health and social care services across a variety of settings, including community inpatient hospitals, outpatient clinics, and within people’s own homes. We also offer primary care services, a range of specialist community services, and Sexual Assault Referral Centres (SARC).

Our state-of-the-art equipment, leading technologies and strong links to local universities put us at the forefront of research and innovations, enabling us to provide world-class care to our local communities.

Our values are at the heart of everything we do, click here to find out more

It has never been a more exciting time to join the Royal Devon, as you will help to shape our services as we continue along our integration journey.

Benefits

Looking after you is important to us.

We strive to help our staff create a healthy work-life balance through flexible working schemes and our family friendly policies.

If you are starting out in the NHS, you’ll start with 27 days paid annual leave (plus bank holidays), rising to 34 days plus bank holidays depending on grade and years of service.

You will benefit from access to our own comprehensive occupational health services, including counselling, onsite wellbeing activities and groups.

We will work together to maintain a culture that develops and supports you and your team.

This might include funding for a care certificate, a degree or leadership qualifications. Or it might include days off to study, engage in CPD or rotational placements to help you hone your skills. Wherever you are heading in the NHS, we will help you get there.

Salary is not the only financial benefit

You will have access to an extensive range of staff discounts on shopping, fitness and leisure options and you can spread the cost of technology and home appliance purchases from major retailers. You will also have access to other benefits including:

• National discount services such as the Blue Light Card and Health Service Discounts.
• Salary sacrifice options including our OFSTED rated outstanding nursery onsite at Exeter
• Car lease schemes.
• The NHS Pension scheme (one of the most generous and comprehensive in the UK).
• Cycle to work scheme

These are just a few of the benefits available – if the role is something you are interested in, we would love to hear from you.