Important Visa Information
This position is available with a certificate of sponsorship to the UK. However, all applicants must verify their visa eligibility directly with the employer before applying. The certificate of sponsorship does not guarantee visa approval, and candidates are responsible for ensuring they meet all UK immigration requirements.
For international candidates, please note that additional documentation may be required including criminal record checks from countries where you have resided for 12 months or more in the past 10 years. Adult dependants (over 18 years old) are also subject to this requirement.
Job Summary
Swansea Bay University Health Board is seeking a Consultant Ophthalmologist to join their team at Singleton Hospital in Swansea. This is a full-time, permanent position with a competitive salary ranging from £110,240 to £160,951 per annum. The successful candidate will work as part of the South West Wales Regional Glaucoma Service, sharing duties across both Swansea Bay and Hywel Dda University Health Boards.
This is an excellent opportunity for international medical professionals to advance their careers in the UK’s National Health Service while contributing to high-quality eye care services in Wales. The post holder will join a team of 16 Consultants responsible for providing comprehensive Ophthalmology services to the Health Board.
About the Employer
Swansea Bay University Health Board serves approximately 390,000 people in the Neath Port Talbot and Swansea areas, with a budget of around £1 billion and employing 12,500 people. As a University Health Board, they work in partnership with Swansea University, Swansea School of Medicine, the School of Health Science, and the Institute of Life Science.
The Health Board operates three major hospitals: Morriston and Singleton hospitals in Swansea, and Neath Port Talbot hospital in Baglan, Port Talbot. They are also part of A Regional Collaboration for Health (ARCH), a partnership with Hywel Dda UHB and Swansea University aimed at improving the wellbeing and wealth of Southwest Wales.
Location and Lifestyle
Swansea is Wales’ second largest city, situated on a five-mile sweep of Swansea Bay. It offers an ideal base for exploring South-West Wales while providing excellent amenities and recreational facilities. The city features a range of shops, cozy cafes, great restaurants, art galleries, and beautiful coastline and beaches on the Gower Peninsula.
Residents enjoy excellent sporting facilities including the Wales National pool and Swansea.com stadium, home to the Ospreys and Swansea City Football Club. The combination of urban amenities and natural beauty makes Swansea an attractive location for professionals and their families.
Role and Responsibilities
The successful applicant will provide a clinical service with colleagues, taking responsibility for the prevention, diagnosis, and treatment of eye-related illnesses. You will work with consultant colleagues and the multi-professional team, ensuring the well-being of all patients under your care while delegating appropriately and training staff as needed.
In partnership with clinical and managerial colleagues, you will have responsibility for the safe, efficient, and effective functioning of the services in which you work, in line with the values, operational policies, and integrated medium term plan (IMTP) of the Health Board.
Clinical Duties
You will be required to participate in the 1 in 16 on-call rota at Singleton Hospital, with prospective cover. In exceptional circumstances, it may be necessary to undertake duties at other locations with the Health Board. Travel expenses between hospitals and clinics will be remunerated according to the Health Board policy and procedures.
The post holder will adhere to the principles of good medical practice as laid down by the General Medical Council and participate in the Health Board’s risk management process, clinical governance, and other healthcare governance activities within the department and Health Board.
Qualifications and Experience
Essential Qualifications
Applicants must be on the Specialist Register with GMC as a specialist in OPHTHALMOLOGY or eligible for CCT within 6 months of the interview date and have passed the exit exam. Alternatively, a statement of eligibility for registration issued by PMETB or a primary medical qualification with a recognized specialist qualification from a European Member State allowing direct entry to the GMC Specialist Register is required.
Further essential qualifications include a relevant postgraduate qualification in ophthalmology (FRCOphth), registration with the GMC, and a license to practice. These qualifications ensure that candidates meet the high standards required for Consultant positions in the UK.
Essential Experience
Candidates must demonstrate evidence of an ability to develop effective working relationships on an individual and multi-disciplinary basis with all levels of staff. This includes evidence of working with management and clinical colleagues to improve services and valuing partnership with other agencies.
Essential clinical experience includes a high standard of clinical skill and expertise in ophthalmology, particularly in routine and complex cataract surgery procedures. Experience of participation in on-call rotas and emergency cover, as well as evidence of teaching and training of post/undergraduate clinical staff and initiating, progressing, and completing audit, is also required.
Desirable Qualifications
While not mandatory, a teaching qualification or higher qualification in medical education would be advantageous for this role. The employer is particularly interested in candidates who demonstrate learning in improvement science and methodology, with the ability and drive to use information and experience to improve services.
Personal Attributes
The ideal candidate will be flexible and adaptable to competing demands with the ability to work effectively under pressure and cope with setbacks. You must be able to undertake on-call duties and demonstrate a commitment to continuous improvement with a positive attitude, seeking out learning and continually developing skills and the service.
Enthusiasm to take a lead role in clinical development is essential, along with empathy and sensitivity – the ability to listen, understand and involve people, seeing them as individuals. These personal attributes ensure that the post holder can work effectively within the NHS values of Caring for each other, Working together, and Always improving.
Benefits and Salary
The position offers a competitive salary ranging from £110,240 to £160,951 per annum, depending on experience and qualifications. This is a full-time, permanent position with opportunities for professional development and career advancement within the NHS.
Additional benefits include participation in the NHS pension scheme, access to continuing professional development opportunities, and the chance to work in a supportive environment that values work-life balance. The Health Board is committed to the wellbeing of its staff and offers various support services.
Application Process
To apply for this position, please visit the NHS Jobs website and submit your application before the closing date of 11 January 2026. International candidates should ensure they have all necessary documentation prepared, including proof of qualifications, professional registration, and evidence of English language proficiency if required.
All applications will be assessed against the person specification, and shortlisted candidates will be invited to an interview. The interview process may include a practical component and will assess both clinical skills and personal attributes relevant to the role.
Contact Information
For questions about the job, contact Garry Shuttleworth, Ophthalmology consultant and clinical lead, via email at garry.shuttleworth@wales.nhs.uk or by phone at 01792702222. inquiries about the application process or sponsorship should be directed to the contact provided.
International candidates are encouraged to contact the employer early in the application process to discuss visa requirements and any additional documentation needed. Early communication can help ensure a smooth application process and address any specific concerns related to international qualifications.
Supporting Documents
The following supporting documents are available for download from the NHS Jobs website: Job Description and Person Specification in English (PDF, 728 KB), Job Description and Person Specification in Welsh (PDF, 800 KB), and Occupational Health information (PDF, 641 KB). These documents provide detailed information about the role and requirements.
Applicants should carefully review all supporting documents before preparing their application. The Job Description provides comprehensive information about duties and responsibilities, while the Person Specification outlines the essential and desirable criteria against which applications will be assessed.
Privacy Notice
All applicants should review the Swansea Bay University Health Board’s privacy notice, which can be found on their website. This document outlines how your personal data will be processed during the recruitment process and your rights as a data subject under GDPR.
The Health Board is committed to protecting your personal data and will only use it for the purposes of the recruitment process. Your information will be stored securely and retained only for as long as necessary, after which it will be securely destroyed in accordance with retention policies.
Equal Opportunities
Swansea Bay University Health Board is an equal opportunities employer and welcomes applications from all suitably qualified persons regardless of their race, sex, disability, religion/belief, sexual orientation, or age. They are particularly keen to encourage applications from underrepresented groups within the medical profession.
The Health Board is committed to creating a diverse workforce that reflects the community they serve. They value the different perspectives and experiences that diversity brings and believe this contributes to better patient care and a more inclusive working environment.
Professional Development
The Health Board is committed to the continuing professional development of its staff and provides various training opportunities and support for Consultants to maintain and enhance their skills. This includes access to courses, conferences, and research opportunities.
As a university health board, there are opportunities for involvement in teaching and research activities, which can be particularly attractive to international candidates looking to develop their academic portfolio alongside clinical practice.
Relocation Support
For international candidates relocating to the UK, the Health Board may provide support with relocation, including assistance with finding accommodation, familiarization with the local area, and information about schools and other services for families. The level of support will be discussed with candidates during the recruitment process.
The Health Board recognizes that relocating to a new country can be challenging and is committed to making the transition as smooth as possible for international staff joining their organization.