Supervised Training Post in Ophthalmic Pathology
Moorfields - A global leader in Ophthalmology
We are Moorfields Eye Hospital NHS Foundation Trust. Founded in 1804, Moorfields Eye Hospital is a world-class centre of excellence for eye health services, ophthalmic research, and education.
With more than 2,300 staff we are proud to be supported by one of the most diverse workforces in the NHS. Every year we treat more than 700,000 patients at City Road in central London and at our 22 satellites sites, and, in partnership with the UCL Institute of Ophthalmology and Moorfields Biomedical Research Centre we lead one of the most impactful ophthalmic research programmes in the world.
We train many of the leading eye care clinicians in the UK and internationally and have a global reputation for quality and professionalism in ophthalmic care. In addition, we also operate commercial divisions that provide care to private patients in both London and the Middle East.
This is an exciting time to join Moorfields. The pandemic fast-tracked a huge amount of innovation which is changing the way we work and deliver care. Construction is under way on Oriel, our new eye care, research, and education centre being built in Camden.The new centre will be flexible and modern, enabling us to bring together healthcare, eye research and education under one roof for the first time.
If you want to be part delivering world class eye health services and you share our values: excellence, equity, and kindness, then we would love to hear from you!
Job overview
The Department of Eye Pathology at Moorfields Eye Hospital NHS Foundation Trust has been successful in obtaining funding for a 6-month locum for a supervised Training post in Ophthalmic Pathology, in 2025. This is an exciting opportunity for a Senior Registrar or Junior Consultant in Pathology to do a ‘deep dive’ into eye pathology in a supportive environment in a national centre of excellence.
The DEP is part of the National Specialist Ophthalmic Pathology Service (NSOPS)), comprising 4 centres, and funded by NHSE Highly Specialised Services (HSS).
The DEP receives a wide range of Ophthalmic samples, including eyelid, conjunctival, intraocular and ocular adnexal lesions - providing a local, supraregional & international referral service, receiving approx.4500 specimens each year.
The current Ophthalmic pathologists are highly experienced diagnosticians and will provide a supportive educational environment for the Trainee. They are active participants in the British Association of Ophthalmic Pathologists (BAOP) and in the annual External Quality Assessments (EQA).
This is a unique full-time training locum post offering 10 Programmed Activities for the duration of 6 months. There is no formal on-call or weekend working commitment.
It is expected that the post-holder will provide high quality diagnostic ophthalmic pathology reporting, in preparation for ultimate independent reporting, and will be supervised by the current experienced Consultant staff.
Main duties of the job
Diagnostic clinical service
Duties include:
- Performing, supervising and evaluating macroscopic dissection of ophthalmic pathology specimens.
- Generating preparatory reports on diagnostic cases, to be presented to Consultant staff for joint sign off, with the view of ultimate independent reporting.
- Referring cases externally for opinions and ancillary investigations as needed, and integrating the information received with the original diagnostic report.
- Communicating with patient-facing clinical- and other colleagues, as need arises.
- Attending relevant multidisciplinary team (MDT) meetings (virtually and/or in person), including preparation and follow-up.
- Contribute to and undertake IQC and relevant clinical audits as needed.
- Working in line with relevant health and safety processes.
- Work with the laboratory manager to deliver and improve the service.
- Participation and input in the National Service Ophthalmic Pathology (NSOPS) meetings and duties
- Engaging with service users to bring business to the department
- Participation in local and national service improvement projects,
Working for our organisation
At Moorfields, we provide more than just an excellent career and great colleagues to work with. We also offer:
- Salary including High-Cost Area Supplement
- Opportunity to join the NHS Pension Scheme
- Free 24/7 independent counselling service
- Learning and development opportunities
- Easy and quick transport links
- A range of attractive benefits and discounts
- Access to Blue Light Card and other NHS Discount Schemes
- Free Pilates classes
- Full support and training to develop your skills
- Flexible working friendly organisation
And so much more! To see the full range of benefits we offer please see our Moorfields benefits document.
Detailed job description and main responsibilities
Professional development
Duties include:
- Undertaking relevant Continuous professional development (CPD) and similar activities as they arise.
- Maintaining knowledge of current practice by reading, courses etc.
- Participating in the Ophthalmic Pathology National External Quality Assurance Scheme (NEQAS) as well as any other relevant EQA schemes
- Participating in the British Association for Ophthalmic Pathology (BAOP) annual meetings.
- Undertaking annual appraisal.
Research, teaching and audit
The post holder may have an honorary or associate appointment at the UCL Institute of Ophthalmology, depending on research and teaching activities.
Duties include:
- As appropriate, teaching of staff in the Department of Eye Pathology, colleagues from University College London’s Institute of Ophthalmology and Moorfields Eye Hospital NHS Foundation Trust and visitors from other sites.
- Research support and collaborations as mutually agreed between the post holder and other parties
- Participating in the Department of Eye Pathology’s service audits.
The post holder may sometimes take on additional roles outside the scope of this job description. Examples include Course Lead (educational). Such extra roles will be described separately.
Person specification
Education / Qualifications
Essential criteria- RCPath or equivalent qualification.
- Sponsorship for acquisition/attainment of GMC Registration (with a ‘Licence to Practise’).
- Higher Degree/Qualification (e.g., CertLRS, MSc, MD or PhD).
Experience
Essential criteria- Senior Registrar Level Experience in diagnostic pathology, including macroscopic and microscopic preparation and assessment.
- Preparation of cases for Multidisciplinary Tumour Board meetings (MDTs)
- Active involvement in Service Improvement and Audit
- Experience of teaching at postgraduate levels.
- Should have received training in educational supervision, as defined by the GMC.
- Experience in digital pathology and photography of microscopic slides or macroscopic images for MDT preparation
Knowledge
Essential criteria- Audit & research skills
- Commitment to the provision of a quality service.
- Ability to work under pressure
- Commitment to staff development
- Reliable work record and work ethic
- Some experience of peer-reviewed scientific clinical journals.
Skills/abilities
Essential criteria- Confidence in the macroscopic assessment and cut-up of a wide range of surgical samples
- Good communication skills
- Experience in digital pathology and photography of microscopic slides or images for MDT
Personal qualities
Essential criteria- Ability to work as part of a team or on own initiative within a changing environment.
- Self-motivated
Due to the nature of this position, employment is subject to proof of eligibility to work in the UK, completion of a satisfactory DBS disclosure and two references. We do not offer visa sponsorship for roles unless clearly stated in our adverts, so please consider this before applying.
Our commitment to equality, diversity and inclusion is at the heart of our organisational culture. As part of our pledge to take positive action in recruitment we encourage applications from under-represented candidates including BAME (Black, Asian, and Minority Ethnic) and Disabled candidates as we work towards a representative workforce that is able to provide the quality, the dignity and respect and to deliver above and beyond.
Moorfields is a flexible working friendly organisation, and we are committed to helping our employees achieve a work-life balance that is beneficial for health and wellbeing, motivation levels and job satisfaction. Every employee of the Trust has the right to request to work flexibly.Please speak to us about how we might be able to accommodate a flexible working arrangement. If it works for the service, we will do our best to make it work for you.
If we receive sufficient applications, we will close this ad prior to the closing date. You are advised not to delay submitting your completed application.
If you would like to discuss any reasonable adjustments before applying or would like an accessible version of any recruitment documents, please contact the recruitment team at [email protected].
https://www.moorfields.nhs.uk/work-for-us