Visa Information for International Applicants
University Hospitals of Leicester NHS Trust welcomes applications from international candidates and offers a Certificate of Sponsorship for eligible skilled worker visa applicants. However, all candidates must verify their specific visa eligibility requirements directly with the employer, as immigration policies and sponsorship criteria are subject to change.
Job Details
Position: Consultant Ophthalmologist – Oculo Plastics
Company: University Hospitals of Leicester NHS Trust
Location: Leicester Royal Infirmary, Leicester
Salary: £109,725 to £145,478 per annum
Employment Type: Permanent
Working Pattern: Full-time
Closing Date: 10 December 2025
Reference Number: 358-7519119-CON
About the Opportunity
University Hospitals of Leicester NHS Trust is seeking a Consultant Ophthalmologist with an interest in Oculo Plastics to join our permanent team based at the Leicester Royal Infirmary. This is an excellent opportunity for international medical professionals to advance their careers within the UK’s National Health Service while contributing to high-quality patient care.
The Department
You will be joining our dynamic Ophthalmic Oculo Plastics unit, which consists of three full-time Consultants, three Oculo Plastics fellows, and three specialist corneal nurses. We offer super-specialised clinics including Oculoplastics, Lacrimal and Lids services. The department is part of the Musculoskeletal and Specialist Surgery CMG (MSS) and serves a diverse patient population across Leicester and surrounding areas.
Key Responsibilities
The appointee will have a principal interest in Oculo Plastics Ophthalmology and be expected to contribute to the Oculo Plastics service at the Leicester Royal Infirmary site and associated community hospitals. Participation in the on-call rota and eye casualty department is essential. You will maintain the highest clinical standards in patient management and share responsibility for day-to-day care with colleagues.
Clinical Duties
Your clinical responsibilities will include providing Consultant Ophthalmology services through outpatient clinics and procedure lists at University Hospitals of Leicester and peripheral units. You will work flexibly with other consultant Ophthalmologists to maximize the utilization of resources and ensure effective emergency Ophthalmology services for patients in Leicestershire.
Teaching and Training
The post involves supervising and training junior medical staff, participating in appraising and assessing juniors, and contributing to teaching undergraduate and postgraduate medical education. You will be expected to develop new approaches to teaching and support the professional development of allied health professionals.
Research Opportunities
We encourage research activity and provide opportunities for academic development. The appointee should demonstrate understanding and interest in research, ability to appraise research critically, and supervise juniors undertaking research projects. Publications in peer-reviewed journals are highly regarded.
Management and Governance
You will actively participate in departmental and Trust matters concerning Clinical Governance and audit, work closely with other specialties and agencies, and ensure critical clinical incidents are reported appropriately. The role requires knowledge of clinical governance issues and commitment to medical audit.
Person Specification – Essential Criteria
Applicants must hold full GMC Registration and Licence to Practice, be fully accredited for Higher Specialist Training or eligible for inclusion on the Specialist Register within 6 months of interview, and possess FRCOphth or equivalent qualification. Extensive relevant experience in Ophthalmology including fellowship training in Cornea is essential, along with demonstrable skills in written and spoken English.
Person Specification – Desirable Criteria
Desirable qualifications include membership of relevant Specialist Societies, ASTO/Fellowship status, or a higher degree such as MSc, MD or equivalent. Evidence of clinical or research commitment, subspecialty interest in Corneal Ophthalmology, leadership skills, and postgraduate qualification in medical education are also advantageous.
Professional Development
The University Hospitals of Leicester NHS Trust is committed to Continuing Medical Education for consultants. Our new strategy “Leading in healthcare, trusted in communities” (2023-2030) prioritizes research and education excellence, providing a supportive environment for professional growth and development.
Working Environment
You will join an active and enthusiastic team of 27 Ophthalmologists working across Leicester Royal Infirmary, Leicester General Hospital, and community hospital sites including Loughborough, Hinckley, Coalville, Melton, Market Harborough Oakham and several community GP sites. The trust consists of three acute teaching hospitals serving the population of Leicestershire.
About Leicester
Leicester is a vibrant, multicultural city in the East Midlands of England with excellent transport links. The city offers a high quality of life with affordable housing, diverse cultural attractions, and good schools. Leicester Royal Infirmary is one of the UK’s leading teaching hospitals with state-of-the facilities and a reputation for excellence in clinical care and research.
Immigration and Relocation Support
While we offer a Certificate of Sponsorship, international applicants should be aware of the UK’s immigration requirements. From 6 April 2017, skilled worker applicants must present criminal record certificates from each country where they have resided for 12 months or more in the past 10 years. Adult dependants over 18 years old are also subject to this requirement.
Disclosure and Barring Service
This post is subject to the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act (Exceptions Order) 1975, and an enhanced police criminal records disclosure will be requested in the event of a successful application. This is a standard requirement for all clinical positions in the UK healthcare sector.
Professional Registration
Applicants must have current UK professional registration. For detailed information about the registration process for overseas-qualified doctors, please refer to the NHS Careers website for overseas health professionals.
Equal Opportunities
University Hospitals of Leicester NHS Trust is committed to equality, diversity and inclusion. We welcome applications from all suitably qualified candidates regardless of race, gender, disability, religion, sexual orientation, or age. Our values of being compassionate, proud, inclusive, and one team underpin all our activities.
How to Apply
To apply for this position, please submit your application via the NHS Jobs website. International applicants should include proof of GMC registration, evidence of specialist training, and curriculum vitae. For questions about the job, contact Mrs A Berry-Brincat (Oculoplastics, Lacrimal and Lids Consultant) at Anotonella.Berrybrincat@uhl-tr.nhs.uk or call 01162586177.
Application Checklist for International Candidates
Before applying, international candidates should: verify eligibility for skilled worker sponsorship with the employer, obtain GMC registration, prepare required criminal record certificates from relevant countries, ensure English language proficiency meets GMC requirements, and gather all necessary professional qualifications and references.
Further Information
For additional information about University Hospitals of Leicester NHS Trust, our services, and the application process, please visit our website at https://www.jobsatleicestershospitals.nhs.uk/. You can also find information about our commitment to being a great place to work, our partnership for impact, and our dedication to high-quality care for all.